Sprains and strains are common orthopedic injuries that can affect dogs, often resulting from everyday activities like running, jumping, or even an awkward step. These injuries involve the soft tissues of a dog’s musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, but do not involve broken bones. While some minor injuries may resolve with rest, more serious sprains and strains can cause significant pain and require veterinary attention. Understanding the differences between sprains and strains, their symptoms, causes, and available treatments is crucial for responsible dog ownership. This article delves into these aspects to provide a comprehensive guide for pet parents.
What Exactly Are Sprains and Strains in Dogs?
The musculoskeletal system in dogs, much like in humans, is composed of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joints, and bones. Injuries to these structures can occur during normal physical activity. Sprains and strains are both considered soft tissue injuries.
A sprain is defined as a stretch or tear in a ligament, which are the strong connective tissues that bind two bones together at a joint. A strain, on the other hand, is an injury to a muscle or its corresponding tendon, the connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones.
When these soft tissues are injured, dogs typically experience immediate pain. They may show lameness, favoring the injured limb, and the affected area might exhibit heat or swelling. A common human analogy is a sprained ankle, where ligaments are stretched or torn, causing pain and difficulty walking, even though no bones are broken.
Common Types of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Several specific types of soft tissue injuries can affect dogs:
- Iliopsoas muscle strain: An injury to the hip muscles.
- Supraspinatus tendinopathy: Injury to the tendon in the shoulder.
- Bicipital tendinopathy: Injury to the tendon in the upper arm.
- Achilles tendon injury/avulsion (rupture): Damage to the tendon located in the heel area.
- Carpal hyperextension: 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.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Identifying a sprain or strain in your dog often involves observing specific behavioral and physical changes. Key symptoms include:
- Lameness: The dog may not put full weight on the affected leg.
- Mobility Issues: Difficulty rising from a sitting position or taking a long time to sit down after standing.
- Reduced Activity: A noticeable decrease in their usual energy levels and willingness to play.
- Localised Signs: Heat or swelling around the injured site.
- Movement Difficulties: Trouble jumping or navigating stairs.
- Vocalization: Whining or yelping, indicating pain.
- Stiffness: Particularly noticeable after periods of rest.
Understanding the Causes of Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Sprains and strains in dogs typically result from minor trauma. Sprains often occur when a joint is twisted unnaturally, leading to ligament damage. Strains are frequently caused by overuse or excessive force applied to a muscle or tendon. This can happen during:
- Intense physical activity: Such as agility training, rigorous running, or rough play with other dogs.
- Sudden movements: Like chasing a squirrel or sudden stops and turns at the dog park.
- Awkward landings: Jumping off furniture or missing a step on the stairs can also lead to injury.
Certain breeds and activity levels can increase susceptibility. Highly athletic dogs are more prone to muscle strains, like iliopsoas muscle strain. Large-breed dogs are particularly susceptible to cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, often due to a steeper angle in their knee joint.
Veterinary Diagnosis of Sprains and Strains
When a sprain or strain is suspected, a veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination. This includes observing the dog’s gait and performing range-of-motion tests on the affected limb to identify any restricted movement. The veterinarian will palpate the joints to check for heat, swelling, and signs of pain. For suspected CCL tears, a “cranial drawer” test may be performed to assess knee joint stability.
Radiographs (X-rays) are often recommended to rule out other conditions such as fractures, hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, bone cancer, or infections. X-rays can also reveal secondary damage, like bone spurs that can form in the knee joint after a CCL tear as the body attempts to stabilize the area. In some cases, advanced imaging like ultrasonography, CT scans, or MRIs may be necessary, often requiring referral to an orthopedic specialist.
Treatment Options for Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Treatment strategies for sprains and strains vary depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Non-Surgical Management
Many milder sprains and strains can be managed effectively with rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed by a veterinarian. Medications such as Rimadyl, Metacam, or Galliprant can help reduce pain and inflammation. Strict rest is crucial, involving limiting activity to leash walks only for elimination purposes and avoiding running, jumping, and rough play. Confining the dog to a crate or a smaller area can help enforce rest.
Important Note on Medications: Always follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions for prescribed NSAIDs. Never administer over-the-counter human NSAIDs to dogs, as they can cause severe, even life-threatening reactions. If you notice side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, contact your vet immediately.
Cold pack therapy (applying a frozen bag of vegetables wrapped in a towel for 5-10 minutes) may provide relief for some injuries. Physical therapy can also be beneficial during the recovery period.
Surgical Interventions
More severe injuries, particularly CCL tears, often require surgery. For large-breed dogs (over 50 pounds), Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery is commonly performed to alter the knee joint’s angle and reduce stress on the ligament. Smaller breeds may benefit from a lateral suture technique, which uses an implant to act as a supportive structure for the torn ligament. These surgeries are typically performed by orthopedic surgeons, potentially requiring a referral to a specialty hospital.
For dogs that are poor candidates for anesthesia due to age or health conditions, specialized braces can be used to stabilize the joint and support the healing process.
Other Supportive Treatments
Canine sports medicine may utilize extracorporeal shock wave therapy to address tendinous scar tissue. Cold laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain. Joint health supplements, such as Dasuquin, can support cartilage health and slow down degeneration after an injury. Veterinarians may also recommend injections like Adequan, which provides building blocks for joint fluid, helping to lubricate the joints and potentially slow cartilage breakdown.
Recovery and Long-Term Management
Recovery times vary significantly. Minor soft tissue injuries may heal within 2-4 weeks with strict rest. Post-surgical recovery, such as after CCL repair, can take 8-12 weeks. During recovery, it is essential to manage the dog’s activity levels strictly to prevent re-injury. Pet parents must be vigilant in enforcing rest, using leashes outdoors, and potentially crate confinement or separation from other pets if necessary. If controlling activity is challenging, veterinarians may prescribe sedatives like trazodone to aid in rest.
Preventing Sprains and Strains
While not all injuries are preventable, several measures can reduce risk:
- Environmental Awareness: Avoid letting dogs run on uneven or unfamiliar terrain.
- Monitor Activity Levels: Pay attention to your dog’s exertion during exercise. While dogs often self-limit, they may overexert themselves when excited. Encourage breaks and slower-paced activities when they show signs of fatigue.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces stress on joints, especially during activity or when jumping.
- Conditioning: Regular, consistent exercise helps condition muscles and joints, making them less susceptible to injury compared to “weekend warrior” activity patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Can my dog’s sprain heal on its own?
Many mild sprains can heal with rest and time. If your dog is eating, drinking, and behaving normally, rest might be sufficient. However, if there’s no improvement within 10-14 days, or if lameness persists, a veterinary visit is essential to determine the severity and appropriate treatment.
Can a dog walk on a sprained leg?
While a dog might be able to put some weight on a sprained leg, it’s best to minimize activity. Leash walks for necessary eliminations are recommended, but all play involving running or jumping should be avoided. Kennel rest is often advised during the healing period.
