Learning issues

What does medial buttressing mean and how does it affect our hypothesis?
Medial buttressing means that there was joint capsule fibrosis in which the joint was attempting to stabilize itself.  This leads us to a hypothesis of either joint luxity or a tear of the supporting ligaments.

Is a medially luxating patella when the leg is in extension normal or abnormal?  Abnormal

What does a pain on dorsal flexion of the tail indicate?  In this case we are assuming that the pain on dorsal flexion of the tail is not critical information as many dogs exhibit a pain reflex for that procedure.

Is it normal to have a pain response when testing for cranial drawer sign and when trying to luxate the patella?  It is abnormal

What does a grade 3/4 lameness mean?  It is severe and intermittently weight bearing.  It may mean that Titan has the ability to return his patella to the trochlear groove at which time, he can put weight on that limb.


Hypothesis investigations:

Investigate how degenerative changes could lead to pain in the stifle joint.
Investigate how trauma could lead to lameness and pain in the stifle joint.
Investigate how developmental abnormalities could lead to pain in the stifle joint.