Canine Musculoskeletal Exam

Overview of Musculoskeletal Exam
Safely handle and restrain canines for a musculoskeletal exam
Understand the significance of musculoskeletal exams in canines, including their role in preventive care and early diagnosis of issues
Analyze gait of canines through video observation to enhance accuracy in assessments
Perform a hands-on musculoskeletal exam on canines, developing practical skills
Foster a learning community among students, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing

Essential for both examiner and canine safety during examinations. Utilizing proper techniques minimizes stress and risk of injury to both the dog and handler. Employ tools like muzzles or leash restraints as needed for aggressive or anxious dogs.

Assess overall health of canine through systematic evaluation
Gain insight into potential musculoskeletal issues, including arthritis, fractures, or congenital abnormalities, allowing for early intervention

Cleidobrachialis: Helps in the flexion of the shoulder joint; plays a role in forelimb movement.
Trapezius: Supports shoulder movement; important for stabilizing the shoulder blade.
Gluteal Muscles: Critical for hip extension and stability.
Latissimus dorsi: Aids in locomotion and movement of front limbs.
Superficial Pectoral: Assists in the adduction of the forelimb and stabilizes the thorax.
Deltoid: Important for shoulder flexion and arm movement.
Biceps: Responsible for elbow flexion and stabilization of the shoulder.
Tensor fascia lata: Aids in stabilizing the hip and extending the hind leg.
Biceps femoris: Crucial for extension of the hip and flexion of the knee.
Vastus muscles: Important for knee extension.
Semitendinosus: Facilitates hip extension and knee flexion.
Gastrocnemius: Key muscle for paw extension, playing a vital role in movement and jumping.

Spine (C7, T1, L1): Supports the structure of the body and allows for flexibility.
Scapula: Provides attachment for muscles and aids in forelimb movement.
Humerus, Olecranon: Essential for forelimb articulation and movement.
Pelvic bones (Os coxae): Support hind limb weight and stability in motion.
Femur, Patella, Tibia: Fundamental for hind limb movement and weight distribution.
Other bones: Radius, Fibula, Ulna, Tarsal bones, contribute to overall limb structure and function.

Bones: Provide structure and support.
Joints: Allow for mobility and flexibility; the condition of joints is crucial to musculoskeletal health.
Ligaments: Connect bones to each other, providing stability to joints.
Muscles: Enable movement through contraction and relaxation.
Tendons: Attach muscles to bones, facilitating movement.
Skin: Protects underlying structures; also evaluates skin conditions that may indicate systemic issues.

Observation: Assess stance and movement to identify abnormalities at rest and in motion.
Gait Analysis: Identify inconsistencies during walking or running; vital for diagnosing conditions.
Palpation: Use touch to assess muscle tone, swelling, and pain response across various musculoskeletal components.
Manipulation: Test flexibility and range by gently moving joints through their full motion.
Begin with a neurological examination to rule out nerve-related conditions.

Evaluate body condition, behavior, as well as conformation for overall structural integrity and health. Be vigilant for:
- Pelvic limb lameness that may lead to changes in sitting posture.
- Thoracic limb lameness which could induce a desire to lie down more frequently.
Deviations to note:
- Trunk alignment: Ensuring the spine and posture are straight.
- Spinal column curvatures: Identifying abnormal lordosis or kyphosis.
- Limb angular and flexural abnormalities: Observing for bowing or twisting in limbs that may indicate problems.

Observe walk & trot on a lead; use consistent surfaces to assess accurately.
Conduct special maneuvers like tight circles and stairs to challenge the dog's mobility.
Gait Abnormalities to Note:
- Short stride lengths indicating discomfort.
- Abnormal joint movements, such as dragging or excessive flexion that can signal injury or condition.
- Signs of ataxia (loss of coordination), limb crossing, and any clicking sounds during movement that point to joint issues.
- Notable head movements indicating lameness, often seen by head bobbing corresponding with a lame limb.

Grade 1: Sound at walk, mild lameness at trot.
Grade 2: Mild weight-bearing lameness noticeable during physical activity.
Grade 3: Weight-bearing lameness with head bobbing during movement.
Grade 4: Significant weight-bearing lameness affecting normal locomotion.
Grade 5: Toe-touching lameness, indicating severe pain.
Grade 6: Non-weight-bearing lameness; the dog refuses to use the limb at all.

Discussion of key signs relevant to lameness and orthopedic condition.
These signs might include stiffness, decreased range in motion, muscle atrophy, and abnormal behavioral responses to movement.

Evaluate muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, and joints systematically.
Check for general conformation, symmetry, swelling, heat, and signs of pain during palpation to assess underlying conditions.

Conduct a systematic limb evaluation starting from distal areas (like toes) and moving proximally to ensure comprehensive assessment.
Assess joints for inflammation, range of motion, and pain response; capturing any irregularities.
Check for limb alignment and apply gentle pressure to detect pain or changes in motion responses.

Radiography: Identifies clinical findings; requires multiple angles for a complete view of bone structure and integrity.
Ultrasound: Employed primarily for soft tissue evaluation and diagnosis of structural anomalies.
CT (Computed Tomography): Provides clear transverse imaging, particularly valuable for complex bone structures.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Ideal for soft tissue evaluation, including ligaments and tendons due to its detailed imaging capabilities.

Non-invasive: Routine bloodwork and inflammatory markers to monitor systemic health.
Invasive: Procedures such as fluid analysis, tissue biopsy, arthroscopy, and surgeries utilized for thorough diagnostic exploration.

Case, L.P. (2005). The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health, Second Edition.
Colville T, Bassett JM. (2001). Clinical anatomy and physiology for veterinary technicians.
Howard, J. (2018). Top 5 Signs to Watch for During an Orthopedic Examination. Clinician's Brief.
Additional resources: YouTube videos and Google Images.