FastTrack Complete Report: Pelvic Limb Lameness

Table of Contents

1. Purpose & Use – Case Type
    
2. X-RAY Signals to Be Assessed
   A. Hip and Pelvis
   B. Stifle and Tarsus
   C. Thoracolumbar Spine
   D. General Musculoskeletal
   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 hindlimb lameness, distinguishing between orthopedic (bone or joint), soft-tissue (muscle, tendon, or ligament), and neurological origins. The report supports accurate interpretation of radiographic findings to localize disease, identify concurrent pathology, and guide appropriate clinical management.

Scenarios when to use this FastTrack Complete Report:

• Unclear Source of Lameness:
  • Hindlimb lameness or limping of uncertain origin, where pain or dysfunction cannot be confidently localized on clinical examination.
• Evaluation for Orthopedic Causes:
  • To assess for bony or articular pathology, including hip, stifle, or tarsal abnormalities such as degenerative joint disease, fractures, or luxations.
• Soft-Tissue or Ligament Injury:
  • When soft-tissue or ligament injury (e.g., cranial cruciate ligament rupture, tendon or muscle strain) is suspected, and radiographs are necessary to exclude concurrent osseous pathology.
• Neurologic or Spinal Considerations:
  • To evaluate for neurologic or spinal disorders (e.g., lumbosacral disease, intervertebral disc disease [IVDD]) that may contribute to hindlimb weakness, paresis, or paralysis.
• Persistent or Progressive Lameness:
  • In cases where lameness persists or worsens despite rest, medical therapy, or initial management, indicating the need for further diagnostic evaluation.
     

Clinical Signs Checklist (when submitting):

This clinical signs checklist provides a structured reference for key clinical indicators associated with hindlimb lameness, supporting accurate correlation between physical examination findings and radiographic evidence.

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

• Pelvic Limb(s)
• Thoracolumbar Spine
• 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

This FastTrack Complete Report focuses on identifying key radiographic findings relevant to hindlimb dysfunction, ensuring timely recognition of orthopedic, spinal, and clinically significant systemic abnormalities that may influence diagnostic interpretation, therapeutic planning, and overall prognosis.

A. Hip and Pelvis

1. Hip Dysplasia
2. Hip Incongruity
3. Hip Osteoarthritis
4. Hip Luxation
5. Pelvic Fracture
6. Sacroiliac luxation

B. Stifle and Tarsus

1. Stifle Effusion
2. Stifle Periarticular Osteophytosis
3. Patellar Luxation
4. Joint Mineralization/mouse
5. Tarsal Periarticular Osteophytosis
6. Distal Extremity Arthritis
    

C. General Musculoskeletal

1. Lytic and/or Blastic Bone Lesions
2. Appendicular Bone Fracture
3. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)
4. Hypertrophic Osteopathy (Marie's Disease)
5. Panosteitis
6. Joint Luxation
7. Joint Enthesopathy
8. Soft Tissue swelling
9. Thickened tendon
10. Muscle Atrophy

D. Thoracolumbar Spine

1. Thoracolumbar Disc Space Narrowing
2. Lumbosacral Degeneration
3. Mineralized Disc
4. Vertebral Fracture
5. Vertebral subluxation
6. Tail luxation

E. 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-Hindlimb)

• Rib Fracture
• Skull Fracture