Hypothesis 3 Trauma Although the physical exam did not reveal any trauma, this does not rule it out. We have ruled out any traum below the hipjoint area due to the lack of pain/instability in the hock and stifle area. Being a puppy could predispose the animal to fractures near the growth plate area if these areas have not finished ossifying. Again, if there were nutritional inadequacies, leading weakened bones or cartilage, the animal may have injured itself without anyone realizing it. With the hip joint located underneath a rather large amount of muscle mass, it would be difficult to ascertain this without further diagnotic workup. Souces of potenital trauma: HBC-not likely because is walked on leash, and probably would have more overt signs Jumping from high area/falling/getting caught in something- could have jumped off a bed or a sofa, fallen down stairs, etc when someoen was not around, dislocated hip in that manner or caused injury to the joint/ligaments.