## Overview Deep gluteal pain is discomfort arising from the deep gluteal muscles or associated structures. It produces vague hind-limb lameness or reluctance to engage the hindquarters and is difficult to diagnose because of the depth of the muscles. Ultrasound-guided injection can both diagnose and treat the area. ## What It Indicates Primary muscle strain, referred pain, or secondary guarding from hip, sacroiliac, or stifle issues. ## Diagnosis Exclusion of more common causes of hind-limb lameness, pain on deep palpation or rectal examination, and response to diagnostic analgesia. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, and ultrasound-guided injection of the affected muscle when indicated. ## Recovery and Prognosis Generally good once the source is identified and treated. ## Prevention Balanced conditioning and prompt attention to early hindquarter discomfort.
vague hind-limb lameness; reluctance to engage the hindquarters; pain on deep or rectal palpation; improvement after targeted injection
## Overview Deep gluteal pain is discomfort arising from the deep gluteal muscles or associated structures. It produces vague hind-limb lameness or reluctance to engage the hindquarters and is difficult to diagnose because of the depth of the muscles. Ultrasound-guided injection can both diagnose and treat the area. ## What It Indicates Primary muscle strain, referred pain, or secondary guarding from hip, sacroiliac, or stifle issues. ## Diagnosis Exclusion of more common causes of hind-limb lameness, pain on deep palpation or rectal examination, and response to diagnostic analgesia. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, and ultrasound-guided injection of the affected muscle when indicated. ## Recovery and Prognosis Generally good once the source is identified and treated. ## Prevention Balanced conditioning and prompt attention to early hindquarter discomfort.
vague hind-limb lameness; reluctance to engage the hindquarters; pain on deep or rectal palpation; improvement after targeted injection