Coco

Initial Consult – Coco Baxter Coco was referred due to back pain and stiffness on rising, episode running in deep snow seems to exacerbated symptoms. On posture assessment mild kyphosis and coat alterations seen over thoraco-lumbar junction and latissimus dorsi. No medication or supplements currently – renal disease. Healthy weight and alert and bright in demeanour. Gait Analysis:  No issues walking, getting up or down and turning initially.  Mild cranially loading  Left hindlimb placed laterally Muscular Evaluation: Notable lack of biceps femoris muscle mass in both hind limbs, with a weaker muscle tone in the left hindlimb. Weaker gracilis left hindlimb. Hypertonic shoulder musculature was seen. Latissimus dorsi restricting forelimb protraction. Tender in back on palpation over vertebrae (mild) and sacrum (Moderate). Spine shows normal mobility on palpation but does have spasming around the thoracolumbar junction with increased muscular tone. Functional Evaluation: Sit quality is good and square. Rising shows preference for right hindlimb. Turning left was avoided but foot placement and weight bearing was normal both ways. Spinal ROM was good laterally, dorsi-flexion was reduced. ROM: Head and neck good. Right forelimb normal, left forelimb showed very mild crepitus in the elbow. Left hindlimb has moderate crepitus on full flexion of the tarsus. Right hindlimb had crepitus 4th digit. No heat, swelling or markedly reduced movement noted. Mild reduction in left hindlimb retraction compared to right. Plan: Work to strengthen the left hindlimb and reduced back spasming and trigger points. If issue persists, refer back for evaluation.