30/09/2026
COAT FLICKS — A CLUE WORTH NOTING IN DOGS
These photographs show coat flicks observed in recent client dogs during their assessments.
A coat flick is not diagnostic on its own, but it can sometimes be a useful clue when considered alongside the wider clinical picture.
Why look at the lumbar and lumbosacral region?
In the dog, the lumbar spine consists of seven lumbar vertebrae (L1–L7). These vertebrae form the lower portion of the spinal column and are surrounded by important muscles and soft tissues involved in spinal stability and movement.
At the caudal end of the lumbar spine is the lumbosacral junction (L7–S1), where the seventh lumbar vertebra meets the sacrum.
The lumbosacral region is particularly important because it sits at the transition between the spine and pelvis and plays a significant role in:
• Transferring forces between the hind limbs, pelvis and spine
• Hindlimb propulsion
• Spinal and pelvic stability
• Flexion and extension of the spine
• Coordinating movement between the forehand, trunk and hindquarters
The region is also associated with the epaxial and hypaxial musculature, fascia, pelvic structures and neural tissues, all of which contribute to normal movement and load distribution.
So what does a coat flick tell us?
On its own, not very much.
A change in coat direction, texture or appearance should not be interpreted as evidence of a specific injury or pathology.
However, when a coat flick is found in a particular location and alongside other abnormal findings, it may be a clue that encourages closer assessment of the underlying region.
When I assess a dog, I consider the whole patient, including:
• Detailed history and presenting concerns
• Posture and weight distribution
• Gait and movement patterns
• Exercise, workload and performance
• Muscularity, symmetry and muscle tone
• Palpation findings
• Passive range of motion (PROM)
• Pain scoring and behavioural responses
• Spinal and pelvic movement
• Any other changes identified during the assessment
In some of the dogs shown here, the location and appearance of the coat flicks, together with other assessment findings, raised concern regarding the lumbar or lumbosacral region.
This prompted referral to the attending veterinary surgeon for further investigation and appropriate diagnostic assessment.
It is important to make the distinction:
A coat flick does not diagnose a lumbar or lumbosacral condition.
It is one observation within a much broader assessment and, when considered alongside other findings, may contribute to the decision to investigate further.
Where pathology is suspected, veterinary assessment and diagnostics are essential to establish what is actually occurring and to reach an appropriate diagnosis.
My role is to assess, identify abnormalities and recognise when findings warrant veterinary investigation — not to diagnose the underlying pathology.
The value is in noticing the small changes, documenting them and considering them within the context of the entire dog.
Sometimes, the small changes can provide a clue that tells us to look a little closer.
