If your dog or cat suffers an injury, it is always important to have them assessed by a veterinarian to rule out fractures, ligament ruptures or tendon injuries and they may need an x-ray. If nothing conclusive is found and your dog or cat is still lame, it is important to have your pet assessed and diagnosed by a vet familiar with muscle injuries and/or an animal physiotherapist.
Management centres around appropriate rest, pain relief before a graduated return to normal activity and then exercise. In the first 48hrs, it is important to rest the injured area from strenuous activity though research demonstrates that frequent, low grade, pain-free muscle activation improves recovery and reduces complications.
Icing may help to reduce swelling, inflammation and improve pain and can be done as often as every 2 hours. If your pet is lame or not weight bearing on a leg normally, then they are in pain and further analgesia is likely to be required.
After the first 48 hours, it may be appropriate to start gentle, static exercises designed to strengthen local musculature, develop balance and limit stiffness. Early rehabilitation should be guided by a clinician with a background in physiotherapy or rehabilitation as incorrect activity or too much, too soon can cause further injury and pain.
As your pet progresses, the rehabilitation exercises your pet is allowed to do will become more challenging and more closely reflect the complex movements they use in running and play. For dogs or cats who struggle to regain normal movement, hydrotherapy or use of an underwater treadmill can let them build strength safely and without pain.
Similar to hamstring injuries in humans, many muscular injuries can recur so it is important for muscle tears to be fully rehabilitated before your dog returns to running, chasing and playing with you.
