Group ___

Hypothesis 1

The tendon gaps indicate a failure in the tendon which allows the gastroc muscles 
to be flaccid and the hock cannot be supported in extension so the dog walks 
"down" on the back of the tarsus. One side failed because it was weakened or 
traumatized which put strain on the other side and it failed because of overwork. 
The lack of other signs, especially neurological support a local failure rather 
than central or generalized. The activity level in an aging dog which has been on 
a sub-par diet may contribute to the weakness that led to failure. Age may have 
been a factor. Overwork may also have played a role. Sub-clinical muscle 
inflammation / lactic acid buildup may have predisposed to muscle deterioation and 
failure.