## Overview Fibrotic myopathy is scarring and contracture within a muscle, most often the hamstring group (semitendinosus). It produces a characteristic mechanical gait in which the foot slaps down abruptly before completing the forward swing. The condition is usually non-painful and often follows trauma or an intramuscular injection. ## Causes Trauma, tearing, or injection-site fibrosis leading to muscle contracture. ## Diagnosis Classic gait at the walk plus palpation of a firm fibrous band. Ultrasound confirms the scar. ## Treatment Many horses need no treatment. Severe cases may undergo surgical transection of the fibrotic band. Conservative therapy (stretching, controlled exercise) helps some. ## Recovery and Prognosis The gait abnormality is often permanent but non-progressive. Surgery improves some horses. ## Prevention Careful injection technique in the hamstring region.
foot slaps down early in the swing phase; mechanical non-painful gait; shortened forward stride; firm band in the muscle; usually unilateral
## Overview Fibrotic myopathy is scarring and contracture within a muscle, most often the hamstring group (semitendinosus). It produces a characteristic mechanical gait in which the foot slaps down abruptly before completing the forward swing. The condition is usually non-painful and often follows trauma or an intramuscular injection. ## Causes Trauma, tearing, or injection-site fibrosis leading to muscle contracture. ## Diagnosis Classic gait at the walk plus palpation of a firm fibrous band. Ultrasound confirms the scar. ## Treatment Many horses need no treatment. Severe cases may undergo surgical transection of the fibrotic band. Conservative therapy (stretching, controlled exercise) helps some. ## Recovery and Prognosis The gait abnormality is often permanent but non-progressive. Surgery improves some horses. ## Prevention Careful injection technique in the hamstring region.
foot slaps down early in the swing phase; mechanical non-painful gait; shortened forward stride; firm band in the muscle; usually unilateral