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Physiotherapist report – Romulus Sharma-Woodland
20/12/21
Romulus has a history of Forelimb lameness, incongruence in the hips and
elbow joints and partial LH lameness suspected to be his cruciate. MRI
scans have been viewed from Referring Orthopaedic Vet.
Subjective: Romulus is BAR, continues to be on Metacam as per veterinary
advice. Owner is adapting rations accordingly to reflect reduced
exercise. Currently 4x short walks per day. Owner reports difficulty
walking for more than 5-10 minutes, will rest or is reluctant. Owner
feels FL lameness is the priority at present. Extremely excitable and
exercise based approach was adopted.
Objective ROM: LH when sitting is extended in abduction. Weight is
shifted to the right in the sit. In stance reluctant to pick up the RH
and bare weight onto the LH. Some Left tarsal crepitus and reduced
tarsal flexion, is reluctant to fully palpate. Hip extension unknown. FL
protraction reduced 30% bilaterally, elbow extension resisted, LF carpus
painful on flexion and mild heat and swelling on dorsal aspect.
Palpation: Hypo-tonicity is present LH, hypertrophy RH (Biceps femoris),
gracilis is hypertonic and hypertrophic on the right. Trigger points and
spasming bilaterally down caudal boarder of the latissimus dorsi aand
extending into lumbar region. Shoulder hypotrophy on left.
Action: Assessed posture, joints and muscle tone, exercise based
approach, kinesiotape on the LF carpus and encourage to use exercise
plan to get pain under control. – Look at making Carpus support to aid
movement and confidence.- Seeing Vet next week, checking carpus.
- Massage – slow like kneeding bread on the forelimbs, up from elbow and
into the back towards tail, tapping and fast on the left hindlimb . 10
minutes per day.
- Hot water bottle – May use 10 minutes over lower back and shoulders
(watch for burns, hot water bottles should always have a cover on
them).
- Sit to stands - Ensure all 4 paws face forwards, full sit to full
stand. 20x per day.
- Weave around obstacle -10x round the obstacle, slow walk, ensure we
have good weight distribution from left to right
- Amend walking – cut down and monitor (2x a day plus exercises) then
increase or adapt as Romulus is able, note down any changes in a diary
and this may aid changes (weather, walk, how it went) e.g Warm dry, 10
minutes, limped LF today.
Becky Black
BSc (Hons) AdvCertVPhys ClinEd(AccMdx) RCH MIRVAP(VP)