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Free OET Writing Sample Test with Answer Subtest Veterinary Science #11

Dog Hip Dysplasia (Referral to Orthopaedic Specialist)

Case Notes

  • Patient: “Bella” — 3-year-old female Golden Retriever

  • Owner: Mr. Sameer Khanna

  • Date: 8 October 2025

  • Chief Complaint: Progressive lameness in hind limbs over the past 4 months

  • History: Difficulty rising, avoids jumping or climbing stairs, worsening after exercise

  • Physical Exam:

    • Pain on hip extension

    • Reduced muscle mass on both hind limbs

    • Audible clicking in the hip joint

  • Diagnostics:

    • Radiographs: Bilateral hip subluxation, shallow acetabulum

    • CBC/biochem: Normal

  • Treatment Initiated: NSAID (carprofen 4 mg/kg OD), weight control diet, joint supplements (glucosamine + chondroitin)

  • Purpose of Referral: To a veterinary orthopedic specialist for further evaluation and consideration of surgical management (total hip replacement vs. femoral head ostectomy).

Writing Task:

In your answer:
- Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences
- Do not use note form
- Use letter format
The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.

To: Dr. Alok Raina, Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist
From: Dr. Nisha Bhatia, DVM
Date: 8 October 2025
Re: “Bella” (Golden Retriever, 3 yrs) — Bilateral Hip Dysplasia

Dear Dr. Raina,

I am referring “Bella,” a three-year-old female Golden Retriever, for your assessment and possible surgical management of confirmed bilateral hip dysplasia.

Bella has been experiencing progressive hind-limb lameness and difficulty rising for several months. On examination, she exhibited pain during hip extension and a marked reduction in muscle mass on both limbs. Radiographs confirmed shallow acetabula and bilateral subluxation consistent with hip dysplasia.

She is currently managed with carprofen (4 mg/kg once daily), a weight-management diet, and joint supplements. Although this has provided some mild improvement, her mobility remains limited, especially after physical activity.

Considering her age and continued discomfort, surgical intervention such as total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy may offer better long-term function. I would appreciate your expert evaluation and recommendations regarding the most suitable option.

Please keep me informed about her progress.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Nisha Bhatia, DVM

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