![]() While it can still be damaged, it is not as vulnerable as the ACL due to its strength and placement, making a tear of the PCL a much less common injury. The PCL is broader and stronger than the ACL. ![]() There is another cruciate ligament known as the posterior cruciate ligament. Its purpose is to stop the bones from moving forward or inward when the knee is in action. What is the anterior cruciate ligament?Ī fibrous band located in the knee leading from the top of the femur to the tibia (the thigh bone to shin bone). ![]() The result is often a distinct limp in a dog's hind leg. Often known as a football injury, tearing the ACL is also a typical injury in canine traumatology. Author Insightĭogs with thoracic limb lameness may place the lame limb eccentrically (ie, further from midline), have visible muscle atrophy (particularly over the lateral scapula), and have more of the metacarpal pad visible compared with the contralateral limb ( Figure).You may know the anterior cruciate ligament in it's acronym form of ACL, especially if you are a soccer form. Subjectively assess weight-bearing by lifting each thoracic limb off the ground the lame leg is often easier to lift compared with the contralateral limb. Recording the dog walking and/or trotting and watching the video in slow motion may help detect subtle signs of lameness. Ensure the handler leads the dog in a straight line at a constant speed and does not allow the dog to pull on the neck lead. Observe the dog for evidence of lameness and confirm the affected limb(s) as a trained handler walks and trots the dog back and forth and from side to side on a long, nonslip, distraction-free walkway. Smartphone or other video recording device (optional) Long, nonslip, well-lit walkway free of obstacles and distractions Performing the examination in the exact same manner each time can help ensure no clinical abnormalities are missed. Joint effusion is often easier to feel during standing examination because weight-bearing pressurizes joint fluid toward the periphery of the joint but should also be evaluated during recumbency.Įvaluating the lame leg last can aid in patient compliance. The foot should also be carefully evaluated because abnormalities of the manus (eg, broken toenails, foreign bodies in the interdigital spaces or carpal pads) can be significant sources of pain.Įach joint should be evaluated for crepitus, range of motion, effusion, pain, and instability (CREPI). Long bones should be carefully palpated, and firm palpation of soft tissue should be avoided. The limbs are typically evaluated from distal to proximal because joints located more distally are easier to isolate. Recumbent examination allows for thorough palpation of the long bones and joints to further localize pain. ![]() Recumbent Evaluation for Thoracic Limb Lameness ![]() Pet owner recordings of lameness in the home can also help provide a more complete clinical picture. Alternative methods for gait assessment include having the dog walk or trot in a circle or figure of 8 pattern, ascend and descend stairs, and navigate over obstacles. Lameness can be difficult to identify when intermittent, only apparent under certain circumstances, or absent at the clinic due to patient anxiety. Bilaterally affected dogs may shift weight onto the pelvic limbs without an obvious head bob or drop. Thoracic limb lameness is easiest to identify when watching a dog walk from the front or side.Ībnormal gait characteristics supportive of thoracic limb lameness include a head bob when weight is transferred to the lame leg, a head drop when weight is transferred to the sound leg, shorter stride length, and abnormal placement of the foot relative to the body (eg, placing the sound leg directly under the body and the lame leg more eccentrically ). Gait Evaluation for Thoracic Limb LamenessĪ long, nonslip, distraction-free area for gait evaluation, as well as assistance from a trained handler, can improve the likelihood of pain localization. ![]()
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