## Overview Brachialis strain is an uncommon injury to the brachialis muscle, which lies deep to the biceps brachii and is a primary flexor of the elbow. Because the muscle is rarely discussed in the equine literature, most knowledge is extrapolated from analogous human injuries and general principles of equine muscle strain. Overload during resisted elbow flexion or eccentric lengthening can tear fibers and produce localized pain and mild forelimb lameness. ## Causes Sudden increases in work that require strong elbow flexion, slipping with the limb extended, or compensatory overload from other forelimb problems are plausible causes. The evidence specific to horses is limited. ## Diagnosis Pain on deep palpation of the cranial distal humerus, discomfort during elbow flexion against resistance, and mild lameness suggest the diagnosis. Ultrasound can identify fiber disruption or hematoma when the lesion is accessible. ## Treatment Rest, cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and gradual return to controlled exercise follow standard muscle-strain protocols. Most mild strains resolve with conservative care. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis for mild to moderate strains is good. Severe tears are rare but would require longer rehabilitation. Specific equine outcome data are limited. ## Prevention Progressive conditioning and avoidance of sudden workload spikes reduce risk of any muscle strain, including the brachialis.
mild forelimb lameness; pain on deep palpation cranial to the elbow; discomfort when the elbow is flexed against resistance
## Overview Brachialis strain is an uncommon injury to the brachialis muscle, which lies deep to the biceps brachii and is a primary flexor of the elbow. Because the muscle is rarely discussed in the equine literature, most knowledge is extrapolated from analogous human injuries and general principles of equine muscle strain. Overload during resisted elbow flexion or eccentric lengthening can tear fibers and produce localized pain and mild forelimb lameness. ## Causes Sudden increases in work that require strong elbow flexion, slipping with the limb extended, or compensatory overload from other forelimb problems are plausible causes. The evidence specific to horses is limited. ## Diagnosis Pain on deep palpation of the cranial distal humerus, discomfort during elbow flexion against resistance, and mild lameness suggest the diagnosis. Ultrasound can identify fiber disruption or hematoma when the lesion is accessible. ## Treatment Rest, cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and gradual return to controlled exercise follow standard muscle-strain protocols. Most mild strains resolve with conservative care. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis for mild to moderate strains is good. Severe tears are rare but would require longer rehabilitation. Specific equine outcome data are limited. ## Prevention Progressive conditioning and avoidance of sudden workload spikes reduce risk of any muscle strain, including the brachialis.
mild forelimb lameness; pain on deep palpation cranial to the elbow; discomfort when the elbow is flexed against resistance