14-yr-old dog unable to walk

Physical Examination

  • General appearance: Ambulatory but severely ataxic. Patient has normal body condition.

  • Vital signs:
  • Temperature: 38.2° C
  • Pulse: 150/min
  • Respirations: 35/min
  • Weight: 9.9 kg (21.8 lb)

  • Skin: Small skin tag on right lower eyelid

  • HEENT: Moderate black discharge from left ear. Mass palpated at ventral cervical region. Mucous membranes pink and moist.

  • Pulmonary: Normal respiration pattern with mildly increased bronchovesicular sounds. No sneezing or coughing.

  • Cardiovascular: No murmur or arrhythmia, capillary refill time normal, good jugular refill, and no pulse deficits.

  • Gastrointestinal: Gut sounds present and unremarkable. Moderate dental calculus.

  • Genitourinary: Unremarkable

  • Musculoskeletal: Generalized muscle atrophy throughout both hind limbs.

  • Neurologic: Left head tilt with wide head excursions. Ambulatory with severe ataxia. Delayed to absent conscious proprioception of pelvic limbs.

  • Mental status: Quiet, alert, and responsive.