C10020756 / invoice 10000

Subjective owner assessment since last visit:
Lulu is a 6-month-old Golden Retriever presenting for biomechanical assessment. Owner concerned about lazy sit where she displaces her leg laterally. Trainer at Urban Dog Training (Paul, Narelle and Danielle) recommended biomechanical assessment. Previously, when picked up to remove from bed or car, she would growl, which has improved over the past 1-2/12. She does not like being lifted in and out of the car. She runs and hides in her crate when the harness comes out, which started with a previous harness that went over her ears. Once the lead is on, she is happy. She is described as a scaredy cat with trucks, bins, vacuums and new things. . She lives in an apartment with one flight of stairs. Day-to-day activity includes three walks per day, each approximately 30 minutes, 1km max, on lead with sniffing and some trotting. She has been to an off-leash dog park and big dog beach five times in total. She digs on the sand in the morning. She jumps on the couch and bed frequently. She has a playpen and is only out when actively supervised.  She goes bananas at the beach and loves it. Sometimes slow to get up after sleeping but owner unsure if reading into it. No lameness noted when tearing around at the beach.

Growled during examination when palpated around hindquarters. Required muzzle for examination. Anxious and worried during assessment. 

Previously/Currently Affected Areas:
Right hindlimb appears under muscled compared to left. Iliopsoas bilaterally tender on palpation, more so on right.

Physical Examination:
Well muscled through front end and back end. Front limbs strength 5/10 bilaterally. Core strength 5/10. Left hamstring 6/10. Right hamstring 4/10. Left quadriceps 6/10. Right quadriceps 4/10. Iliopsoas palpation revealed mild pain bilaterally. Able to hold herself up on right hindlimb during strength testing. Hips popped out normally. No evidence of hip dysplasia - well muscled through hamstrings and quadriceps at 6/12, which does not follow textbook pattern for hip dysplasia. Lazy sit observed but can perform square sit when motivated. Good sit to stand/ stand to sit. 
Mild r iliopsoas insertion pain - greater than left

. Iliopsoas stretch demonstrated to owner by nurse.

Home exercises:
Iliopsoas stretch - food driven, can be performed in next room where she may be more comfortable.

PLAN:
Rest for 2-3/52. Avoid jumping on bed - shut bedroom door. Reduce couch jumping as much as possible. Avoid high impact exercise until fully grown (14-16/12). Avoid ball chasing when young - if retrieves desired, short distance on grass with something that does not keep rolling. Limit crazies to 5 minutes rather than 20 minutes. Walking on lead on sand is fine. Supplements recommended: Lyprinol (Blackmores) 2-3 capsules daily for life - green lip mussel extract, available from Chemist Warehouse; UC2 Undenatured Collagen 2 (Healthy Origins) 1 capsule daily for life - supports cartilage, available from Amazon. Desexing discussed - recommend 14-18/12 based on current studies showing increased risk of hip dysplasia, cruciate disease and certain cancers if spayed before 6/12. Discussed risks of pyometra (1 in 4 to 1 in 5 by age 10) if remaining entire. Return in approximately 2/12 unless concerned. Return earlier if lameness observed, seems sad on walks, or cannot get comfortable at night.

Main Problem
Concern regarding a “lazy sit” posture and possible discomfort when being lifted or having a harness applied. Owner would like an overall musculoskeletal health assessment.

How Long the Problem Has Gone On For
Approximately 2 months.

Current Medications
None.

Current Supplements
None listed.

Vet Clinic
Manly Road Vet

Vet’s Name
Dr Shannon

What the Owner Wants to Get Out of It
An overall musculoskeletal check to determine whether the lazy sit and irritability when lifted are behavioural or related to pain, and reassurance regarding Lulu’s health and development.