Muscle sprain

What is a muscle sprain?

A sprain is a soft tissue injury that occurs to the ligaments between the joints and can be an extremely debilitating for dogs. This is a very common injury in the knees, the Stifle (Cruciate ligament), the ankle (Hock and Tarsus), the toes and the wrist (Carpus) and the elbows. Just like a muscle strain there are multiple grades of sprain and they vary in severity and the damage caused to the ligaments.

Grade 1 - a minor part of the ligament is torn but the joint is still functional. There will be some evidence of pain but the dog will be able to walk.

Treatment - treat with ice to help avoid or reduce swelling.

Grade 2 - a larger part of the ligament is torn and the joint will only be partially functional. There will be some swelling. There will be evidence of pain. The dog will be able to walk however there will be some lameness and limping.

Treatment - Splinting for the joint, ice therapy to aid with swelling and possible anti inflammatories from the vet.

Grade 3 - a complete rupture of the ligament however the bone will remain intact. There will be swelling and pain in the area. The dog may be unlikely to weight bear on the affected joint. Surgical intervention may be required to help with the repair.

Treatment - anti inflammatory meds from the vets and possible surgery to repair the ligament.

Grade 4 - a complete rupture of the ligament and some fragments of bone may also break off too. There will be swelling and pain in the area. The dog will be unlikely to weight bear on the affected joint. Surgical intervention will be required to help with the repair.

Treatment - sugery to remove or repair the ligament.

what are the causes of sprains?

  • Most commonly caused by trauma to the ligament from twisting or turning sharply. **

  • Slipping and sliding on things such as ice, laminate or wooden flooring or tiled flooring

  • Sudden stopping

  • Trauma from things such as collisions

  • Joint degeneration

  • Breed disposition - breeds with long backs or long necks are prone to sprains in those areas. ie. Dachshund, Corgi or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lurcher, Greyhound, Afghan Hound

  • Fast growing breeds - many small breeds of dog reach maturity within 12 months and these breeds are prone to injuries

what are the symptoms?

  • Licking of the affected joint

  • Limping or lameness when moving about

  • Pain in the affected joint and sometimes pain in another area of the body associated with the dog overcompensating

  • Loss of appetite

  • Redness and swelling in the affected joint

  • Swollen paws

  • Altered gait (walking etc)

  • Non weight bearing

how can massage help?

  • helps to reduce swelling in the affected area

  • helps to increase circulation to increase the rate of healing

  • helps to remove unwanted toxins in the area

  • reduces pain in the area and helps with reducing pain associated with overcompensation

  • helps to improve muscle tone and muscle strength

  • helps to increase flexibility in the area

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

General contraindications:

  • Open wounds

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Broken bones

  • Bruises

  • Pregnancy

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area

    (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema