|
|
Discussion on Notch in muscle running along the bottom of the neck
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
gingin
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jun 6, 2012 - 10:13 pm:
I need help please!
My mare just came in from the field with a superficial scratch across the bottom of her neck but right underneath the muscle seems to be torn - its the muscle that runs along the bottom of the neck (the one that you can grab and "shake" to wiggle the neck back and forth). It looks like she got bitten and the muscle tore apart partially. The "notch" is visible only on the left side of her neck and not the right, but it is deep. She is able to eat, does not seem to be awfully bothered by it but I'm worried. Is this something that a vet should see and can it be repaired? I will try to post a photo of it tomorrow but I hope someone will know what I mean
Thanks much!
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Sunday, Jun 10, 2012 - 10:19 am:
Hello Christine,
I do not understand which muscle you are referring to. Is it possible to post that image you mentioned?
DrO
|
Member:
gingin
|
Posted on Sunday, Jun 10, 2012 - 1:49 pm:
Hi Dr. O., finally found the latin name for the muscle - its the sternocephalicus. I had the vet out to check on this injury and she got lucky. Neither the esophagus nor the trachea were affected but the muscle did get severed on the left side of her neck :-( Should heal but of course with a deep notch on her neck. She's on antiinflammatories/pain killers and antibiotics. Right now the site of the bite is still swollen but getting better.
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 12, 2012 - 5:52 pm:
Hello Christine,
As the name implies this is a long strap muscle that connects the sternum to the head (caudal border of the mandible). You can describe its location through most of its course as the bottom (ventral) border of the jugular groove. With bilateral contraction (and the aid of other muscles) it can help flex the neck and or help open the mouth. With unilateral contraction it turns the head in the direction of contraction. DrO
Opens mouth
|
|
|
