Background: Visceral leishmaniasis is an important zoonosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and is considered an emerging disease in domestic cats. The clinical manifestation of leishmaniasis in felines is usually associated with the presence of immunosuppressive comorbidities, such as neoplasia. Scarce studies suggest the existence of an association between feline leishmaniasis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Therefore, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the relation between these diseases in domestic cats, the aim of this study was to report a case of leishmaniasis in a cat with a concurrent CSCC from an endemic region for canine visceral leishmaniasis. Case: A 9-years-old crossbred male cat, with white coat and outdoor access, was evaluated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid (UFERSA), located in Mossoró city, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. The animal had a history of a skin lesion in the head, with a time of evolution of one year. In the physical evaluation, it was observed an ulcerated lesion (3.8 x 3.6 x 1.0 cm), with raised, irregular, and thickened edges, muscular tissue exposition, and bone adhesion, affecting frontal, temporal, and parietal regions, in the left antimere. Additionally, it was noted bilateral submandibular lymphadenopathy. Complementary exams showed a discrete increase in creatinine levels (1.8 mg/dL) and hyperproteinemia (9.5 g/dL) due to hyperglobulinemia (6.5 g/dL). An immunochromatographic test was performed to detect antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus antigen, with a negative result. Submandibular lymph node cytology revealed the presence of structures with morphology compatible with amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. The histopathological analysis of the cutaneous ulcer diagnosed a moderately differentiated CSCC. After the conclusion of the diagnosis of feline leishmaniasis and a concurrent CSCC, the animal died before initiating any treatment. It was not possible to perform the necroscopic exam. Discussion: Leishmaniasis in cats is reported with a lower frequency compared to the cases of the disease in dogs. The role of cats in leishmaniasis epidemiology is not completely elucidated but is believed that these animals might act as secondary reservoirs for L. infantum, and are not responsible for the persistence of infection in environments where the primary reservoir, which is mainly represented by dogs, are not present. Nevertheless, the case reported was from an endemic region for human and canine leishmaniasis, which probably favored the infection of the animal with the protozoan. Clinically, feline leishmaniasis is characterized by cutaneous lesions, but other clinical signs, such as lymphadenopathy, gingivostomatitis, ocular and respiratory disorders, weight loss, and apathy, can occur. Regarding the clinicopathological findings observed in infected cats, normocytic normochromic anemia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia and increased creatinine are commonly reported. A few case reports on feline leishmaniasis were published with animals from Brazil, and the association of this infectious disease with CSCC is rare. It is suggested a synergism between feline leishmaniasis and CSCC and is believed that the neoplasia might have its evolution accelerated by the systemic dissemination of the protozoan and/or the proliferation of the parasite in the skin. In cats with CSCC from endemic regions for human and canine visceral leishmaniasis, the concomitant occurrence of such infectious disease must be investigated.

Introdução: O granuloma leproide canino é uma dermatopatia causada por Mycobacterium spp. Informações limitadas estão disponíveis sobre esta doença, que tem fatores predisponentes como raça e idade. Sua manifestação clínica consiste em nódulos cutâneos ou subcutâneos localizados ao redor da cabeça e orelhas que apresentam características de inflamação granulomatosa. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo discutir os principais aspectos da doença, seus sintomas clínicos, métodos diagnósticos e tratamento. Caso: Um canino macho de 5 anos, castrado, pesando 9,5 quilogramas, foi atendido em clínica-escola de medicina veterinária. Na consulta, a queixa principal eram lesões ulceradas e o tempo de aparecimento não pôde ser estimado pelo proprietário. Ao exame físico foram encontradas lesões dermatológicas, acometendo principalmente a região periauricular direita. As lesões eram nodulares, alopécicas, exsudativas e ulceradas. Não houve alterações nos parâmetros vitais, incluindo frequência cardíaca e respiratória, avaliação da mucosa, tempo de enchimento capilar, pressão arterial sistólica e temperatura retal. Foram realizadas análises laboratoriais, incluindo hematologia (hemograma completo) e bioquímica sérica (ureia, creatinina, alanina aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina, proteínas totais e frações). Para o diagnóstico foi realizada análise citopatológica por meio de citologia aspirativa com agulha fina, que sugeriu a presença de bacilos de Mycobacterium spp. Para complementar e confirmar o diagnóstico, foram realizados cultura e antibiograma pelos métodos Ogawa Kudoh e Kirby Bauer, respectivamente, em amostras das lesões, que revelaram a presença de infecção bacteriana concomitante causada por Aeromonas hydrophila . Com base nisso, foi iniciada antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro, à base de enrofloxacina e rifamicina, de uso tópico. Após o tratamento, foi observada redução das lesões, juntamente com melhora clínica. Discussão: O granuloma leproide canino é uma doença pouco diagnosticada, e até o momento não existem estudos que relatem a ocorrência da doença na maioria dos municípios do Estado de Goiás. Embora seja assintomático, é importante investigar o quadro clínico do animal através de exames laboratoriais. Pelas suas características, as lesões dermatológicas encontradas em indivíduos com granuloma leproide sugerem inflamação granulomatosa, o que requer investigação adicional para descartar outras condições com aspectos semelhantes e determinar o diagnóstico definitivo. Portanto, conhecer as técnicas diagnósticas que podem ser utilizadas, como a citologia, mesmo sendo um exame de triagem, foi eficaz neste caso porque demonstrou o padrão celular das lesões, uma das características predominantes da doença. Os achados do isolamento do agente destacam a importância da cultura bacteriana nesta doença. Além disso, o uso de antibióticos garantiu ampla cobertura, demonstrando eficácia no controle da micobacteriose e da infecção bacteriana secundária.

Background: Canine hepatozoonosis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon. It is transmitted when dogs ingest infected ticks and via the vertical route. In Brazil, it is often considered to be a subclinical disease, but it is still unclear whether more severe clinical signs develop in young, elderly or debilitating animals. The aim of this study was to report 82 cases of dogs naturally infected with Hepatozoon spp. in the Sertão mesoregion of Paraíba, in order to characterize the clinical signs, haematological findings, presence of concomitant diseases and epidemiological aspects. Cases: Records of 82 dogs that tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. in direct blood smears were studied. These animals were treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, located in the municipality of Patos, Paraíba, Brazil. The following data were obtained from each animal's clinical record: age, sex, breed, presence of tick infestation, clinical signs and blood count data. According to the clinical findings, the animals were divided into 4 groups: 1- animals with co-infections; 2- with severe or debilitating conditions; 3- with non-specific clinical signs, and 4- asymptomatic. The most affected dogs were puppies up to 6 months old (P = 0.0002) and mixed breed (P = 0.0014). Infection was found in three puppies up to 30 days old. There was a high frequency of animals that presented ticks at the time of the clinical examination (P = 0.0006). Of the 82 positive dogs, 49 had severe or debilitating illnesses and were the most affected group (P < 0.001), 20 had non-specific clinical signs, 10 had co-infections with other agents and 3 were asymptomatic. The main conditions observed were trauma, neoplasms, co-infections with other haemoparasites and gastroenteritis. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia were the main haematological alterations, which were observed even in asymptomatic animals. Discussion: This is the 1st study to show that canine hepatozoonosis is present in the Sertão mesoregion of Paraíba, Northeast region of Brazil and to evaluate epidemiological aspects associated with the infection. The infection found in puppies suggests vertical infection. Diagnosis in this age group is extremely important, because in puppies the disease may present in an acute form, producing more severe clinical signs, due to the fact that immunity is not fully developed in these animals. Mixed breed dogs were more affected, which may be related to the fact that these animals belong to families with fewer socio-economic resources when compared to the owners of pedigree dogs, directly influencing basic care for the animal. Tick infestation was the main predisposing factor and highlights the need for owners to control ectoparasites. In most of the dogs the Hepatozoon spp. infection was not the main cause, presenting itself as a secondary laboratory finding. It is therefore possible that these associated diseases have reduced the resistance of the host's immune system to Hepatozoon spp. There were also animals that presented only non-specific clinical signs that correlate with the pathogenesis of the parasite. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia were the main haematological alterations observed and proved to be indicative of Hepatozoon spp. infection, especially in subclinical cases. It is suggested that veterinary clinicians should request that blood smears be tested for Hepatozoon spp. in dogs with debilitating diseases, non-specific clinical signs or haematological disorders. Keywords: Canine hepatozoonosis, haemoparasites, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, vertical infection.

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is influenced by a variety of factors, including intraocular fluid volume, choroidal blood volume, and vitreous volume. Abnormal IOP can result in visual issues, with ocular hypotension potentially leading to retinal detachment and ocular hypertension, causing damage to the retina and optic nerve, which can lead to glaucoma. Anaesthetic agents and body position, such as the Trendelenburg position, can significantly affect IOP. While there is extensive research on IOP changes at various positions in humans, data on the effects of the prone and Trendelenburg positions in both human and veterinary medicine are limited. The Trendelenburg position, which involves tilting the head 15°-45° up or down, is commonly used in laparoscopic and bariatric surgeries and in veterinary procedures, such as ovariohysterectomy and castration. However, the impact of this position on IOP, particularly when combined with anaesthetics, has not been well documented. Preanaesthetic agents, such as xylazine (XYL) and dexmedetomidine (DEX), alpha-adrenoreceptor agonists, and midazolam (MID), a benzodiazepine, can influence intraocular pressure (IOP). This study evaluated the impact of these agents on IOP in Wistar albino rats positioned in reverse Trendelenburg (RTr), a common position in veterinary surgery, to assess their safe use. Materials, Methods & Results: The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: DXM group [0.75 μg/kg, n=7], MID [5 mg/kg, n=7], and XYL [10 mg/kg, n = 7]. Intraperitoneal injections were administered, and IOP was measured using an Icare Tonovet Plus tonometer at baseline (T0) and at intervals 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 30 (T30), 45 (T45), 60 (T60), and 90 (T90) min) post-anaesthesia. The rats were immobilized at a 15-degree angle for 90 min. Six consecutive IOP measurements were averaged for each time point. Sedation levels were assessed using a numerical rating scale. In-group measurements and statistical evaluations showed no significant differences at T0 between the DXM, MID, and XYL groups. A decrease in IOP was observed at T15, T30, T45, T60, and T90 in all groups (P < 0.05), with the lowest values at T45 in the XYL group and T60 in the DXM and MID groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups; however, sedation score (SS) increased significantly at T45 and T60, correlating with the lowest IOP values compared to T0 (P < 0.05). The XYL group showed the fastest onset (2.44 ± 1.2 min) and longest duration (80.55 ± 6.56 min) of sedation, although these differences were not statistically significant. The findings of this study suggest that preanaesthetic administration of DXM, MID, and XYL can lead to significant decreases in IOP during deep sedation in the RTr position. Discussion: This is particularly important in veterinary medicine, where research on IOP is limited, particularly in relation to positioning during surgery. Previous studies in horses and cats have shown varying effects of surgical position on IOP, with significant increases in the dorsal and Trendelenburg positions. Human studies have indicated that RTr position can reduce IOP, especially with a greater head angle. This study found that the Tonovet Plus rebound tonometer provides reliable measurements, lending credence to its findings. Further research is required to understand the impact of anaesthetics on IOP across different species and surgical positions. This study suggests that DXM, MID, and XYL have minimal effects on IOP in the RTr position and can be safely utilized in procedures, such as ovariohysterectomy and castration, contributing to the development of strategies for preventing POVL in veterinary medicine and informing human surgical practices. Keywords: intraocular pressure, reverse trendelenburg position, preanaesthesia.

MENSAGEM DO DIRETOR CIENTÍFICO Chegamos a quinta edição do Congresso Internacional da Associação Brasileira de Endocrinologia Veterinária (CIABEV). Ao longo dos 14 anos de existência da ABEV, diversos eventos científicos foram promovidos pelas Comissões Científicas a cada gestão trazendo tópicos de atualização e oportunidades de reencontros e networking entre seus associados. Entretanto, nossos Congressos sempre foram o ápice da programação científica de cada gestão, e nesta quinta edição não será diferente. Além de uma grade de palestras elaborada com todo carinho pela Comissão Científica, buscando trazer tópicos atuais e relevantes para a endocrinologia, com palestrantes nacionais e internacionais renomados, 71 trabalhos científicos aprovados para apresentação enriquecerão a programação do evento com as novidades acadêmicas desenvolvidas por nossos congressistas. Desejamos que sua presença e convívio entre nossos pares endocrinólogos nacionais e internacionais durante o CIABEV traga além de atualização, conhecimento e novas perspectivas sobre velhos temas, muitos bons momentos de interações, conexões e parcerias para novos projetos. Que os tópicos cobertos na grade científica possam colaborar na rotina diária de cada congressista e refletir em melhores práticas para benefício de nossos pacientes. Obviamente, esperamos que a escolha de Foz do Iguaçu como nossa casa entre os dias 16 e 18 de outubro de 2024 favoreça momentos agradáveis de turismo e confraternização que façam com que o CIABEV 2024 seja motivo de agradáveis lembranças por muitos e muitos anos. Que tenhamos todos um excelente congresso!Prof. Dr. Álan Gomes Pöppl

Background: The nail is the horn-like structure of the fingertip. Pathologies in the nail and nail bed of cats and dogs may be primarily related to the nail or may be the clinical symptom of many systemic diseases. Symmetrical or asymmetrical localization of nail lesions may also give clues about the underlying diseases. Although nail pathology in dogs and cats has been previously described, there has not been a randomized clinical study in which nail diseases have been evaluated. Therefore, in this clinical study, it was aimed to randomly determine the nail lesions encountered in dogs and cats brought to our clinics with complaints of another disease and to evaluate the nail lesions encountered. Materials, Methods & Results: The material of the study was formed 26 cats and 35 dogs in different age, gender and breed, which was brought to surgery clinics for different reasons within 1 year and has randomized nail problems. Anamnesis was taken from the patient owners and all the nails of cats and dogs were examined with the help of a magnifying glass in terms of nail integrity, missing or excessive nail formation, nail lesions and pain presence, nail - nail bed and periconnective nail tissue swelling and exudation. All findings were recorded in the “Nail Pathology Follow-up and Evaluation Form”. After nail lesions were divided according to their extremity, the nail lesions of all patients were 1st divided into 2 groups. Asymmetric and symmetrical distribution rates were determined for each nail lesion in groups. Then, with only 1 or more nail lesions in 1 extremity were grouped asymmetrically, and those with 1 or more lesions in multiple extremities were grouped symmetrically. Nail lesions caused by systemic disease were specifically treated and excessive and deformed nails were cut properly by preserving normal nail anatomy. In dogs, 59.56% of the nail lesions were located on the front limbs and 40.44% on the hind limbs, while 41.11% of the nail lesions in cats were located on the front and 58.89% on the hind limbs. In dogs, 62.86% of nail lesions were symmetrical and 37.14% were asymmetrical. In cats, the rates of symmetrical and asymmetrical nail lesions were 38.46% and 61.54%, respectively. In dogs, the nail lesion observed asymmetrically was onychomalacia, while the lesion observed symmetrically is onycholysis. The nail examination findings revealed the most common nail lesion was onychogryposis in 42.85% of the dogs. Onychogryposis was found on the forelimbs in 57.69% and was symmetrical in 60%. In cats, paronychia was the most common nail lesion with a rate of 50%. This lesion was observed asymmetrically in 76.92% of the cases and 56.25% of the cases were located on the front limbs. Discussion: The nails of cats and dogs are biomechanically and histopathologically different from those of humans. Although these terms are not sufficient for the specific diagnosis of the disease, they provide clues about the pathology. In dogs and cats, nails should be trimmed properly and at regular intervals to maintain foot health and help the locomotor system to function normally. Abnormally shaped or deformed nails predispose to gait problems, trauma and the development of some diseases such as pododermatitis. The nails, which are part of the locomotor system, are affected by many local and systemic diseases and nail lesions are often overlooked in clinical practice. In this randomized clinical study, nail lesions encountered in dogs and cats were evaluated comprehensively with their etiologies and clinical descriptions, and the importance of nail diseases in small animal practice was re-emphasized. Keywords: cat, dog, nail lesion.

Background: Penfigoide bolhoso é uma doença cutânea de caráter autoimune, extremamente rara. Os sinais clínicos são praticamente os mesmos do complexo pênfigo, mudando a localização da lesão (subepidérmica ao invés de intraepidérmica), sem ocorrência de acantólise. A etiologia desta doença ainda não é totalmente elucidada. O penfigoide bolhoso se manifesta como uma dermatopatia ulcerativa, formando vesículas e bolhas frágeis nas junções mucocutâneas, região plantar e membranas mucosas. O penfigoide bolhoso, embora raro em cães, deve ser considerado como diagnóstico diferencial em animais com lesões ulcerativas. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de penfigoide bolhoso em estado avançado em um cão errante. Case: Foi enviado ao IPVDF, para o setor de histopatologia, fragmentos de pele de uma canina errante, 7,8kg, fêmea, sem raça definida com aproximadamente 3 anos de idade. A paciente estava caquética, com lesões nas extremidades dos membros, na face, região de flanco e cauda, além de cavidade oral. Por ser uma canina de rua, o período de evolução do quadro não pode ser esclarecido. Foram feitos, previamente ao exame histopatológico, citologia cutânea e cultivo fúngico para verificação de esporotricose, cujos resultados foram negativos, observando-se apenas um fungo oportunista. Na citologia cutânea, observou-se bactérias em formato de cocos gram-positivos. Foi realizado exame parasitológico de pele, sendo negativo para ácaros, e punção de linfonodos, na qual não foram encontrados resultados significativos. O teste de ELISA para identificar leishmaniose foi negativo. Foram feitos também hemograma, apresentando anemia normocítica normocrômica e bioquímicos (ALT, Creatinina, Fosfatase alcalina, Albumina, Ureia, PPT), sendo identificada elevação de ALT. No exame histopatológico, havia hiperplasia epidérmica leve e focos espongióticos, e na derme, infiltrado inflamatório difuso, além de bolha subepidermal. Inicialmente, a paciente foi tratada com Cefalexina e Dipirona, melhorando apenas em relação à infecção bacteriana. Foi utilizado Intraconazol para controle do fungo oportunista. Nas lesões, foi utilizada pomada de óxido de zinco com óleo de girassol, vitamina E e aloe vera. Além disso, recebeu banhos com peróxido de benzoíla. Considerando os sinais clínicos, a exclusão de diferenciais e o resultado do exame histopatológico, o diagnóstico foi definido como penfigoide bolhoso. A terapia instituída definitivamente foi uso de corticoide (Prednisolona) e imunomodulador (Azatioprina). A paciente apresentou melhora significativa. Discussion: O diagnóstico de penfigoide bolhoso foi realizado através da observação das lesões manifestadas, exames complementares para descarte de diagnósticos diferenciais e confirmação através do exame histopatológico (padrão ouro). O penfigoide bolhoso em cães não possui predileções sexuais e raciais, mas alguns autores citaram Collies, Shetlands e Dobermann como raças predispostas a desenvolver esta doença a partir dos cinco anos de idade. No caso relatado, o animal era sem raça definida e aparentava ter aproximadamente três anos de idade. Devido ao penfigoide bolhoso ser uma doença geralmente grave, terapias imunossupressoras mais agressivas são necessárias. Após 35 dias, o tratamento com Prednisolona foi descontinuado baseado em recomendações veterinárias, porém o animal apresentou recidiva das lesões ulcerativas. Neste caso de penfigoide bolhoso, assim como em outras doenças autoimunes não desencadeadas por fatores secundários, é recomendado o tratamento imunossupressor contínuo. O exame histopatológico em conjunto com o exame físico e exames complementares utilizados serviram como base para realizar o diagnóstico e tratamento adequado. As decisões tomadas foram bem sucedidas, a associação de corticosteroide e imunossupressor empregado como tratamento se mostrou eficaz na terapia do penfigoide bolhoso.

Background: Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematode parasites of freshwater snails and fishes, fish-eating birds, and humans. There are widely distributed around the world. The metacercariae of the Clinostomum can cause fish trematodes, and adults parasites parasitized in the throat and esophagus of fish-eating birds. The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) and white-naped cranes (Grus vipio) are internationally recognized as an endangered species. They are large wading bird species and listed as Class I protected animals in China. To date, there have been no reports of Clinostomum infection in red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) and white-naped cranes (Grus vipio) in China. Materials, Methods & Results: In this study, we isolated specimens of Clinostomum sinensis adults from the oral cavity of red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) and white-naped cranes (Grus vipio) and encysted “yellow grub” metacercariae from the forage fish Pseudorasbora parva and used morphological analysis and molecular characterization based on 18S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. The digestive system of the metacercariae was clear, whereas the genital system was not, with the exception of the vitellaria. Morphological features of adults included a small oral sucker, an unclear or absent pharynx, a medium-sized ventral sucker, an ovoid cirrus pouch near the anterior testis, and a uterine sac that extended to the ventral sucker with no folds, especially the entire anterior testis offset to the left by the uterine sac and cirrus sac, and genital pore opening on the right side of the anterior testis and papillae around, compared with the features of other species of Clinostomum. At the 18S loci, the species was in the same clade with C. complanatum from Italy and Israel. It speculated that although the specimens sequenced in this study grouped with the sequences of C. complanatum from Asia, there are so few species that have been sequenced (and verified) that identification of the sequences in this study is still problematic. At the COI loci, Clinostomum spp. were clearcutted into different clades depending on geographical regions. The species isolated in this study was in the same clade as isolates from Asia. While, based on 18S or COI loci sequences analysis, the isolated specimens were identified as C. sinensis. Morphological observation also identified the precise species was C. sinensis. Above of all, we isolated C. sinensis from cranes and P. parva in eastern China firstly, and firstly descripted the morphology of adult of C. sinensis in eastern China. Discussion: Precise species identification is crucial for controlling and treating parasite infections. Traditionally, morphological characteristics have been used to identify trematode species, although larval stages pose challenges due to fewer features. Molecular methods have proven effective, especially for morphologically similar species. This study identified C. sinensis in red-crowned (Grus japonensis) and white-naped cranes (Grus vipio) and their intermediate host P. parva in eastern China, using both morphology and molecular methods. Morphological analysis showed similarities with previous studies, with clear identification of the oral and ventral suckers in metacercariae, and specific features in adults such as the small oral sucker and ovoid cirrus pouch. Molecular analysis using 18S rRNA and COI loci revealed that the isolates clustered with C. complanatum and C. sinensis from Asia, with minimal sequence differences, confirming the specimens as C. sinensis. Keywords: trematodes, Clinostomum sinensis, Clinostomum spp., crane, morphology, 18S rRNA, COI.

Background: The gastrocnemius tendon, one of the components of the common calcaneal tendon (CCT), is integral in tarsal extension and knee flexion movement. CCT ruptures are uncommon, and ultrasound findings unique to the gastrocnemius component have been scarcely documented. This report aims to describe the ultrasonographic findings of a gastrocnemius tendon rupture in a dog— a topic not extensively covered in the literature, emphasizing the importance of ultrasound in diagnosing such ruptures. Case: A four-year-old female greyhound weighing 20 kg was brought to a university veterinary hospital for a clinical evaluation due to acute lameness in the left hind limb. During the orthopedic examination, a suspected CCT rupture prompted an ultrasound examination. The left hind limb showed intact common and superficial digital flexor tendons, a heterogenous and substantially hypoechoic appearance of the gastrocnemius tendon, and an adjacent hematoma. These findings were consistent with a partial CCT rupture involving the gastrocnemius component. The suspicion was confirmed through gastrocnemius tenorrhaphy and temporary tarsal arthrodesis. The patient demonstrated limb function recovery post-surgery. Discussion: Partial ruptures of CCT only involving the gastrocnemius component have been poorly described in the veterinary literature. While radiography is the preferred method of examination to diagnose suspected orthopedic conditions, ultrasound is widely available in small animal care and highly accurate in detecting such tendon injuries. This report elucidates the ultrasonographic characteristics of a complete gastrocnemius tendon rupture, underscoring the important role of ultrasound in the diagnosis as it effectively differentiates between complete and partial tendon ruptures and acute and chronic tendinopathies. More importantly, its sensitivity in determining the lesion location and extent proves invaluable when clinical and orthopedic examinations are inconclusive. Hence, its utility as an auxiliary tool for evaluating tendon injuries is emphasized.