Fibrotic Myopathy occurs when the normal function of muscle is restricted by scar tissues.
The condition typically affects the muscles at the back of the thigh,although it could occur at any muscle.
Causes
Adhesion within or between the muscles at the back of the thigh prevent the horse from bringing the hindlegs as far forward as normal.
The fibrotic myopathy gait is an excellent example of non painful mechanical restriction of normal movement.
However, not all horses with fibrosis in thigh muscles have such an obvious gait abnormality. Many are able to trot,canter and gallop relatively normal.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Fibrotic myopathy can usually be diagnosed by palpating the muscles at the back of the thigh.
The affected muscles have an area of firm ,fibrous tissue within them.
In some cases this tissue is calcified,which feels hard and irregular.
Although the condition is unlikely to get worse ,it is also unlikely to improve.
If the gait abnormality is a severe, surgery to break down the adhesions between the muscles may improve the horse gait.
However the surgery is traumatic and it can cause more adhesions and persistence of problem.
Prevention
Owners and trainers can reduce the chance of fibrotic myopathy by warming up their horses before exercise, and regularly checking the commonly muscles for sign of strain.
Daily exercise is necessary to prevent or limit adhesions in damaged muscles.
So,even when muscle stain or tearsat the back of the thigh temporarily halt training, the horse should be like lightly exercised each day.
Intramuscular injections into thigh muscles of athelitic horses should be limited to small volumes.
Reference
Lameness Equine Research by Christine King and Richard Mansmann
The condition typically affects the muscles at the back of the thigh,although it could occur at any muscle.
Causes
- Sliding stops and quick turns on the haunches.
- A fall
- Violent pulling back from a hitching rail
- Intramuscular injection reactions in the thigh muscles.
Adhesion within or between the muscles at the back of the thigh prevent the horse from bringing the hindlegs as far forward as normal.
The fibrotic myopathy gait is an excellent example of non painful mechanical restriction of normal movement.
However, not all horses with fibrosis in thigh muscles have such an obvious gait abnormality. Many are able to trot,canter and gallop relatively normal.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Fibrotic myopathy can usually be diagnosed by palpating the muscles at the back of the thigh.
The affected muscles have an area of firm ,fibrous tissue within them.
In some cases this tissue is calcified,which feels hard and irregular.
Although the condition is unlikely to get worse ,it is also unlikely to improve.
If the gait abnormality is a severe, surgery to break down the adhesions between the muscles may improve the horse gait.
However the surgery is traumatic and it can cause more adhesions and persistence of problem.
Prevention
Owners and trainers can reduce the chance of fibrotic myopathy by warming up their horses before exercise, and regularly checking the commonly muscles for sign of strain.
Daily exercise is necessary to prevent or limit adhesions in damaged muscles.
So,even when muscle stain or tearsat the back of the thigh temporarily halt training, the horse should be like lightly exercised each day.
Intramuscular injections into thigh muscles of athelitic horses should be limited to small volumes.
Reference
Lameness Equine Research by Christine King and Richard Mansmann
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