Case Study: Margo the Lurcher

From Suspected Spinal Pain to a Happy, Comfortable Dog Again

Patient Profile

Name: Margo
Breed: Lurcher
Age: 7 Years Old
Owner: Samantha
Veterinary Referral: Lurgan Veterinary Clinic

The Initial Problem

Margo was referred to The Suddy Dog Rehabilitation Centre following veterinary investigations into intermittent pain when rising from rest.

Radiographs had identified spondylosis at T13, and it was initially suspected that this spinal change was responsible for the discomfort Margo was experiencing when getting up.

Like many devoted owners, Samantha knew something wasn't right. She had noticed Margo crying out when attempting to rise and was determined to find the cause.

Looking Beyond the Diagnosis

At Margo's initial rehabilitation consultation, a thorough physical examination was performed.

Although Margo demonstrated good general head and neck movement, palpation revealed significant discomfort through the:

Cervical (neck) region
Shoulder region
Cranial thoracic area

Mild discomfort was also identified through the lumbar and sacral regions.

Further assessment revealed:

Reduced extension in the left forelimb
Reduced extension in the right hind limb
Muscular tightness in both forelimbs
Mild muscle atrophy in the right hind limb

These findings suggested there could be more to Margo's symptoms than the spinal changes identified on X-ray.

The Video That Changed Everything

One of the most valuable pieces of information came from Samantha herself.

She had recorded a video of Margo during one of her painful episodes.

By slowing the footage down frame by frame, we were able to identify the exact moment Margo experienced discomfort while rising.

What became immediately apparent was that the painful movement was originating from her neck and shoulder region rather than her lower back.

This was a crucial finding.

While Margo did have spondylosis visible on radiographs, our assessment suggested that the primary source of her discomfort was actually within the cervical and shoulder region.

This highlights an important aspect of rehabilitation medicine:

X-rays show structural changes, but they do not always tell the full story of where pain is coming from.

Samantha as kindly allowed us to share the video she showed us during Margo's assessment. Please note you do hear Margo yelp in the video.

Objective Gait Analysis

To further investigate Margo's movement, we performed a Tendiboot gait assessment.

The data confirmed significant asymmetry affecting the left forelimb, supporting our clinical findings.

Initial Findings

Measurement Initial Result

Left Forelimb Peak Force 13.4 N/kg

Left Forelimb Stride Height 6 cm

Left Forelimb Stride Length 22 cm

Left Forelimb Stance Time 571 ms

The results showed:

Reduced weight-bearing through the left forelimb
Reduced stride length
Reduced stride height
Compensatory changes through the hind limbs

Together, the clinical examination, video analysis and gait data all pointed towards a neck and shoulder-related issue rather than pain originating from the spondylosis alone.

Rehabilitation Plan

A hydrotherapy-based rehabilitation programme was developed with the goals of:

Reducing muscular tension
Improving cervical mobility
Improving shoulder function
Restoring normal gait mechanics
Increasing overall comfort

Margo attended the water treadmill once per week for an initial rehabilitation block.

Home exercises were also provided to support her recovery between sessions.

Rehabilitation Progress

From her very first treadmill session, Margo showed encouraging improvements.

Stride monitoring within the treadmill demonstrated immediate improvements in forelimb movement, with stride lengths increasing to approximately 300 mm compared to the restricted stride lengths recorded during her initial gait assessment.

Over the course of six rehabilitation sessions, Margo continued to progress exceptionally well.

Tendiboot Results After 6 Sessions

Measurement Initial Session 6 Improvement

Peak Force (LF) 13.4 N/kg 14.5 N/kg +8%

Stride Height (LF) 6 cm 9 cm +50%

Stride Length (LF) 22 cm 36 cm +64%

Stance Time (LF) 571 ms 644 ms Improved Stability

The previously identified forelimb asymmetry had largely resolved.

Weight-bearing became significantly more balanced and stride mechanics were restored to near-symmetrical movement patterns.

Clinical Outcome

At Margo's rehabilitation review:

✓ No discomfort was detected during spinal palpation

✓ Spinal mobility was good throughout

✓ Full extension was achieved in all four limbs

✓ Muscular tension had significantly reduced

✓ Confidence in movement had improved

✓ Overall gait symmetry had improved substantially

Most importantly, the painful episodes that had originally prompted referral had dramatically improved.

Margo had returned to moving comfortably and confidently.

Owner Feedback

"After only 6 hydrotherapy sessions with the very knowledgeable team Margo is a new dog.

Readings taken on her first session showed huge differences between her weight bearing, stride length and height in her limbs. By her 6th session these same readings showed great balance between all 4 limbs.

I can clearly see my dog is a different girl these days but regardless of what I'm witnessing at home the readings speak for themselves.

We will be continuing once a month going forward to keep Margo supple and happy."

— Samantha, Margo's Owner

Ongoing Management

Due to her excellent progress, Margo has now transitioned onto a maintenance programme.

She now attends The Suddy Dog Rehabilitation Centre once per month to help maintain mobility, comfort and muscle condition.

Should any stiffness or discomfort return, her programme can be adjusted immediately to provide additional support.

Conclusion

Margo's case demonstrates the importance of combining veterinary diagnosis, detailed physical assessment, owner observations and objective gait analysis.

Although spinal changes had been identified on radiographs, rehabilitation assessment revealed that her primary source of discomfort was originating from the neck and shoulder region.

Through a targeted hydrotherapy programme and ongoing monitoring using Tendiboot gait analysis, Margo achieved significant improvements in mobility, comfort and gait symmetry.

Today, she continues to enjoy life comfortably, supported by a monthly maintenance programme designed to keep her moving freely for years to come.

Samantha has kindly provided the below videos which shows Margo out running about enjoying life again with her little sister Pickle.

If after reading Margo's story you would like to speak to us about helping your companion back on its feet please get in contact by using our contact us section.

Thank you again for Samantha allowing use to share Margo's story.