Avulsion of the insertion of the gastrocnemius tendon in three dogs

Three cases are described in which avulsion of the insertion of the gastrocnemius tendon occurred. All three dogs were presented with a lameness of long duration. In two cases the avulsion followed a treatment for tendinitis of the Achilles tendon by local infiltration of corticosteroids. One dog was presented with this condition after a long standing treatment for cystitis. The three dogs were presented with characteristic clinical and radiological signs accompanying this tendon injury. Two of these patients were treated by surgical repair of the avulsed tendon combined with temporary immobilization of the hock accomplished by transfixation using methyl methacrylate* as external fixation. Within twelve weeks following surgery, these dogs had regained normal function without any evidence of gait abnormality. The third dog, treated conservatively failed to regain normal function.