A sprain in a dog can happen quickly. Most dog owners will be familiar with the scenario: just now the four-legged friend is romping wildly across a meadow with other dogs or running happily. Then it happened: a careless movement, a collision with another dog, a stumble or a fall. But instead of immediately continuing to play or run merrily, the dog stops and suddenly limps.
What can have happened?
Trauma in the form of a fall, collision or the careless movement puts a lot of stress on the joints. A sprain occurs.
In a sprain, joints are displaced against each other. After the trauma, the joint partners return to their initial state. The joint-forming structures are damaged. Stretching and tearing of ligaments and joint capsules may occur. Bruising may also occur.
What are the symptoms for a sprain?
- acute pain
- Swelling of the joint
- Bruise
- Mobility restriction
- Redness
- Touch sensitivity
If your dog shows these signs, you should definitely have him examined by your veterinarian.When sprained, dogs show their pain very clearly by yelping, limping, and sensitivity to touch when palpated.
The diagnosis is confirmed during a clinical examination and, if necessary, by X-rays. At the same time, this allows us to rule out fractures, joint dislocations, and additional injuries to the joint capsule and ligaments.
What you can do: First aid for sprains
Act according to the PECH rule:
- Break
- Ice cream
- Compression
- Elevate= immobilize
This means in detail:
The quadruped should be supported in the acute phase by cooling the sprain. This can relieve pain and control swelling. Cooling compresses also help him very well. An example of this are
Curd wrap
. In any case, it is important to spare him.
For severe sprains, taping, support bandages or casts perform well. Relaxing massages e.g. help to relax the overloaded areas of the body and release tension. After the sprain has healed, mobility, musculature and body awareness should be improved by means of active
physiotherapy
should be trained.
Is it possible to avoid sprains?
In active dog sports, but also in
cycling
or
jogging
with your four-legged friend, you can reduce the risk of a sprain at least by a targeted
warm up
significantly. Injuries are avoided or mitigated because the joint structures but also muscles are well warmed up, supple and elastic.
Has your dog ever had a sprain, too? How did it come about and how did you deal with the situation? I look forward to your comment!
All the love, your Tina
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