Spitz (E) – 18 months neutered
Full report drawn up
Vidoe and photos produced at 1.5 hour assessment
Vets had previously found nothing obvious to report. After chatting with us, pain still seemed obvious cause of behavioural issues and in need of further investigation – he returned to the vet and was unable to find a definitive source of pain, although he did say he seemed sensitive around his hips but said his behaviour all points to pain so we the process of elimination to work out what was causing it was started. The vet wanted to eliminate neurological pain first so prescribed Gabapentin with a review later in the week.
In order to investigate further because things were still not obvious, an assessment was carried out in a larger space where he had the option to move freely.
E was very reluctant to move when he came into the work area. It took almost 20 minutes for him to start to move. His movement was very minimal, he could barely stand and whilst his front legs moved more normally, he struggled to move his back legs and his back remained sloped at the back and he shuffled his back legs forwards. He would move and sit and then move and sit. At times he would also lay down and crawl.
There were moments when he stood up, however, the position was not held for long. At times he appeared agitated and he kept moving his head around
and yawning frequently. He only moved when his guardian moved away from him and was sitting with her head turned from him. He did manage to climb onto her lap and then clawed his way in a more upright position to be held close near her shoulder. E’s left leg did moved as though he was trying to push himself up higher but was unable to do so.
At one point early on in the observation after he had climbed onto his guardian’s lap, he started to move away from her and rested his hind leg and then urinated. He generally struggles to urinate as he is unable to weight-bear for long on his hind legs.
Some images show his position in regards to this:
Observations from the video session:
- Enzo struggled to move more than one pace at a time. His spine was sloped, and his bottom barely lifted from the floor
- At times he did stand however this was only for a few seconds and he never walked
- When he laid down he would crawl to move towards his guardian
- He was very reluctant to move throughout the session
- His left hind leg was tucked underneath him
- Urinating is very difficult for him
- When E moves his right hind looks like it is over-extending and the leg curls underneath him
Outcome after veterinary investigation:
There was never a definitive answer on the root cause of E’s pain, but the most likely cause seemed to be a combination of a soft tissue injury to one rear leg and a worsening luxating patella on the other. E had surgery on the patella in July 2024 and, after a cautious start, recovered very well and is now walking and running and apparently pain-free. He was officially discharged October 2024 but continued to receive physio. He was able to attend a Mantrailing workshop with enthusiasm and the ability to trail and work well including the full range of movement needed to participate easily. He is no longer showing the issues outlined above.