Observational Study on Lameness Recovery in 10 Dogs Affected by Iliopsoas Injury and Submitted to a Physiotherapeutic Approach

Abstract

This preliminary study has investigated the outcome of physiotherapy in 10 dogs affected by a primary lesion of the iliopsoas muscle and the potential effects of sex, age, and breed on recovery. Ten dogs with primary injury of the iliopsoas muscle were retrospectively included in this study. Dogs were submitted to a rehabilitation program, characterized by a multimodal approach, including physical therapies and modalities. After recovery, patients were submitted to a further support period of rehabilitation to promote muscle strengthening and limit injury recurrence during their return to normal functional and sports activity. Border collies were highly represented. The recovery of lameness occurred after a mean of 22.6 ± 14.7 (median 18) days with a median number of five sessions. None of the examined variables affected the recovery time, except for the border collie breed, which showed a significantly faster recovery time; however, there was no difference between the breeds with regard to the number of sessions. Multimodal rehabilitation therapy may promote lameness recovery of mild-to-moderate iliopsoas lesions within 3 weeks. This preliminary study reports a clinical approach and recovery of primary iliopsoas lesions, findings that can provide clinicians with useful prognostic information for dogs involved in sports activities.

Internet Survey Evaluation of Iliopsoas Injury in Dogs Participating in Agility Competitions

“…One study evaluated musculoskeletal ultrasound in agility dogs with iliopsoas injury and reported evidence of both acute and chronic inflammation within the same patient in 62.8% of cases, consistent with repeat micro-injury (5). With regards to iliopsoas injury recovery, this survey found that 56% of dogs were able to return to competition within 3 months, consistent with a median of 91 days to full recovery reported by Spinella et al (9). The remainder of dogs had a more prolonged convalescence, with 24% returning in 4-6 months, 14% being out of agility for longer than 6 months, and 6% officially retiring.…”

“…The iliopsoas muscle is formed by the psoas and iliacus muscles and acts as an important flexor and stabilizer of the hip and vertebral column (8). The iliopsoas is prone to acute injury and strain when there is stretch while in eccentric contraction, which is common with a slip or fall, mis-jumping, or quick changes in direction (5,8,9). As with any muscle injury, if left undiagnosed or untreated these initial injuries can progress to become chronic in nature.…”

“…Both acute and chronic injury can contribute to pathologic changes in muscle anatomy and physiology, evident via musculoskeletal ultrasound (5). Agility dogs diagnosed with iliopsoas injury commonly have decreased performance, reluctance to jump and lameness that is exacerbated by activity (9). On physical exam, these patients often have pain with direct palpation of the muscle belly or at the site of insertion on the lesser trochanter of the femur, and some patients have pain that is exacerbated with extension and internal rotation of the hip (5,9).…”

“…Agility dogs diagnosed with iliopsoas injury commonly have decreased performance, reluctance to jump and lameness that is exacerbated by activity (9). On physical exam, these patients often have pain with direct palpation of the muscle belly or at the site of insertion on the lesser trochanter of the femur, and some patients have pain that is exacerbated with extension and internal rotation of the hip (5,9). Pain is related to the primary muscle injury, and can also involve nerves or other surrounding soft tissues (5).…”