Keep hunting until you find a solid, clincially valid diagnosis! I read very carefully through your recent descriptions of Encore’s lamness and wonder if she’s been tested for Medial Shoulder Instability. Diagnosed by measuring shoulder abduction range of motion, the biomechnical theory is that forelimb “plant and pivot with shoulder extension” causes microtears of the medial joint capsule that over time cause a ligamentous laxity. This laxity forces muscles such as the Teres major and Latissimus dorsi to work really hard to stabilize the joint…which puts these muscles at risk for strains. When going about their regular daily activities dogs will naturally compensate and lamness may not be observed. But when asked to “plant, pivot with extension”, such as a return to agility, the lamness returns. The diagnostic test takes 1 minute, dog awake and relaxed on its side, physio with goniometer in hand: If shoulder abduction is >32.6 degrees+/- 2.0 degrees, it is a positive. And the good news, rehab is a possibility. Hope this helps!

We’re all behind you here at Canine Fitness Zone in FC, Colorado! We’ll help in any way possible.

Sending positive thoughts to Encore and to you. Please keep us posted.

This too shall pass. The roads we think we are to take are not always the ones we are meant to be on. So adjustments that are not always popular with us happen. But we learn and we grow. Your friends and students are here to lean on, to listen, to learn with you on this part of your journey.
Encore will find a place in the spot light. I’m sure Encore will recover and bring joy to us in ways no one has thought of.
Feature will also. You never know what surprises are right around the corner.
I am glad you shared with us. Know we are with you and wish you and your pack only the best. We all look forward to the lesson this is teaching us all.

A friend in Texas USA–sorry about that loss, but well it is just a game. Sometimes underdogs surprise us. (that game took me back to 1980 winning over Russia-what a group of guys)