Tendon lesions in broiler fowls

Tendon lesions have been studied in 35 broiler or broiler breeder fowls. Tendon rupture most commonly affected the gastrocnemius and flexor muscles but was also seen in cranial tibial muscles (four cases) and the patellar tendon (one case). In nine birds tenosynovitis, characterised by a marked inflammatory response, was identified. In others, however, rupture occurred without appreciable inflammation and these cases were concluded to be comparable to spontaneous tendon rupture in other species. A traumatic aetiology is suggested in these cases, as other pelvic limb tendons or ligament rupture was a frequent concomitant finding. Degenerative tendon lesions were present but it is uncertain whether such changes are primary or secondary to rupture.