Facts for Hypotheses

Rimadyl not effective: neoplasia not responsive to anti-inflammatory drugs

Right worse than left: Suggests localization of pain Ð not systemic problem

Grade 1/4: Suggests pain Ð early disease

Hock/Stifle not painful: localization of pain limited to proximal hind limb

Weight carried in front: compensation for pain in hind limbs 

Lame in hind legs: pain in hind limbs 

Awkward gait for past few weeks: Not acute, pain or space occupying lesion, or pain or 
degenerative changes in joint 

Range of motion: Limited, compromise of joint space, or pain or degenerative changes
in joint 

Uncomfortable when sitting: Pain in pelvis or proximal limb

9mos: young dog, certain neoplasias common in young dogs, problems at early age 
suggest congenital disorders, growth disorders common in young dogs due to nutrition

Rott: large breed, predisposed to certain neoplasias, nutritional imbalances and 
degenerative diseases

No muscle pain or atrophy: Localized to bone or joint, or early disease

Clicking in both elbow joints without pain: Suggests early degenerative changes in the 
joint, could be poor nutrition or congenital defect

Reluctance to go up or down stairs: Suggests pain and a reluctance to move joints

Worse in the morning and after exertion: activity in joint or prolonged periods of 
immobility stress joint 

Ortalani Sign positive on right, too painful to tell on left: sign of joint laxity

Fed Large breed food free choice: suggests that nutritional demands are not being met