All of the conditions listed can benefit from canine massage. This information is provided to bring awareness if you feel unsure of your dogs signs and symptoms. It is advised that your dog sees their veterinary surgeon prior to beginning treatment if you suspect one of the conditions listed and they haven't had a diagnosis. I must receive veterinary consent for any dog receiving clinical canine massage.
Conditions
Osteoartritis
A common condition which is more often diagnosed in the older dog but symptoms can be seen as early as one year old. It is a painful and slowly evolving disorder of the synovial joints. There is deterioration of the joint cartilage with the formation of new bone at the joint surfaces and margins. The bone surfaces are uneven, rubbing together causing swelling and pain. In the early stages of the disease the pain may be less at certain times, however overtime the arthritic joints become thickened and stiff and the pain increases and becomes constant, often causing depression.
Certain breeds are predisposed but obesity and activities of daily living that put extra force on the joints can worsen the condition. Symptoms seen may include: Stiffness- especially after rest, lameness, reduced activity, saliva-stained hair on affected joints, joint thickening, muscle atrophy, restricted joint movement and joint pain, changes in behaviour and slowing down.
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Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a degenerative, non-inflammatory joint disease in which osteophytes form between vertebrae. It commonly affects the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. It is often considered a normal part of the ageing process and is commonly an incidental finding when performing x-rays for another reason. The exact cause isn’t fully understood; however, ageing, previous spinal injuries, lifestyle, obesity and genetic predisposition seem to contribute to its development. The breeds most likely to develop spondylosis are more likely medium to large dogs.​ The prognosis for those suffering with this condition is generally good, however, the dog will need treatment for the weakness and pain as it progresses. There is no cure but management provides a good quality of life. It is most likely to be diagnosed when the dog is older, often around 8 years old. Symptoms will include: Stiffness, altered gait, ataxia, reduced range of motion, lameness, back pain, neck pain, behaviour changes, numbness and weakness in the limb’s, guarding their back region, hopping or the back end being thrown out, muscle atrophy.​
Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD)
This multi- factorial condition is classified as an abnormal development of the cartilage on the end of a bone in the joint, abnormal differentiation of cartilage cells results in failure of endochondral ossification and cartilage separates from the bone. It is an inflammatory condition that is more commonly seen to affect the shoulder joint, however other joints affected can include the elbow, hip, knee, or hock.
The cause of OCD is unknown, however rapidly growing large breed dogs and males seem to be more likely to get OCD. There seems to be more dogs suffering with OCD that have too much energy, protein and calcium in the diet, however genetics, trauma, lack of blood flow and hormonal factors are also precursors.
If the shoulder joint is affected, the prognosis is good, in all cases, the prognosis improves if surgery is performed early in the course of the disease. The onset is usually from 6 months to one year old, although shoulder OCD cannot show symptoms until much older.
The symptoms vary, and the variations depend on the joint affected and the size of cartilage fragment or defect, they include: Lameness, sometimes intermittent and mild, pain on manipulation of joint, Inflammation, abnormal stance to take weight from the affected leg, warm to touch
Cruciate Ligament Damage
The cruciate is a band of tough fibrous tissue that attaches the femur to the tibia preventing the tibia from shifting forward relative to the femur. In the vast majority of dogs, the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures as a result of long-term degeneration, where the fibres within the ligament weaken. The precise cause is unknown, however genetic factors are likely the most significant cause. Other causes include exercises where twisting or torque to the joint causes excess stress, trauma such as landing incorrectly from a jump or stepping into a hole, slippery flooring, obesity and hormonal imbalances.
The condition is graded 1-4 in severity. If the condition is not treated or rested at a lower grade the condition can deteriorate to a grade 4 where surgery is needed. It is common for dogs to develop cruciate problems in their other leg and arthritis will almost always develop later on. Cruciate ligament damage can occur from 6 months onwards, an obese dog however can be up to 4 times more likely to get cruciate damage. Symptoms include: lameness or non-weightbearing, pottery gait, abducted stifle, pain, unable to weight bear equally, semi flexion toe touch, inflammation.
Elbow Dysplasia
This occurs when the articulation between the humerus, radius and ulna do not articulate correctly and instead develop abnormally. It is a common cause of forelimb lameness in young, large breed dogs, although small breeds can also be affected. The condition is primarily of genetic cause, however environmental factors influence whether those susceptible will develop a clinical problem. Surgery may be needed if symptoms are severe, however they can often lead close to normal lives with management of their condition. Similar to hip dysplasia the onset of symptoms can vary, however they most often appear from 5 months onwards. Few dogs however do not show symptoms or are not diagnosed until much later, around the age of 4-6 years old. The symptoms that are seen include bow legged stance, Reduction in range of motion, Exercise intolerance, Forelimb lameness (varying degrees)
ADL problems (stairs, car), Non controlled lowering of the body, stiffness especially after rest, swelling of the joint
Elbow abducted, and/or abnormal paddling gait
Hip Dysplasia
Those suffering will often have it affect both hips and large and giant dogs are predisposed. It’s a genetic condition which is worsened by other aspects like obesity, it isn’t caused solely by environmental factors. Within the first few weeks of life the soft tissues that normally stabilise the hip joint become loose​. The acetabulum becomes more saucer shaped and the femoral head flattens. Unfortunately, the vast majority of dogs that develop hip dysplasia will also go on to develop arthritis of the affected joint. Muscle wasting in the hind limbs can occur and micro fractures as cartilage surfaces rub past one another. Surgery may be needed if the gradual deterioration is debilitating. Symptoms seen include: Stiffness and exercise intolerance, limping on one or both back legs, joint laxity, difficulty getting up or lying down, odd gaits including swaying, bunny hopping, and a narrow stance, reduced range of motion, pain, protective of hip region, swelling (hind) enlarged muscles (fore) and crepitus (crunch like noise when moving the joints). The onset of symptoms is most commonly diagnosed between 6 and 12 months of age, although it can be diagnosed later on or after an injury.
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It is more common in smaller dogs, when abnormalities of the bones and muscles of the hind limbs form and cause the patella to move out of the normal trochlear groove (luxate). More commonly the patella movement is to the medial aspect of the knee joint. The quadriceps starts to displace in this direction causing the femur and tibia to deform into a pronounced outwards bow. Dogs often have a shallow trochlear groove, medially placed tibial crest or bowed femur. It is graded from 1 to 4, 1 being sat in the groove but can manually be luxated, 4 being permanently luxated out of the groove. As the patella moves in and out of the groove, it can wear holes in the cartilage of the patella itself and in the ridge that it rides over when it luxates. If discovered early enough, grade 1 and sometimes grade 2 luxating patella’s can be halted in their progression with management, grade 3 and 4 are often best dealt with using surgery. Weight management, like all orthopaedic conditions is important to prevent further progression of the luxation, although arthritis is still likely to occur later. The age at onset of clinical signs varies, however, most dogs will show signs as puppies or young adults. Symptoms seen include: ''Skipping” lameness, stiff, awkward gait, pain and osteoarthritis, limp continuously, knees that do not extend properly and internal rotation of the tibia
Luxating Patella
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
This is a gradual degenerative process that affects the spinal cord over a period of time. It may not be detected until the dog’s hardened disc or discs become ruptured and painful. The shock-absorbing intervertebral discs between the vertebrae
gradually begin to harden until they are unable to cushion the vertebrae properly. The hardened discs will bulge and compress the spinal cord, often damaging the dogs nerves.
Short legged and long backed breeds are more prone to the disease. Disc degeneration is thought to occur because of loss of the disc to hold water becoming dehydrated, or due to suffering trauma. The onset of clinical signs is generally acute with particular risk being between the ages of 4 and 7.
Symptoms vary depending on what part of spinal column is affected, some symptoms include:
Head held low, arching back , shivering or crying, reluctance to move, knuckling of all 4 paws, muscle spasms, tense belly, crossing back legs when walking.
Lumbosacral Disease
A condition affecting the lumbosacral junction in the lower back. It is predisposed to degenerative diseases as it is one of the joints within the spine with the highest motion. Narrowing or growths of the spinal canal results in compression of the spinal nerve roots, and compromises nerve function. The narrowed spinal canal may be caused by arthritis, intervertebral disc herniation, an infection in the disc, trauma, congenital malformation, or a spinal tumour. The most common causes are arthritic degeneration and intervertebral disc herniation. Lumbosacral disease occurs most often in middle-aged to older large-
breed dogs.
Symptoms include: pain in hind limbs, some will fall if their tail is lifted sharply, hind limb weakness, lameness, uncoordinated, vocalise if pressure is applied on the back, slow to rise from a lying position, develop faecal or urinary incontinence, will mutilate their own feet or tail, paraylsis in the rear legs, reluctant to jump and wag the tail.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable disease that affects the spinal cord. There is a demyelination and loss of the normal nerve fibres in the spinal cord over time, without an inflammatory, infectious or cancerous cause. This results in hind limb weakness and eventually paralysis. It is classed as a neurodegenerative disorder that affects specific breeds. The exact cause is unknown, however at-risk breeds can be tested for the SOD-1 mutation prior to breeding.
Histopathology after death, of the spinal cord is required for definitive diagnosis of DM, although advanced imaging can be performed and clinical signs evaluated to determine a diagnosis.
Medical treatment such as steroids will not slow the disease. The condition is most common in middle-aged to older dogs, with a range from 4-14 years. It has been reported in young dogs on rare occasions. As it is a progressive disease, the dog will deteriorate over time. The sooner a veterinarian is seen and a diagnosis is made the better the outcome as supportive treatment such as massage can be started immediately to strengthen muscles. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, although stem cell therapy is still in its infancy and seems to have slowed the progression for German shepherds. Treatment of other problems such as arthritis or hip dysplasia may help to relieve any pain. The goal should be to maintain the dog on its feet and physically active for as long as possible, this can be done by preserving muscle mass.
Sprain
A sprain is an injury to a bone connecting ligament causing painful joint damage, with an inability to use the affected limb. The affected joint will often need interventions to help heal the injury. Sprains can be graded from a minor tear or stretch to a complete break of the ligament which can take fragments of bone with it. Within low grade sprains the dog may still move the injured joint. Swelling starts to be easily noticed from grade 2 and the dog may begin limping. There will be an inability to use the joint from grade 3 and Grade 4 can cause bones to come out of place as the loss of the support structure around causes instability within the joint.
Grade 1 minor tear or stretch
Grade 2 tear followed by swelling
Grade 3 Complete Rupture
Garde 4 Ligament breaks, taking with it small pieces of bone.(avulsion fracture)
The sooner a sprain is dealt with the better the outcome as a sprain that is left can cause permanent damage.
Strain
A strain is an injury to tendon or muscle which has often resulted from a sudden twist or pull that the body was not prepared for, the over contracted and over stretched muscle sustains injury due to the vast pressure. A strain can often heal by itself with time, however occasionally treatment is needed. Grade 2 and 3 require treatment to assist in the repair. Sporting and working dogs are at risk of a strain if they do not warm up their muscles prior to exertion.
Grade 1 mild as only 5% of the muscle fibres are affected. Inflammation, pain and bruising are present but the muscle is intact, two to three weeks rest will be needed to recover.
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Grade 2 Moderate as up to 50% of the muscle fibres are damaged. Inflammation, pain, bruising and tearing of fibrous tissue, three to six weeks rest will be needed to recover.
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Grade 3 Severe as the muscle has totally ruptured. Inflammation, pain, bruising and a haematoma forms with complete tear of the muscle. Surgery may be required and this will require around three months rehabilitation.
Stress and anxiety
Certain breeds are more prone to suffer from anxiety, however many dogs that suffer from anxiety have had past trauma or feel anxious being separated from their owners or other pets. Changes in their normal routine or a change within the household can trigger off an anxious event and sometimes medication is needed to help reduce the effects the anxiety has on the dog. Chronic pain is often a missed cause for anxiety and the dog should see their veterinary surgeon to rule out pain before any behavioural modifications with training or medications are pursued.
Symptoms of stress and anxiety include barking, whining, howling, trembling, hiding, destructive behaviour, appetite changes, increasing in drinking, inappropriate urination and defecation, excess shedding.
If a dog is constantly feeling stressed they are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour, owners should research the ladder of aggression in dogs to understand the 'wind' up that dogs may experience before aggressive behaviour is seen. Injuries will take longer to heal and some studies have found anxious dogs are more prone to disease if the dog is constantly in a sympathetic nervous response, known as the fight or flight.
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Odema
Due to the impact of gravity pulling fluids downward and subsequently preventing return back up towards the heart.
Oedema can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, particularly if it is persistent. Oedema that persists for long periods are considered to be lymphedema. When there is an abnormality in the lymph flow, the fluid collects and swelling occurs. This can be the result of lymph nodes or lymph vessels developing atypically. It can also be the result of an underlying condition that has caused an abnormality in the lymphatic system. Underlying disorders and causes include tumours, surgery, inflammation, or any other disorder that causes the lymph vessels to become blocked, inhibiting proper flow of the lymph. Some studies show that this could be inherited in some breeds of dogs. Other studies have shown however that this disorder is completely idiopathic (primary lymphedema).
If lymphedema is suspected a sample may be taken of the swollen tissue and a test performed to confirm it is lymph fluid in the
affected tissue. A lymphangiography, which is a dye test may also be performed with more serious conditions. This allows the flow of lymphatic system to be seen by a coloured dye.
​If oedema is present the following symptoms may be seen:
Lethargy, skin that holds when pressed (pitting oedema), aching, tender limbs, Stiff joints, lameness, weight gain, skin discolouration
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Trigger Points
Two main causes of trigger points are injury or overuse, any muscle has the potential to form a trigger point. They are normally found in the belly of the muscle yet are often not confined to the area of injury and can cause pain near to the injury site, this is termed referred pain. Trigger points, also known as taut bands in the muscle, can be described as feeling like bumps, nodules or knots. Not all trigger points are the same, the patient can feel varying symptoms and this can be due to which muscle the trigger point is in or the type of trigger point. They can be active or latent, depending on their clinical features.
Active trigger points cause pain at rest, are tender and prevent full lengthening of the muscle, they also cause readiating reffered pain. Latent trigger points have no spontaneous pain but have muscle shortening or weakness.
When treatment is received for active trigger points, they can often be reduced to latent trigger points. The trigger point will still cause problems unless completely dissolved and can take time to resolve, manual bodywork is the best treatment for trigger points.
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Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition that affects the muscles and surrounding fascia. It can mimic other conditions such as arthritis as causes pain and stiffness. Myofascial pain is generally associated with trigger points within the muscle or fascia. The causes and at risk categories include: Osteoarthritis, elderly, jumping on/off furniture, working and sporting dogs continuing exertion during muscle fatigue, repetitive activities, abnormal conformation, convalescing, trauma, dehydration, body Slamming from other dogs, trigger points. Dogs that are stressed and anxious are also prone to myofascial pain syndrome
Non steroidal anti inflammatory pain relief medications often do not help with myofascial pain and instead direct bodywork is needed to address the route causes.