Mable, a 3-year-old spayed pointer, is presented with acute right pelvic limb lameness (right pelvic limb is non-weight–bearing) of 2 days’ duration. She has no history of previous lameness. Her owner reports she had been standing on top of her doghouse (≈4.5 ft off the ground) on the day she was injured.

History

Mable has congenital deafness but is otherwise healthy. Her BCS is 4/9. She was spayed at 6 months of age without complication. She receives routine flea, tick, and heartworm preventives. One other dog also lives in the household; both dogs are fed a commercially prepared raw diet. Mable’s owner reports she is a high-energy dog that performs in agility competitions and has traveled throughout the southeastern coastal part of the United States.

Physical Examination

On physical examination, Mable is tachycardic (180 bpm) and panting. Her temperature is 103.1°F (39.5°C). When she occasionally places the affected limb on the ground, she has a plantigrade stance. Mable is sedated due to her high stress level.