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Client Library Article
STRAINS, SPRAINS & LAMENESS
| Soft Tissue Injuries |
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Many pets are
presented for evaluation of a mild lameness or limp which usually shows up
after rough play, or activity on ice, snow, mud, or other slippery
surfaces. Most of these cases involve damage to the soft tissues structures
of the lame leg including muscle, tendon, ligament, & joint capsule
injuries. Types of injuries include partial tears, strains (stretching but not tearing of
fibers), and full ruptures of tendons and ligaments. In most instances, pets will usually walk
and bear some weight on the leg, but will have a noticeable limp.
Occasionally, animals
will bear a little weight when moving, but hold the injured leg up when
standing still or sitting. Other times a pet may weight bear only when stationary,
but refuse to bear weight when ambulatory (moving). Strains and sprains are
generally not considered emergencies, however some pets will initially be
non-weight bearing on the affected leg thus mimicking a fracture. It is
always best to have a severe lameness evaluated by a veterinarian, but you
may wish to give the pet with a mild lameness 24 – 48 hours to see if the
lameness resolves. Often with strict rest and short leash walks, a minor
lameness will resolve in a few days.
One of the most common soft tissue
injuries seen in dogs results from damage to the cranial cruciate ligament in
the stifle or knee joint- similar to the injury seen in human athletes
(basketball, skiing, football etc.). Meniscal damages are common as
well. Cruciate ligament ruptures result in
an acute non (or limited) weight bearing hind end lameness which many owners
can mistake for a fracture. If there is any doubt in the owners mind, the
dog should be evaluated as soon as possible to eliminate the possibility of
a fracture. Obese cats can also have cruciate tears.
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| Symptoms |
- History of trauma or rough play
- Limping or non-weight bearing on a leg
- Holding up a hind end (cruciate knee injury)
- Swollen painful area on leg
- Crepitus in area (bone grinding on bone)
- Joint laxity
- Trembling swollen muscles
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| Diagnosis |
| The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination
of the dog, including the bones and joints if the dog will permit.
When a dog is mildly lame, the dog should be observed walking to
evaluate the location and severity of the lameness (limp). Careful limb and
muscle palpation is used to identify thickened, warm, loose, or painful
areas. All joints should be flexed and extended and checked for laxity
indicating strain and joint effusion or swelling within the joint
capsule. In many cases, the doctor will take radiographs of the
suspected area to rule out the possibility of small fractures or joint luxations (dislocation). Occasionally, ultrasound can
be used to image the soft tissue structures and look for tears within the
body of the tendons and ligaments. |
| Therapy |
| Physical therapy- In most cases, minor strains and sprains resolve on
their own with a matter of time, and strict exercise restriction. Sprains
should be treated similar to how you would treat a twisted ankle on
yourself. Ice compresses can be used for the first 24 hours followed by
warm compresses on the affected area after 24 hours.
Medical therapy- If the dog has been
evaluated by the veterinarian and the lameness has been determined not to be
serious, your veterinarian may prescribe antiinflammatory medication such as
Rimadyl® or Etogesic®, both of which are safe aspirin-like drugs for dogs. Never give
Tylenol®, Advil®, or any other human medication to dogs, for even at low
doses, these drugs can be toxic to dogs and cause death.
Surgical therapy- In the case of
cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, or severe ligament or tendon tears,
surgery may be required to repair the damage and reattach structures.
Patients are often in bandages and splints for a period of time after surgery
and their exercise restricted for several months. Many of these
patients
benefit from physical therapy which owners can be taught to do at home. |
| Generally good to excellent depending on severity of the
injury. Cruciate ruptures almost always require surgery for
the most favorable long term outcome. Joints that suffer repeated trauma are
likely to develop arthritis as the dog ages. |
| Prevention |
| The number one risk factor associated with sprains and
strains is being overweight or obese. Obesity
in the canine and feline population is growing problem should be corrected as soon as
possible. There are a number of high quality balanced dog foods formulated
specifically to promote weight loss available on the market. |
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