In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes back Kate Barnes, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, to talk about her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Localizing Pelvic Limb Lameness on Orthopedic Examination in Dogs.” Dr. Barnes presents her stepwise approach to evaluating a patient with possible pelvic limb lameness and includes tips for assessing patient gait as well as joint function. She also shares how to grade patellar luxation and why braces might not be the best treatment for stifle injuries. Listen to learn the acronym Dr. Barnes uses to make sure she doesn’t miss any findings when palpating the joints.
Key Takeaways
Assessing a patient for pelvic limb lameness includes observing the patient’s gait, then assessing the rear limbs while the patient is standing, and again in recumbency.
When walking, the patient’s hip will often drop on the sound limb, and go up on the painful limb. There may also be a shorter stride on the painful limb.
Tripping, leg crossing, abnormal proprioception and abnormal reflexes may indicate neuromuscular disease rather than pain.
With the patient in recumbency, use the acronym CREPI to assess each joint. (Crepitis, Range of motion, Effusion, Pain, Instability). Start distally and work proximally.
Consider sedation for imaging rather than manual restraint for both staff and patient safety.
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Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist