As veterinarians, animal physical therapists, veterinary technicians, and rehabilitation professionals, we often encounter complex musculoskeletal conditions in our canine patients. One such condition, fibrotic myopathy of the hamstring muscles, is a rare but debilitating disease primarily affecting young, male, working-line German Shepherds, though it can occur in other breeds like Belgian Malinois, St. Bernards, and Rottweilers. A recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Birdwhistell et al., 2025) introduces a promising, non-invasive, and cost-effective screening method—the hamstring stretch angle measurement—that could revolutionize how we diagnose and monitor this condition. Here’s what you need to know.
 

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