Skipping Lameness in a 3 year old Agility Sheltie

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Hi,

Anyone's thoughts on this case would be greatly appreciated. The dog is a 3

year old Sheltie that competes in Agility. A change in gait was noticed by the

owner in mid-December. At the time, the one-step skip on the right hind was

only noted during agility training when she was going at faster speeds. She has

not demonstrated this skip at any other time in the house, on walks, or when

going high speed in the backyard. I examined the dog last month and no lameness

was noted on gait analysis. She is in very good shape with BCS 2.75/5. There

was inconsistent discomfort with lower back palpation and tail elevation. She

consistently had restrictions with full right hip extension. There was very

mild discomfort with palpation of her iliopsoas and was often more reactive when

laying in lateral for palpation. Stifles are good, patella is good, SDF tendon

is good. Hip radiographs are normal. No other abnormalities were noted other

than the iliopsoas - and again, it was really mild. We elected to pursue this

and an ultrasound was performed and both iliopsoas muscles at their insertions

imaged normally. The dog has been significantly restricted in any training and

is only going for light walks. Owners are going very light ROM with only hip

extension (no internal rotation or abduction) and icing over the last 2 weeks

until I could see them again. Owner just sent me video and the dog is no more

consistently skipping at even a walk.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated,

Tara , DVM, CCRT