“Trigger points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. They produce pain locally and in a referred pattern and often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders.” (Alvarez, D.J and Rockwell, P.G,2002)

• Trigger points manifest when the sarcomeres in the muscle contract but are unable to relax. This sustained contraction constricts the blood supply, which reduces the oxygen supply to the muscle, and creates “faux fatigue” (Lenton, N.,2018) within the affected muscle. 
• Trigger points also cause referred pain in other areas of the body, affect the general wellbeing of the dog which may be accompanied by issues perceived as behavioural such as not wanting to socialise or becoming ‘snappy’, a reduced level of mobility and “commonly the patient will experience hyperalgesia, an abnormally heightened sensitively to pain, when the area is pressed upon on the precise location.” (Lenton, N.,2018) If treatment is not sought, trigger points can cause indefinite modifications to the affected tissues. 
• There are four types of trigger point which are active, latent, key and satellite. 

Owners may see the following symptoms should trigger points form in their dogs’ muscles.

• Unusual behaviour in dog sports (e.g., an unwillingness to turn a certain way on a jump in agility)  
• A pattern emerging in the dogs’ coat that wasn’t present before. 
• Sensitivity of the skin in the affected area, the dog may not want to be touched or you may see a small spasm. 
• Unusual fatigue for their dogs’ fitness level 

Information sourced from

Alvarez, D.J. and Rockwell, P.G. (2002) Trigger points: Diagnosis and management, American family physician. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11871683

Lenton, N. (2018) Trigger points, Canine Massage Therapy Centre. Available at: https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/conditions/soft-tissue/trigger-points/