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Case
Study
March 16, 2001.
"Jake"
11 month old German Shepherd Cross
History
Jake fell from a height of 2 meters at 9 months of age. He showed a lot of
pain initially. After the fall he slowed down in activity level and seemed
to be very stiff when getting up from lying down. At time of initial
consultation Jake was limping more severely and favoring his left hind
leg. X-rays showed severe lateral displacement of his left hip and
moderate displacement of his right hip. Bilateral hip surgery was
recommended to stabilize his pelvis.
Examination
Jake was very tall and lanky for his age and his owner reported that he
had grown very fast and was still eating puppy food. Gait observation
showed a shortened stride on the left with a severe limp. The thoracic and
lumber spine was severely roached and the muscles were in severe spasm.
Upon palpitation, there was severe pelvic rotation and clicking in the
left hip. The lumbar spine showed areas of multiple vertebral subluxation.
Jake also had a highly elevated pain reaction with even the lightest
palpation.
Diagnosis
Traumatic subluxation of the left hip with compensatory thoracic and
lumber joint subluxation and muscle spasm. I recommended chiropractic
adjustments for Jake 2 times a week for 2 weeks, then 1 time a week for 4
weeks, then monthly. Following Jake's first adjustment he showed
significant improvement in his gait and had decreased muscle spasm in his
lumbar spine. Two weeks later there was no clicking his left hip and no
noticeable limp. By May 24, 2001 Jake showed a 90% improvement in
function. He had no palpable spasm, fixation, hip instability or pain. In
addition to chiropractic care, Jake received Homeopathy and diet
modifications prescribed by a Doctor of Veterinary medicine.
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