A recent case presented with intermittent lameness in the hind leg. For seven to 10 days before treatment, the dog had been limping off and on but with no apparent pain. A veterinary diagnosis confirmed a soft tissue injury in the hind limb.

What is the cause of a dog limping?

The cause of this dog’s injury was unknown. However, when taking the dog’s history a number of owner observations indicated the limping may be a symptom of a longer term condition. The owners had observed the following:

• Change in dog’s behaviour – not scratching at the door when owners come home.

• Reluctance to jump onto the furniture. This change was noted about five or six months before any limping.

• Dog’s tail not wagging – the dog holds their tail in a neutral position. (See https://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/why-is-my-dog-not-wagging-his-tail) for more information.

My observations from a gait assessment supported their owner’s observations about a longer term condition. Specifically, I noted:

• Muscle atrophy in the dog’s hind quarters. The thigh muscles (femoral biceps) and gluteals were atrophied with poor muscle tone.

• The dog also sat with the right hind limb tucked and the left leg held laterally. The owners indicated that the dog had always sat that way.

• Over very low obstacles the dog was skipping over them with his hind legs, not weight bearing evenly.

A physical examination found muscular tension in the neck, right and left shoulders and chest. The left hind limb had a muscle knot in the gracilis. A muscle spasm was present in the pectineus which was very sensitive to touch. In the right hind limb, the leg that the dog showed the most lameness, there was a muscle knot in the semitendinous and sensitivity at the stifle.

How to treat a dog with a limp?

During the first treatment, the dog was a little anxious and stood for the treatment. His owner sat on the floor with him to give him some support and comfort.

The objectives of the initial treatment were to:

• release the compensatory muscle tension in the forequarters,

• relieve the muscle knots and spasms in the hind limbs,

• and increase circulation and stimulate the muscle spindles in the atrophied hindquarters.

How can manual therapies help dogs?

Massage, stretching and joint mobilizations effectively released the tension in the fore quarters. Massage and trigger point therapy addressed the muscle knots and spasms in the hind limbs.

Following the first treatment, the dog was re-tested over low obstacles and was stepping evenly with both back legs.

A home exercise programme was recommended for the dog. This programme focussed on:

• strengthening the dog’s hind quarters particularly the muscles supporting the stifle

• improving proprioception in the hind quarters

• improving the dog’s general fitness

On the follow up treatment, two weeks after the first treatment, the dog was much more relaxed and sat for the treatment. The owners had followed the home exercise programme and reported good results. The dog was still limping intermittently.

On examination, there was some tension in the left forelimb (diagonally opposite the lame hind leg). The right hind limb was still sensitive with the pectineus in spasm. This treatment included some tail work to improve circulation and stimulate “normal” function.
The follow up treatment relieved muscle tension throughout and released the muscle spasms.
Additional strengthening and balance exercises were added to the dog’s home exercise programme.

The goal of subsequent treatments would be to introduce passive range of motion exercises and joint mobilisations. The purpose of these techniques in this case would be to lubricate the affected stifle joint and help restore normal proprioception of the limb.

For dogs with an intermittent limp, a vet check-up and diagnosis is recommended so you know the condition you need to treat. When you have a clear diagnosis, you and your vet are able to determine the most appropriate treatment.

How do you manage intermittent limping in your dogs? Leave me a comment or follow FullStride on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FullStrideCanineMassageTherapy/).

Until next time enjoy your dogs.