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"Fluffy" by name but definitely NOT by nature!
If ever a patient was less aptly named then I'm afraid "Fluffy"
is it, unless that is of course the name "Fluffy"
conjures up in your mind a 9 pound whirlwind of spitting
claws and teeth!
It was with some considerable difficulty that both of my
colleagues, Ingrid and Geraldine,
were able to examine "Fluffy" for a lameness involving
the right forelimb.
When the treatment prescribed failed to produce the anticipated
improvement I advised an examination under sedation and
x-rays to establish a diagnosis.
It is very much easier to examine patients whilst under
sedation - especially of the "Fluffy" variety!
It was during this examination that I was very surprised
to discover that "Fluffy's" elbow felt very unusual.
On palpation it became clear that the triceps muscle insertion,
which attaches itself to the point of the elbow, was missing.
Each joint has a group of muscles (flexors) which bends
it one way and another group of muscles (extensors) which
pulls in the opposite direction. The missing attachment
of the triceps muscle meant the "Fluffy" could
bend her elbow all too easily but was completely unable
to extend it.
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