When we think of ways that dogs can injure themselves, our minds often go to sporting dogs performing high energy jumping and weaving or a dog falling or colliding with something.

But here are five causes of muscle strain I have seen in dogs attending my practice recently, that you may not consider would result in injury.

Muscle injury is caused when muscles are overloaded. This can occur acutely, such as in the case of a sudden and unusual movement or through repetitive action over a period of time.

Scrambling over a fence

In an effort to introduce themselves to a new dog next door, this young dog scrambled over a high wire and timber fence. When the dog presented to me several days after the “yard breakout”, they were moving very tentatively. The dog was attempting to shift their weight back, off the forelimbs. On palpation, the dog showed signs of sensitivity in the shoulder, chest and hamstring muscles. Additionally, the dog’s feet were sensitive to touch.

The objective of the massage treatment was to relieve the muscle strain throughout. Gentle stretching was applied to induce muscle relaxation. Warm towel therapy, rest and gentle exercise following the treatment was also recommended.

Kennelling while in quarantine

When this dog came out of quarantine after returning to Australia from living overseas, she was underweight and her gait was significantly altered. At a walk, she carried her head low and forward. Her tail was tucked and the back roached. The dog’s fascia was dry and adhered and her coat was dry.

The treatment programme for this little dog aimed to stimulate circulation to lubricate and delivery nourishment to the dog’s connective tissue (fascia) and muscles, reset the dog’s proprioception of their limbs to restore a normal gait, and activate para-sympathetic nervous system responses, such as relaxation.

In this case, the massage treatment programme was supported by a nutrition plan to restore the dog’s overall health.

Caught toenail

A dog caught a long toenail in the grass and twisted their digit. The incident strained the muscles in the digit and metatarsal area. The injury altered the dog’s gait slightly and as an agility dog changed the way the dog was taking jumps. For more information on the effect of long toenails please see http://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/do-i-need-to-trim-my-dogs-nails

The objective of the treatment was to relieve the strain in the affected and contralateral hind limb and back muscles. Remedial exercises also reset the dog’s proprioception.

Long walk

A usually sedentary dog presented to me after a long weekend trek. On presentation, the dog was dragging its feet and carrying its head low. On palpation, the dog was sensitive through the large muscle groups of the shoulders, back and torso and hind quarters.

A deep remedial massage including stretching relieved the muscle strain. The treatment was followed my warm towel treatment to maintain circulation and the effects of the massage treatment. The treatment was also supported by a plan to gently introduce daily exercise into the dog’s routine.

Slip on wet grass

A young dog’s hind quarters slipped outward as they ran around a corner on wet grass causing them to fall. The dog presented to me after the acute phase of the injury had passed. The key observation was the dog’s tail carriage was visibly affected. Typically, this dog carries their tail high but on presentation, the tail was limp. (For more information on tail carriage as an indicator of injury please see https://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/why-is-my-dog-not-wagging-his-tail ) On palpation, the gluteal and adductor muscles were strained and sensitive.

The massage treatment addressed the strain in these muscle groups. The treatment including tail work, stretching and passive range of motion to induce relaxation and reset the dog’s proprioception in the hind quarters.

These are just some of the unusual ways that dogs can overload and strain their muscles. A remedial massage treatment can be effective in relieving muscle injury and pain, once the acute phase of the injury (first 72 hours) has passed. For severe and painful injuries, please seek immediate veterinary attention.

Full Stride offers in home and clinic based remedial massage treatments to clients in the Brisbane area.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.