Dark

Patient Name: Dark 01/4/25 Dark was seen following a recent step up in training, he takes time as a service dog and attends shows and will be due to start agility training/protection training. During showing slight outward rotation of the carpal joints was noticed and there has also been an incidence of mild lameness. Subjective   During routine walking, no scuffing or toe dragging Able to sit, stand and lie well. Objective: Gait assessment shows active walk and trot with no obvious signs of lameness present. There was a mild lateral circumduction of the right hind-limb in trot and increased carpal extension of the left forelimb.Intermittent shorter strides were taken with the hindlimbs and lateral lumbar movement was seen. Posture shows mild rotation of the forelimbs moreso the left, looks to be from laterality difference as puppy images show upright carpal RF and more extended LF. Physical Examination Findings: Head and neck palpation was symmetrical and no issues, Heaolthy global muscle mass on all limbs. Left forelimb showed very mild and intermittent crepitus on full flexion (Only 2 occurrences). Shoulder showed very mild spasming on full flexion. Range of motion good. No trigger points or pain on spinal palpation, mild decrease in lumbar tone and muscle bulk, large biceps femoris muscle and slightly enlarged gastrocnemius on the left side – stifle range of motion is good, limited by tension in the hamstrings (semitendinosus) this was seen bilaterally. All digits and distal joints were good. Plan o Strengthening exercises – Dark has great locomotor muscle mass but looks to lack hindlimb stability in favour of overloading the forelimbs.We will progress up to conditioning work slowly to stabilise the joints and allow more hindlimb range of motion. The following exercises are suitable for every day or every other day – they will also be a good tailored warm up for Dark.