Definition and Classification of Sprains

A sprain is defined as a “wrenching or twisting of a joint, with partial rupture of its ligaments. There may also be damage to the associated blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and nerves” (Miller-Keane, 2003). The severity of ligament injuries is classified into four degrees:

1. First Degree: A minor tear or stretch.
2. Second Degree: A ligament tear accompanied by swelling.
3. Third Degree: A complete rupture of the ligament.
4. Fourth Degree: A ligament rupture that includes detachment of small fragments of bone (Lenton, 2017).

In dogs, sprains often manifest as lameness, the most evident indicator. However, additional signs may include subtle behaviours such as hiding, whining, reluctance to jump or run, loss of appetite, excessive licking or chewing of the affected area, and visible swelling or bruising. The presentation may vary, and not all symptoms will be apparent in every case.

Cruciate Ligament Sprains in Dogs

A common example of a sprain in dogs is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (commonly referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament). This injury typically results in significant lameness, with the dog often refusing to bear weight on the affected limb (Davies, 2018). Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are classified into two distinct categories:

1. Traumatic Rupture: This occurs suddenly, with the dog transitioning from normal movement to non-weight bearing on the affected limb. Swelling, localized heat, and pain in the knee joint may be observed, although these symptoms are not universal (Davies, 2018).
2. Chronic Wear and Tear: This condition develops gradually due to repetitive strain, resulting in chronic inflammation and intermittent lameness. Both knees are often affected. Dogs with chronic CCL injuries may exhibit signs such as sitting with the affected leg turned outward, shifting weight to the front legs, and significant muscle atrophy in the hind limbs (Davies, 2018). Additionally, compensatory weight distribution can lead to hypertrophy and stiffness in the lumbar muscles, often resulting in a characteristic "saddlebag" appearance in the lower back (Canine Massage Therapy Centre, 2018).

Hypermobility in Dogs

Hypermobility refers to an excessive range of motion at a joint, often termed "double-jointed" in humans (Grant, 2021). This condition occurs when ligaments are more flexible than normal due to variations in collagen fibres, which make them stretchier and allow for greater movement. In some cases, hypermobility may also be evident in other connective tissues, such as the skin (Grant, 2021).

A 2019 study identified notable correlations with hypermobility, including:

• Sex Differences: Female dogs were found to be 3.66 times more likely to exhibit high hypermobility compared to males.
• Emotional Arousal: A positive association was observed between hip joint hypermobility and emotional arousal in domestic dogs (Bowen et al., 2019).

Understanding these conditions provides valuable insight into the diagnosis and management of ligament injuries and joint abnormalities in dogs, ensuring appropriate care and intervention strategies.

How can massage help?

• Reducing the recovery time by speeding up the body's natural healing processes 
• Target areas of overcompensation, reducing pain and increasing mobility
• Reducing pain 
• Reducing inflammation
• Helps to rebuild atrophied muscle

Information sourced from

Miller-Keane sprains. (n.d.) Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine,Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. (2003). Available at: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/sprains

Lenton, N. (2017) Clinical canine massage practitioner programme, Module 1,Skeletal System, The Workpack. Canine massage therapy centre ltd. (P7,8)

Davies, Lowri (2018)” Care of the canine athlete. THE PET Book Publishing C, p. 5, 99-101

Canine Massage Therapy Centre (2018) Sprain, Canine Massage Therapy Centre. Available at: https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/conditions/soft-tissue/sprain/

Grant, N. (2021) Hypermobility in dogs, Human & Animal Physiotherapy. The Win Clinic. Available at: https://www.winclinic.co.uk/amp/hypermobility-in-dogs

Bowen, J. et al. (2019) “First evidence for an association between joint hypermobility and excitability in a non-human species, the domestic dog,” Scientific Reports, 9(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-45096-0.