Sprains and strains are common orthopedic injuries that can affect dogs, often occurring during play, exercise, or even simple movements like jumping or running. These injuries impact the soft tissues of a dog’s musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which connect bones and muscles. While some injuries are minor and resolve with rest, others can be more severe, necessitating veterinary attention. This guide will delve into the nuances of sprains and strains in dogs, covering their types, symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventative measures.
Types of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are crucial for joint stability, while strains affect muscles or tendons, which facilitate movement. The original article highlights several specific types of soft tissue injuries seen in dogs:
- Iliopsoas muscle strain: An injury to the muscles located in the hip area.
- Supraspinatus tendinopathy: Affects the tendon in the shoulder.
- Bicipital tendinopathy: An injury to the tendon in the upper arm.
- Achilles tendon injury/avulsion (rupture): Damage to the tendon at the back of the heel.
- Carpal hyperextension: Involves injury to the ligaments in the wrist.
- Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury: A common ligament injury in the knee, analogous to the ACL in humans.
Symptoms of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Recognizing the signs of a sprain or strain is crucial for prompt veterinary care. Dogs may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:
- Lameness: Difficulty bearing weight on an affected leg.
- Mobility Issues: Hesitation when rising, sitting, or jumping.
- Decreased Activity: Reduced enthusiasm for play or exercise.
- Localised Signs: Heat or swelling at the site of injury.
- Pain Vocalization: Whining or yelping, indicating discomfort.
- Stiffness: A noticeable lack of fluidity in movement.
Causes of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Soft tissue injuries in dogs typically result from trauma, whether acute or chronic.
Sprains often occur when a joint is twisted unnaturally, stretching or tearing the supporting ligaments. This can happen from a misstep while running or jumping.
Strains are frequently caused by overuse or excessive force applied to a muscle or tendon. High-impact activities such as agility training, intense play, or roughhousing can contribute to these injuries. Even seemingly minor incidents, like awkwardly jumping off furniture or missing a step on the stairs, can lead to a strain. Athletic dogs are at a higher risk for muscle strains due to their demanding activities.
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is particularly susceptible to injury, especially in large breeds. Factors like a steeper knee joint angle can predispose dogs to CCL tears, which can be triggered by sudden twists during activity, such as stepping into a hole or changing direction rapidly while jumping.
Veterinary Diagnosis of Sprains and Strains
When a soft tissue injury is suspected, a veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination. This includes observing the dog’s gait, assessing joint range of motion, and palpating the affected limb to detect heat, swelling, or discomfort. For suspected CCL injuries, a “cranial drawer” test may be performed to check for abnormal knee joint movement.
X-rays are often recommended to rule out underlying issues like fractures, hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, bone cancer, or infections. These images can also reveal secondary damage, such as bone spurs that may form around a joint following a CCL tear as the body attempts to stabilize the area. In some cases, advanced imaging like ultrasonography, CT, or MRI may be advised, particularly for athletic dogs, and may require referral to an orthopedic specialist.
Treatment of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Treatment approaches for sprains and strains vary based on the severity and location of the injury.
Conservative Management
Many mild to moderate sprains and strains can be managed with rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Medications like Rimadyl, Metacam, or Galliprant can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Strict rest involves limiting activity to only essential outdoor excursions on a leash, avoiding running, jumping, and stair use. Kenneling can be beneficial to enforce rest. It’s crucial to administer NSAIDs precisely as prescribed and to monitor for side effects such as vomiting or loss of appetite, contacting the veterinarian immediately if they occur. Never administer human NSAIDs to dogs, as they can be highly toxic. Cold pack therapy, applied for 5-10 minutes, may also provide relief.
Surgical Interventions
More severe injuries, particularly CCL tears, often require surgery.
- TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery is common for large-breed dogs and involves altering the bone angle to reduce stress on the knee joint. This procedure is typically performed by an orthopedic surgeon.
- Lateral suture surgery is an option for smaller dogs and involves placing an implant to stabilize the knee joint, acting as a synthetic ligament.
- For dogs unsuitable for anesthesia, specialty braces can offer joint stabilization and support during healing.
Other Therapeutic Modalities
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy may be used to break down scar tissue in tendons.
- Cold laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Joint health supplements like Dasuquin can support cartilage health and slow degradation.
- Adequan injections can help maintain joint fluid and lubricate joints, potentially slowing cartilage breakdown after an injury.
Recovery and Management
Recovery timelines vary significantly. Mild soft tissue injuries may heal within 2-4 weeks of rest, while surgical recovery, such as after CCL repair, can take 8-12 weeks. During recovery, diligent activity restriction is paramount. Pet parents must actively prevent their dogs from overexerting themselves, as pain medication can mask discomfort, leading to premature return to activity. Leash walks, kennel rest, and potentially sedatives like trazodone may be necessary to ensure proper healing.
Prevention of Sprains and Strains
While some injuries are unavoidable, proactive measures can reduce risk:
- Environmental Awareness: Avoid allowing dogs to run on uneven or unpredictable terrain.
- Monitor Exercise Levels: Pay attention to your dog’s fatigue. While most dogs self-limit, some may push themselves too hard. Adjust the pace and take breaks as needed.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces the strain on a dog’s joints, especially during activity.
- Conditioning: Avoid “weekend warrior” syndrome by ensuring dogs engage in regular, moderate exercise throughout the week rather than infrequent, intense bursts, which can predispose them to injury.
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies, owners can help protect their canine companions from the debilitating effects of sprains and strains, ensuring they lead active and comfortable lives.
