Complaint:
Lame in hind legs - bilateral symmetrical hindlimb lameness

Signalment:
9 month old dog Rottweiler
Young growing dog, large breed, possible developmental problem

Symptoms Characteristic of Lameness: grade 1/4 lameness in right hind leg 
		Awkward gait (altered stride)
		Right leg worse than left (gait asymmetry)
		Hip ROM reduced to 100 degrees (decreased range of motion)
		Disproportionate amount of weight on forelegs (altered weight 			bearing)
		Hip joints painful 	More on right and extension 
						Uncomfortable when she sits down								Reluctant to climb up and down stairs

Symptoms Characteristic of a Persistent Recent Non-Traumatic Lameness:
		Began a few weeks ago and has continued to persist
		Worse after non-use for long periods of time and exercise
		No history of trauma - usually walked on leash - indoor dog 			(decreases risk of unknown trauma) and only pet
		No long bone fractures
		No muscle atrophy

Localization of Lameness to Coxofemoral Joint:
		Hip joints painful - more on right and extension
		No long bone fractures
		Normal hock and stifle (tibial-tarsal joint and femoral-tibial joint 		intact)
		No cranial drawer sign - cruciate ligament intact
		No neurological deficits
		Ortelani sign positive on left hip, unable to evaluate on right hip 		because of pain


Important Unexplainable Facts:
		Didn't respond to Rimadyl (only gave Rimadyl when painful - used as 		treatment)
		Flea and heartworm treatment (current)
		No muscle pain 
		No joint effusion - limits range of motion


All of these facts led us to believe there is a recent onset, persistent lameness isolated in the coxofemoral joints that is not caused by trauma.

Our three hypotheses for the etiology of the joint pain are:
1) Malformation of the coxofemoral joint
2) Abnormal ossification of articular cartilage
3) Abnormalities of the coxofemoral ligaments