|
|
Discussion on Shoulder Asymmetry
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Lschultz
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 4:15 pm:
Dear Dr. O...I have a 7-year-old Arab mare of good working conformation who "grew" a lump on her right scapula about 5 weeks ago. (I think I'm posting this in the only place relevant). Anyway, she has never had pain, heat or any signs of trauma to the scapula. It is definitely asymetrical, and about the size of a woman's hand with fingers spread out.
Following our vet's advice, we rested her for 30 days, DMSO off and on in five day intervals. Ours is a hillside farm, so resting her on level ground isn't possible. The mare has always moved freely and exhibits no lameness, pointing, etc. When she puts her head down, the lump goes away. On the 30-day vet check, the vet ultrasounded the lump, and we ruled out any cysts, tumors, etc. His write-up says u/s hypertrophied muscle, 18cmx20cm, consistent in make-up. No fluid or gas. Muscle normal compared to left side. no pain, no lack in range of motion, increased size of muscle belly.
I fitted my saddle to the mare, and the vet agreed it fits well, actually is slightly behind the swelling. Have ridden the mare twice and see no obvious signs. The swelling remains painless, normal temperature, and same in size. The only clue I have is that the mare shipped up from a life in Florida and lived only on flat sandy areas or the show ring. Here, she works on hillsides and trails. She has been here since December, but only really worked since March, and is a naturally fit individual. Any ideas? Our vet, a very reputable fellow, is flummoxed. Many thanks, LSchultz
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 6:40 am:
So the appearance on US is one of skeletal muscle architecture...hmmm got me flummoxed too. It may be an unusual response of the muscle (hypertrophy) but more likely would be swelling edema or the tissue just "looks" like muscle on ultrasound. The next step to pursuing this would be a good needle biopsy of the swollen area. I would take both a deep and superficial sample since we don't know if the normal is above or below the swollen tissue.
DrO
|
|
|
