The ability to active and painless movement is indispensable for a dog or cat’s quality of life. Unfortunately, things like injuries, physical stress on joints and ligaments, and in some cases, genetics can lead to lameness in your pets (dogs are more susceptible than cats) and pain in their joints and ligaments.
The correct diagnosis of any orthopedic condition starts with a thorough orthopedic examination. When the patient is stable, the analysis includes a complete assessment of the muscle and bone and the neurologic system. We can also include X-rays and other specific tests.
The orthopedic examination can start even before the assessment by considering the patient’s symptoms.
The history of the problem obtained from the owner has to include the following:
- how long are the clinical signs present, and to what extent?
- are they visible on one or more limbs?
- do specific activities aggravate the condition?
- is the patient a pet or a working/competing animal?
Observation of the animal’s movements, gait, and body posture while walking or running is an essential part of determining the location of the lameness.