Small Animal: MSK Exam 1

What history questions need to be asked during orthopedic exams?

-primary complaint

-how and when did pain/lameness start

-duration of lameness

-does the severity vary

-any previous treatments

-environment

-diet

-any previous injuries

What visual evaluation occurs during orthopedic exam?

-gait

-atrophy

-symmetry

How to identify thoracic limb lameness?

head raises when the affected limb touches the ground

-down with the sound

How to identify pelvic limb lameness?

-head raises with non-affected limb

-pelvic hike can elevate pelvis on affected size

Thoracic and pelvic limb lameness are assessed at what gait?

Trot

What level of pressure should be used during palpation?

enough to blanche fingernails

Lateral recumbency palpation is best for ____ joints

isolating

What order should an orthopedic exam be done in?

nose to butt, toes and up

List commonly forgotten palpation during small animal orthopedic exam

-nails

-paw pads

-arm pits

Effusion is easier to palpate in joints with ____ tissue coverage

minimal

What should be the "home bases" of pelvic limb palpation?

-greater trochanter

-tibial tuberosity

What is CREPI?

-crepitus

-range of motion

-effusion

-pain

-instability

List the symmetrical gaits

-walk

-amble

-trot

-pace

List the asymmetrical gaits

-canter

-transverse gallop

-rotary gallop

What is gait "beat"?

the number of ground impacts within each stride cycle

Describe a walk

four beat, symmetrical gait

Describe a trot

two beat, symmetrical, diagonal gait

Describe a pace

two beat, lateral, symmetrical gait

-can be normal in some dogs

What is the best diagnostic imaging to begin with?

radiographs to confirm tentative diagnosis

T or F: both limbs should be evaluated

True

What are the radiographic signs of osteoarthritis?

SOE: sclerosis, osteophytosis, effusion

What imaging methods are good for soft tissue evaluation?

ultrasound and MRI

What are bone and PET scans good for?

can help localize EXACTLY where the issue is

What are CT good for?

evaluating bones