Orthopaedic consultation and examination (lameness)
Assessment of lameness and musculoskeletal pain: orthopaedic examination, joint tests, digital X-ray and ultrasound on site. The result of the visit is a specific diagnosis or a plan for further diagnostics.
What it involves
An orthopaedic consultation is a structured examination of the locomotor system: watching the animal move (walk, trot, getting up, going down stairs), then examining each limb joint by joint — range of movement, pain on flexing and extending, ligament stability, swelling, crepitus, muscle wasting. The aim is to establish which limb and which structure is painful, not merely to confirm that “the animal is lame”.
Based on the clinical examination we decide on imaging. Most often we take digital X-rays in two projections, and if damage to tendons or muscles or fluid in a joint is suspected, an ultrasound. We assess and discuss the images straight away, so the owner leaves the visit with a diagnosis or with a clearly named next step.
We also distinguish orthopaedic lameness from neurological lameness (for example, spinal problems can give a similar picture). This matters, because it changes the whole course of treatment.
When it is used
Lameness that does not go away after 2–3 days of rest, returns after exercise or gets worse in the morning after resting. Also when the animal is “only” reluctant to jump, avoids stairs, gets up more slowly or has changed the position of its legs when sitting — in cats, joint pain usually shows itself in exactly this way, without obvious limping.
An orthopaedic visit is also the starting point before any joint procedure and when planning treatment of degenerative disease in a senior animal.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- A dog is lame on a hind leg after play or after a jump and will not put weight on it.
- The animal suddenly lifts a leg while running, “skips” for a few steps and then walks normally.
- A cat has stopped jumping onto the windowsill or bed and lies down more often.
- A dog gets up stiffly in the morning and only loosens up after a few minutes.
- A joint is visibly swollen, warm or painful to the touch.
- A large-breed puppy wobbles on its hind legs, sits sideways or “bunny-hops” with both hind legs at the same time.
- Lameness lasts longer than a week despite rest.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
The basis is the history and clinical examination — please take a phone video of your pet walking at home, because in the consulting room stress often “masks” lameness. Then digital X-rays in at least two projections; in patients that are in pain or tense, we take them under brief sedation so that the positioning is correct and the image is diagnostic.
We use ultrasound to assess tendons, muscles and fluid in the joint.
How it proceeds
The visit usually lasts 30–45 minutes. We start by watching the gait in the corridor and outside, then examine the animal on the table: we palpate the spine and each limb and carry out joint stability tests (for example the cranial drawer test of the knee, or the Ortolani test in puppies). On this basis we identify the specific structure to image.
If an X-ray is needed, we take it the same day; sedation for the images is brief, and the animal goes home after waking up. We go through the result together on screen, show the changes and present the options: conservative treatment, surgery or further diagnostics. The owner receives written recommendations in line with standard STD-06.
Aftercare
After the visit, restricted activity usually applies (walks on a lead, no jumping or stairs), and possibly pain relief — we give doses and duration in writing. A check-up after 2–3 weeks lets us assess whether conservative treatment is working or whether it is necessary to move on to the next stage.
Call us sooner if the lameness suddenly gets worse, swelling appears or the animal stops putting weight on the leg altogether.
Frequently asked questions
Does my pet need an X-ray, or is an examination enough?
Sometimes it is enough. We request an X-ray when the clinical examination points to a joint or bone — the image then settles the diagnosis and lets us plan treatment. We do not take X-rays “just in case”.
Is sedation for an X-ray safe?
It is brief, monitored sedation, preceded by an assessment in line with standard STD-01. It means the image is taken in the correct position without pain for the patient.
A dog is lame only after exercise — is it serious?
It can be. Lameness after exercise is typical of a partial cruciate ligament rupture and of early dysplasia. It is worth checking before the changes become established.
Do you see cats with orthopaedic problems?
Yes. In cats, joint pain rarely looks like limping — more often it shows as avoiding jumps and lower activity. We examine them as thoroughly as dogs.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Have questions about orthopaedic consultation and examination?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.