Chapter 21 Conditions and Rehabilitation of the Working Dog 537muscle defects on palpation of either right or left
supraspinatus muscles. Slight resistance to full exten-
sion of the right pelvic limb, especially if digits also
placed into flexion. Slight sensitivity and thickening pal-
pable on right lateral proximal tibia. No medial buttress
or joint laxity in either stifle joint. Slight sensitivity and
muscle hypertonicity over right mid-lumbar spine with
mild loss of lateral spinal flexibility.
Thermal imaging: Lateral chest image shows mild
increase in heat present on cranial aspect of left
shoulder at supraspinatus insertion (Figure 21.14).
Patient shows asymmetrical heat pattern over lum-
bar spine, with greater heat present over right epax-
ial muscles (Figure 21.15), possibly representing
increased blood flow from increased muscle
demand compensating for right pelvic limb lame-
ness (holding the leg up to minimize weight bear-
ing) or chronic overuse from left shoulder (chronic
stretching and tearing of epaxial muscle fibers).
Right tibial image shows significantly elevated
temperature in area of proximal caudolateral tibia
(Figure 21.16).Figure 21.14 Thermal image of the lateral left shoulder demonstrating a small but definite focus of heat at the
insertion of the left supraspinatus tendon a year after initial diagnosis.
(Continued)Figure 21.15 Dorsal lumbar spine thermal image
(cranial is at the top of the image). An increased heat
signature can be seen along the right cranial ribcage
and lumbar epaxial musculature and over the left
sacroiliac area.
Figure 21.16 Thermal image of the caudal aspect of
the pelvic limbs. The right pelvic limb demonstrates a
significant focal heat pattern at the proximal caudal
aspect of the right lateral tibia (arrow).