The vast majority of lameness in dogs will be an issue with a muscle/s. These issues may be the result of an underlying condition, an old injury or a repetitive strain. An injury or trauma may have been treated but often the undiscovered harm that has happened to the muscles themselves has been left untreated.
As in humans, repetitive strains are common. Repetitive strains can be caused by inappropriate or excessive exercising as well as activities or environmental problems such as slippery floors or jumping in and out of a car.
When would your dog benefit from treatment?
A change in posture including;
- A change in neck size
- A change in their overall body shape
- A change in the way they carry their head
- Roaching
A change in their behaviour
- Not wanting to play
- An ability to settle and or groaning
- Excessive chewing or licking of their body
- Struggling to urinate or defecate or adopting a strange position.
- Tail chasing
A change in their appearance
- Dull coat
- A change in the coat formation – evidence of ‘tufty’ bits
- Dry nose
- Altered tail carriage
A change in the way they move
- Appears stiff
- Appears lame
- If the dog suffers from a condition such as osteoarthritis
- If your dog has had a trauma or injury (even if in the past)
- A lameness that is hard to diagnose