FastTrack Complete Report: Thoracic Limb Lameness

Table of Contents

1. Purpose & Use – Case Type
    
2. X-RAY Signals to Be Assessed
     A. Thoracic Limb
   B. Cervico-thoracic Spine
   C. Additional Findings – Thorax, Abdomen, and Musculoskeletal Regions.

1. Purpose & Use

This FastTrack Complete Report is designed to assist in determining the underlying cause of forelimb lameness, differentiating between orthopedic (bone or joint) and soft-tissue (muscle or tendon) origins. In addition, the report aids in identifying neurological or spinal abnormalities, as well as referred pain patterns that may mimic primary thoracic limb dysfunction.

Scenarios when to use this FastTrack Complete Report:

• Unclear Source of Lameness:
  • Forelimb lameness of uncertain origin, where the source of pain or dysfunction cannot be localized through a physical or orthopedic examination.
• Evaluation for Orthopedic Abnormalities:
  • To assess for bony or articular pathology, including fractures, bone lesions, periarticular remodeling, or joint instability.
• Soft Tissue Injury Assessment:
  • When muscle, tendon, or ligament injury is suspected, and radiographs are required to exclude underlying osseous abnormalities.
• Neurologic or Spinal Considerations:
  • To rule out cervical, brachial plexus, or peripheral nerve pathology that may mimic forelimb lameness or weakness.
• Persistent or Progressive Lameness:
  • In cases where forelimb lameness fails to improve with rest, medical therapy, or supportive care, indicating the need for further diagnostic evaluation.
     

Clinical Signs Checklist (when submitting):

This clinical signs checklist summarizes key clinical indicators associated with forelimb lameness, supporting accurate correlation between the patient’s clinical presentation and radiographic findings.

Duration

• Acute - Sudden in onset; less than 14 days
• Chronic - Persistent lameness/limping lasting more than 14 days

Gait & Mobility

• Abnormal gait (ataxic, stiff, or shortened stride)
• Reluctance to bear weight or rise
• Non-ambulatory / Ambulatory with difficulty

Pain Localization

• Thoracic Limb(s)
• Cervical spine / neck region
• Non-specific

Neurological Signs

• Paralysis / Paresis
• Localized or Generalized weakness
• Proprioceptive deficits or knuckling

Additional Observations

• Muscle atrophy
• Swelling or soft tissue thickening
   

2. X-RAY Signals to Be Assessed

This FastTrack Complete Report systematically evaluates radiographic findings relevant to forelimb lameness, focusing on orthopedic, soft-tissue, and clinically significant systemic abnormalities that may influence diagnosis, treatment planning, and overall patient management.

A. Thoracic Limb

1. Lytic and/or Blastic Bone Lesion
2. Appendicular Bone Fracture
3. Shoulder Arthropathy
4. Elbow Periarticular Osteophytosis
5. Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process
6. Ununited Anconeal Process
7. Panosteitis
8. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)
9. Hypertrophic Osteopathy (Marie's Disease)
10. Carpal Periarticular Osteophytosis
11. Distal Extremity Arthritis
12. Joint Enthesopathy
13. Joint Luxation
14. Soft Tissue Swelling
15. Muscle Atrophy
16. Angular limb deformities
17. Osteochondritis dissecans

B. Cervicothoracic Spine

1. Cervical Disc Space Narrowing
2. Mineralized Disc
3. Atlantoaxial instability
4. Vertebral Fracture
5. Vertebral subluxation

C. Additional Findings (Critical Radiographic Findings) based on submitted views.
Thorax

• Thoracic Mass
• Left Atrial Enlargement
• General Cardiomegaly
• Esophageal Foreign Body
• Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abdomen

• Peritoneal Mass Effect
• Limited Abdominal Detail
• Peritoneal gas
• Mid-Abdominal Mass
• Gastric Foreign Body
• Abdominal Hernia

Musculoskeletal (Non-Forelimb)

• Rib Fracture
• Skull Fracture
• Pelvic Fracture