Exam 1: Lecture 1 - Orthopedic Exam and Diagnostic Tools Flashcards
(59 cards)
What are the 6 ways to diagnose lameness
- history
- PE
- gait analysis
- visual inspection of body and conformation
- palpate
- localization (ortho/neuro exam)
Why is the history important to us to diagnose lameness
we get the general history and complaint
what are some things we should ask when getting our history
- any anorexia, fever, or depression?
- what leg and how severe?
- when was it first noticed? (acute or chronic)
- was there trauma?
- any progression or response to medication?
When we are doing our PE, what should we do
do a general complete PE to rule out other differential diagnoses
what is normal proprioception
when you flip the paw over and the patient flips it back
what is abnormal proprioception
- patient does not know where limb is placed
- patient knows where limb is placed but cant correct
- patient knows where limb is placed but is unwilling to correct it
in what situation would you see abnormal proprioception where the patient knows where the limb is but is unwilling to correct the position
when there is fear of pain (ex. a fracture)
what is important to remember when doing a gait analysis
keep the presenting complaint in mind but it is important to do a FULL exam and not have tunnel vision
what are 2 things we should do when doing a gait analysis
- eval all limbs during observation
- perform gait analysis on floor w traction and without owners present
what are the 3 gaits we look at during a gate analysis
- walk
- trot
- pace
what is the MOST IMPORTANT gait to evaluate lameness at
a trot because only 2 limbs are in contact with the ground at once
describe the gait of a walk
2, 3, or 4 legs supporting at any one time
describe a trot
body is supported by 2 legs on opposite sides (contralateral)
describe a pace
limbs of the same side (ipsilateral) symmetrically support the animal
T/F: when doing a gait analysis, we should eval the dog only going away from us
false, we should eval going towards AND away
what is the purpose of a gait analysis
determines what leg is effected
what do we look for during a forelimb gait analysis and what does it mean
- look for a head bob
head lifts when lame leg bears weight
head drops when weight bearing on normal limb
what do we look for during a hindlimb gait analysis
- stride shortened on lame leg
- normal limb reaches forward faster than lame leg
- oscillating motion during locomotion (towards normal side)
- hip hike on lame leg
what is the scale of lameness in SA
0-4
what does lameness score of 0 mean
no lameness
what does lameness score of 1 mean
mild weight-bearing lameness
what does lameness score of 2 mean
moderate weight-bearing lameness
what does lameness score of 3 mean
severe weight-bearing lameness
what does lameness score of 4 mean
non-weight bearing lameness