Earlier posts ventured age related arthritis and medical neglect as attributes to Hector’s quivering and weakened right hind leg. This past week, during a Canine Rehabilitation Consultation with Hector, Dr. Krista Evans and Diana Huey of the Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists in Annapolis, MD, provided a much clearer diagnosis.

Although there was a mild trace of arthritis detected, x-rays of Hector’s legs, hips and spine proved that arthritis wasn’t the main cause of his symptoms. According to Dr. Evans, the x-rays showed that Hector’s L3-4 discs are pressuring a spinal nerve on his right side. This is most likely from a past injury.

Over time, the repeated pressure has created a ‘conscious prioceptive’. In simpler terms – Hector’s hind leg has some nerve damage that has caused a response system delay to his right leg and foot.

Huey expained that Hector adapted to the pressuring disc, carrying his weight primarily on the other three legs, favoring the forth. Due to the favoring, Hector has lost muscle mass, and, ultimately, weight support for his right hind leg. The quivering is representative of the resulting weakness.

Diana Huey adds, “If the muscle is not used, it losses strength. Weakening of Hector’s right limb’s muscle mass is putting more pressure on his spine causing on-going discomfort. Re-strengthening Hector’s leg muscle is our goal to improve his overall posture and strength – decreasing his discomfort and spinal pressure.”

Through the physical consultation, Dr. Evans also diagnosed an ‘Iliopsoas (muscle) strain’. Manipulation of the affected muscle by simultaneous internal rotation and extension of the hip joint elicited pain. This type of strain is typically caused by trauma.

Recalling our first week with Hector, he did have difficulty managing steps and getting on the couch without assistance and he whimpered when trying. By week two, he was managing stairs and climbing on the couch without assistance. I believe this is connected to two key factors. Firstly, he was getting twice [daily exercise], 15-30 minutes each day. Second and most importantly, his body was getting [proper nourishment] from his K-9 Kraving raw diet dog food. These factors combined, as seen documented in earlier videos, are helping his body to regain integrity and mobility.

In this way, Hector is fortunate. Continued strategic and typical daily exercise, will help redevelop the strength in his right side. Evans and Huey strongly believe that with muscle gain, his posture will improve and will positively influence his right back leg and its mobility. This, coupled with healthy feedings,  will sustain the redevelopment of strength in his back right leg - lessening his discomfort in the future.

In another way Hector wasn’t as fortunate…his mouth. On Tuesday, April 7th, Hector met Dr. Ira Luskin AVDC/EVDC and Dr. Heather Duncan, DVM. Hector received very serious mouth surgery in an amazing attempt to close the two angry holes in his mouth and to address suspicious tissue surrounding these areas. We’ll be covering these procedures, surgery and Hector’s recovery, in detail, next week.

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