Unexplained lameness in a GSD (Police Dog)

[Guest guest]

My first post...how exciting!

I'm hoping that someone might have suggestions for me regarding this case...5

y/o intact male GSD on active police duty who presented last fall to his regular

vet for intermittent lameness LH. Lameness did not resolve with NSAIDS/some

rest (was still working during this time).

I saw him in late February and Dx'd a L iliopsoas strain which has responded

very well to treatment (cross-frictional massage, low-level LASER, eccentric

exercise). I was just at the point of seeing him every 2 - 2.5 weeks for

maintenance when his handler called saying that he seemed lame (especially at

the end of a quiet shift when he just stayed in the car) and reluctant to jump

into OR out of the car. No known trauma/on the job issues. Handler was away at

training last week and the dog received much less activity than normal (prior to

developing the limp).

Saw him last Wednesday - limping RF. The only abnormality I could isolate was

repeatable tenderness on biceps flexibility test (no reaction on palp of

origin/insertion). Also seemed tender on flexion of L hock (but can be a bit

reactive throughout exams). L iliopsoas checked - no sign of a problem. No

concern with L stifle at that point. He was started on Metacam, low-level LASER

to R biceps, L hock (handler follows up with icing). Rechecked Sat - R biceps

still tender on flexibility test; very unhappy on palp of L stifle today (hock

improved) but could not elicit drawer/tibial thrust (albeit he was at the clinic

and tense). Rest of exam unremarkable.

I'm not convinced of an ACL tear but we're considering an MRI to rule it out

(rec by rDVM). Other diagnostics - lyme negative; no signs of autoimmune

issues; hips normal on rads 2 yrs ago.

My initial thought on Wed was that he may have tightened up due to more

inactivity than normal followed by going back to work; now, I'm not sure of what

to think! Is there anything obvious I'm missing?

Thanks!