FastTrack Complete Report: Lameness of uncertain or non-localized origin. 

Table of Contents

1. Purpose & Use - Case type

2. X-RAY Signals to Be Assessed

A. Forelimb

B. Hindlimb

C. General Musculoskeletal

D. Spine

E. Additional Findings – Thorax, Abdomen, and Musculoskeletal Regions

1. Purpose & Use

This FastTrack Complete Report is designed to assist in identifying the underlying cause of a patient’s lameness or limping, whether related to orthopedic (bone or joint), soft-tissue (muscle or tendon), or neurologic conditions. It is particularly valuable in cases of uncertain or non-localized lameness, where the source of pain, dysfunction, or gait abnormality cannot be confidently identified through physical examination or standard orthopedic assessment.

In addition to evaluating the musculoskeletal system, the report also reviews the thorax and abdomen for clinically significant findings that, while not directly involving the musculoskeletal structures, may influence diagnostic interpretation, clinical management, or overall patient outcome.

Scenarios when to use this FastTrack Complete Report:

• Unclear or Complex Lameness:
  • Lameness or limping of uncertain origin, where the cause of limb dysfunction cannot be localized or the clinical presentation is complex.
• Assessment of Musculoskeletal vs. Non-Musculoskeletal Causes:
  • When additional imaging interpretation is required to determine whether the primary cause of clinical signs is musculoskeletal in origin, particularly to evaluate for primary bone disease or other underlying conditions.
• Systemic or Referred Pain Considerations:
  • To rule out systemic disease or referred pain, where limb discomfort may originate from non-appendicular regions (e.g., abdominal, spinal, or thoracic sources) that mimic true lameness or limping.
• Lack of Response to Initial Therapy:
  • When the patient fails to improve with initial rest or medical treatment, indicating the need for further diagnostic evaluation and refined case management.

Clinical Signs Checklist (when submitting):

This clinical signs checklist is designed to summarize key clinical signs relevant to the presenting complaint. It serves as a quick reference tool for both observed and reported findings, supporting the accurate interpretation of radiographic results within the appropriate clinical context.

The checklist typically includes the following categories:

Duration

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

Gait & Limb Function

• Abnormal gait (ataxic, stiff, shortened stride, or shifting weight)
• Positive cranial drawer (indicative of stifle instability)
• Reluctance to bear weight or difficulty rising
• Non-ambulatory / Ambulatory with difficulty

Pain Localization

• Spine
• Limb(s)
• Abdominal
• Non-specific

Neurological Signs

• Paralysis / Paresis
• Localized or General weakness
• Loss of proprioception or knuckling

Additional Observations

• Muscle wasting (atrophy)
• Swelling or soft tissue thickening

2. X-RAY Signals to Be Assessed

The FastTrack Complete Report focuses on identifying key radiographic findings that are clinically relevant to the patient’s presenting signs, supporting timely and informed clinical decision-making. The following radiographic indicators are systematically evaluated to detect abnormalities that may require immediate attention, additional diagnostic investigation, or medical intervention.

A. Thoracic Limb

1. Shoulder Arthropathy
2. Elbow Periarticular Osteophytosis
3. Carpal Periarticular Osteophytosis
4. Distal Extremity Arthritis (Forelimb)
5. Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process
6. Ununited Anconeal Process
7. Angular limb deformities
8. Osteochondritis dissecans

B. Pelvis and Pelvic limb

7. Hip Dysplasia
8. Hip Incongruity
9. Hip Osteoarthritis
10. Hip Luxation
11. Pelvic Fracture
12. Patellar Luxation
13. Stifle Effusion
14. Stifle Periarticular Osteophytosis
15. Joint Mineralization/mouse
16. Tarsal Periarticular Osteophytosis
17. Distal Extremity Arthritis (Hindlimb)

C. General Musculoskeletal

17. Lytic and/or Blastic Bone Lesions
18. Appendicular Bone Fracture
19. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)
20. Hypertrophic Osteopathy (Marie's Disease)
21. Panosteitis
22. Joint Luxation
23. Joint Enthesopathy
24. Soft Tissue swelling
25. Thickened tendon
26. Muscle Atrophy

D. Spine

23. Cervical Disc Space Narrowing
24. Thoracolumbar Disc Space Narrowing
25. Lumbosacral Degeneration
26. Mineralized Disc
27. Vertebral Fracture
28. Vertebral subluxation
29. Tail luxation
30. Atlantoaxial instability

E. Additional Findings (Critical Radiographic Findings) based on submitted views.

Thorax

27. Thoracic Mass
28. Left Atrial Enlargement
29. General Cardiomegaly
30. Esophageal Foreign Body
31. Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abdomen

32. Peritoneal Mass Effect
33. Limited Abdominal Detail
34. Peritoneal gas
35. Mid Abdominal Mass
36. Gastric Foreign Body
37. Abdominal Hernia

Musculoskeletal

38. Rib Fracture
39. Skull Fracture