06/01/2026
At just 6 months old, Khaos came to see Dr. Jen for a limp in her left hind leg. During her examination, she showed very little pain, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly where the problem was coming from. This is a great example of why there are so many possible causes of lameness in dogs, and why diagnostics are often needed to get the full picture.
While rest and medication can sometimes help with muscle soreness, strains, or inflammation, radiographs are often the best way to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying issue. After recommending X-rays, Dr. Jen discovered the cause of Khaos’s limp: a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture. This occurs when the bony attachment at the top of the tibia (shin bone) is pulled away by the powerful tendon attached to it, preventing the knee from functioning normally.
Khaos was referred to an orthopedic specialist for surgery, where the fracture was carefully repaired using pins to secure the bone fragment back into place and allow it to heal properly.
Just when Khaos’s family thought they were in the clear, she returned a short time later with a limp in her other hind leg. Radiographs revealed that she had sustained the exact same injury on the opposite side—a remarkably uncommon situation. Once again, surgery was performed to repair the fracture. The pictures of the X-rays here are the before and after progression of the bone healing after surgery.
Today, we’re happy to report that Khaos is doing fantastic! 🎉 She has recovered well from both surgeries and is back to enjoying life as a young dog should.
Khaos’s story is a wonderful reminder that not every limp has an obvious cause. Sometimes an injury can be far more significant than what we see on a physical exam alone, which is why radiographs can be such an important tool in helping us reach the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
We’re so proud of Khaos and grateful to have been part of her journey to the happy, healthy dog she is today. 💚🐾
