Specialty exam results The sedated orthopedic exam showed the same results as the original orthopedic exam. Patella laxity in the right stifle joint. However, there was no pain response while testing the left stifle and no pain response with the dorsal flexion of the tail while the dog was sedated. This exam localizes the problem to the right stifle joint. The radiographs show no indication of a degenerative change such as osteoarthritis. There is no radiographic indication of any other abnormalities.