.jpg)
Dazie: Case Report
Written by Kim Lake
Michigan State Univeristy
College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2015
- Signalment: 8 year old, spayed female, Shih Tzu
- History: Dazy presents to Pawsitive Steps Rehabilitation & Therapy for Pets with moderate left hind limb lameness after knee surgery called a Modified Retinacular Imbrication Technique (MRIT) which was performed on 3/4/14. Over the past 6 months, prior to surgery, Dazy displayed intermittent left hind limb lameness. During surgery, mild arthritis of the knee joint was noted. Since having surgery, she is exhibiting difficulty walking on uneven surfaces, stairs, and going for long walks. Lameness is worst in the morning, evening, and during activity. Her current medications include an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, and a joint supplement.
- Clinical Problems:
- Moderate left hind limb lameness:
- Toe touching with partial weight bearing
- Mild left thigh muscle atrophy
- Bilateral carpal valgus of five degrees (slight outward deviation of the wrist joints)
- Mild myofascial back pain
- Mild dental tartar
- Moderate left hind limb lameness:
- Rehabilitation goals:
- Strengthen the muscles of the left thigh and hip to reverse muscle atrophy
- Strengthen core muscles (abdominal and back muscles)
- Modalities and Treatment:
- Strengthening and therapeutic exercises:
- Two inch cavalettis with uneven walking surface:
- Helps improve body awareness and improve balance while working core muscles
- Figure 8’s:
- Helps improve body awareness and strengthens legs, hips, and core
- Underwater treadmill:
- Water depth at the level of the shoulder to increase buoyancy and resistance when moving the limbs
- Two inch cavalettis with uneven walking surface:
- Laser therapy – Class IV:
- Performed on lower back, left knee, and right hip and knee to decrease inflammation, enhance blood flow, and heal tissues
- Massage
- Thermotherapy focused on the back muscles
- Aromatherapy: Lavender calming scent
- Strengthening and therapeutic exercises:
- Homework exercises:
- Short, frequent, slow leash walks – twice daily to improve endurance and promote weight bearing of the surgical leg
- Cookie side bends – helps strengthen core muscles
- Cookie stretches – helps improve strength in neck and flexibility
- Squats – practice going from a sitting position to a standing one to increase strength and musculature in legs
- Dancing – standing up on back legs with support to improve strength and encourage hind limb weight bearing
- Three legged standing – lifting up one forelimb and then replacing it and removing the other forelimb to improve balance and strength