dogs hitching up hind legs

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I have seen 3 dogs this last year with a similar problem. They are all skipping on one or the other hind leg similar to what we see with patella luxation. None of these dogs demonstrate any abnormal laxity. One of the dogs is a dachshund, one a beagle, and one a soft-coat wheaton. You can see a video of the wheaton on:

http://gallery.me.com/ngumley/100001/VID00008

This last dog had no abnormalities noted on examination. Range of motion in all joints was normal, there was no muscle pain or spasm. Lumbar spine and pelvis appear normal on examination. The dog is mostly fine at a walk, but the trot increases the abnormal gait.

On the beagle we did find some discomfort at L6, with pain in both psoas insertions and on the adductor insertion of the RH leg. Therapy with laser to the L - S spine, paraspinals, psoas, therapeutic ultrasound and IMS/acupuncture improved the signs for a short time, but did not last. The surgeon examined this dog also and confirmed that there were no orthopedic problems. Jumping is good, as is running.

I'm intrigued that all three dogs deomonstrate the same abnormal gait, but I have yet to find a convincing explanation. Any one else seeing anything like this that is not patella-related?

Thanks,

Nigel