Myositis ossificans in cervical skeletal striated musculature of a horse - case report

ABSTRACT A case of myositis ossificans in the cervical region of a fifteen year old mare of unspecified breed, medium size, without obvious clinical signs, has been described. The disease was discovered in a radiograph image taken on a training of students in a course of radiodiagnostics. The radiograph image showed an area of increased radiopacity compatible with bone radiopacity, showing irregular contours and a multiple widespread appearance in the epaxial musculature of the cervical region. The mineralized area, considered extensive, occupied the dorsal region from the 4th cervical vertebra (C4) to the vicinity of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), slightly dorsal to the dorsal processes of the C4-T1 segment. An ultrasound examination of the left and right lateral cervical regions from C4 to T1 was performed on both sides of the animal using the ESAOTE® My LAB70 unit with a 12 to 18 MHz linear transducer. Based on the clinical history, radiographic and ultrasound images, and similarity to lesions reported in the literature, the diagnosis was myositis ossificans in the cervical region with partial ossification of the muscles, a condition considered uncommon in this species.