A modified tenectomy approach to a case of spastic paresis in a 10‐month‐old bullock

Abstract

AbstractAlthough treatment of bovine spastic paresis cases is often performed using a tibial neurectomy, the potential for substantial economic loss in an older animal, cost of anaesthesia and heightened difficulty of the procedure can preclude its use in veterinary practice. This report describes a tenectomy performed on a 450 kg bullock that presented with spastic paresis of the left hindlimb. Tenectomy of the medial and lateral tendons of the gastrocnemius muscle provided a good surgical treatment option through a modified incision site in a cranio‐lateral approach. Tenectomy has the advantages of being less invasive than neurectomy, with clearly identifiable landmarks. A key aspect in achieving a successful outcome is to preserve the superficial digital flexor tendon. In the experience of the authors, when compared to tibial neurectomy in similar sized animals, tenectomy had a reduced surgical time and minimised potential complications such as dropping of the hock.