Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Peroneus Tertius Rupture
Synonyms: Rupture of Fibularis Tertius
Summary
The reciprocal apparatus of the hind limb is a normal anatomic linkage between the upper and lower limb that forces the hock and stifle to move in concert. If the stifle flexes, the hock must flex, and vice-versa. If one extends, the other must extend.
The peroneus tertius is the tendinous muscle that lies between hock and stifle on the front, lateral (outside) part of the gaskin. It acts as the critical front component of the reciprocal apparatus of the hind limb. Certain types of trauma can cause rupture of this tendon, disrupting the reciprocal apparatus. This injury typically occurs in horses that have caught the lower limb on an immoveable object, at speed, tearing the tendon.
The result of this injury is a classic abnormality in which the horse can extend its hock while flexing its stifle. This should normally be physically impossible. There are also typical changes observed in the gait of a horse with this injury. Notably, there is a slowed front phase of the stride, and dimpling of the Calcanean tendon area above the point of the hock on the rear of the limb.
Diagnosis requires a clinical lameness exam and can be confirmed by ultrasound. There is often swelling of the area of rupture right after the traumatic injury.
Treatment requires enforced box stall rest for 60-90 days. NSAIDS may be useful for the first week after injury, for pain and swelling.
The peroneus tertius is the tendinous muscle that lies between hock and stifle on the front, lateral (outside) part of the gaskin. It acts as the critical front component of the reciprocal apparatus of the hind limb. Certain types of trauma can cause rupture of this tendon, disrupting the reciprocal apparatus. This injury typically occurs in horses that have caught the lower limb on an immoveable object, at speed, tearing the tendon.
The result of this injury is a classic abnormality in which the horse can extend its hock while flexing its stifle. This should normally be physically impossible. There are also typical changes observed in the gait of a horse with this injury. Notably, there is a slowed front phase of the stride, and dimpling of the Calcanean tendon area above the point of the hock on the rear of the limb.
Diagnosis requires a clinical lameness exam and can be confirmed by ultrasound. There is often swelling of the area of rupture right after the traumatic injury.
Treatment requires enforced box stall rest for 60-90 days. NSAIDS may be useful for the first week after injury, for pain and swelling.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is good with enforced rest. Most horses can return to their prior level of athletic ability. Healing is much slower if horses are allowed free turnout.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What is the likelihood of recurrence of this injury?
- Why do you think this injury occurred?
- Is there anything I can do to prevent recurrence of the injury?
Prevention
Rupture is a direct result of a traumatic injury. The only way to prevent this injury is to prevent the traumatic incident in the first place.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Related References:
Baxter, GM ed. Adams & Stashak's Lameness in Horses. 6th ed. Ames: Blackwell Publishing 2011.