If your dog is active, they’re at risk for sprains, which are soft tissue injuries often caused by sudden movements or trauma.
Whether it’s a minor limp after a particularly enthusiastic fetch session or something more serious, a sprain in your dog’s leg can be concerning. This article will give you a comprehensive understanding of sprains in dogs, covering the causes, symptoms, how vets diagnose them, treatment options, and preventative measures you can take.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that hold bones together at a joint.
Dog leg sprains happen when these ligaments stretch too far or work too hard. This can happen from a slip, a fall, running too much, or stretching too far.
Recognizing the signs of a sprain
How can you tell if your dog has a sprain? Here are some common signs:
- Limping or refusing to put weight on the affected leg. The degree of lameness will depend on how bad the sprain is.
- Swelling in the area that’s hurt.
- Pain and a reluctance to exercise. Your dog may yelp if you touch the area.
- Stiffness.
Other possible signs of a sprain include:
- Loss of appetite
- Warmth in the affected area
Diagnosing a Sprain: What to Expect at the Vet
If you think your dog has a sprain, it’s essential to see a veterinarian. It can be hard to tell the difference between a sprain and a more serious issue, like a broken bone.
At the vet, you can expect:
- A physical exam, which will include watching your dog walk.
- An orthopedic exam to check their range of motion.
- X-rays to rule out fractures.
- In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI to look at the soft tissues.
Treatment Options for Sprains
Treatment for your dog’s sprain will depend on how severe it is. Here’s a look at some of the options your veterinarian may suggest.
Conservative Treatment (Mild to Moderate Sprains)
- Rest. It’s crucial that your dog rest the injured leg to allow it to heal. Restrict activity by keeping your dog from running, jumping, and climbing stairs.
- Cold therapy. Applying cold to the injured area can reduce inflammation. Use an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, two or three times a day. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your dog’s skin.
- Pain management with NSAIDs. Your vet may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help with the pain. Be sure to follow the vet’s instructions carefully when administering any medication.
Advanced Treatment (Severe Sprains)
If your dog has a severe sprain, with torn ligaments or tendons, more advanced treatment may be necessary.
- Surgery. Surgery may be needed to repair torn ligaments or tendons, such as a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
- Physiotherapy, acupuncture, or laser therapy. These therapies can help with healing and pain management. Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, may speed up healing by helping cells repair themselves and by reducing inflammation.
Home Care and Rehabilitation
If your dog has a sprain, it’s important to follow your vet’s instructions carefully. This includes giving all medications as directed and following any specific treatment recommendations.
When your dog starts to recover, gradually increase their activity level. Start with short leash walks and avoid letting them run off-leash until the leg is fully healed.
Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of worsening pain or lameness. If you notice anything concerning, contact your veterinarian right away.
How to prevent sprains in dogs
You can reduce your dog’s risk of sprains with these strategies:
- Keep them at a healthy weight (a body condition score of 3/5 or 5/9).
- Warm them up before exercise.
- Don’t let them jump off high surfaces.
- Let them run off-leash in safe areas.
Wrapping Up
If your dog isn’t using a leg or seems severely lame, please see your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for a successful recovery from a sprain or another injury. The sooner you seek veterinary care, the better the chances your dog will regain pain-free use of their leg.