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ultrasound in conjunction with a specific gel medium containing medications such as a steroid and lidocaine combination, can be helpful in getting more stubborn groin injuries to heal. Ultrasound has the ability to decrease pain, allow therapeutic stretching, and promote proper organized healing. In addition to prolonged therapies being required with chronic iliopsoas strains, it is also necessary to look for other underlying orthopedic conditions that may be exacerbating the condition. Surgical treatment is warranted for dogs that do not respond to conservative medical management and rehabilitation therapy. In cases where there is irreversible change to the tendon, such as fibrosis (excess connective tissue) where the muscle and tendon meet, surgically releasing (cutting the tendon from the bone) may be needed. Technically, dogs do not need this muscle group to flex the hip and can function normally when it is not intact. We recommend that the condition be confirmed with an MRI before moving forward with surgery.

healed before returning to full activity. There are several precautions performance dog owners can take to help prevent iliopsoas injuries. First and foremost, your dog should be warmed up before training or competing. This can be in the form of jogging, trotting over cavaletti poles, alternating tight circles and figure eights, and jumping over low obstacles. Avoid manual stretching before exercise, but it is appropriate following training and performance. Iliopsoas stretching techniques (hip extension with abduction) and using an appropriate cool down with ice is generally recommended. When possible, avoid running your dog across slick surfaces (not only while running agility, but also at home on hardwood floors or in mud in the backyard). Keep a towel or an area rug near the entrance to dry your dog’s paws when he comes in from outside. Wet feet are extremely prone to slipping on hardwood or tile floors and when the dog is jumping into or out of the vehicle while ice or snow is on the ground. If your canine partner is developing recurring muscle injuries, having his performance style evaluated may have merit in the prevention of injury. D

Avoiding Injury
As with so many of the conditions our canine athletes face, prevention of injury is priceless. The risk of re-injuring a strained muscle is more likely when a strain injury has not adequately

Dr. Peter Lotsikas is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He holds a DVM degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He also completed a general small animal internship at Kansas State University, followed by a surgical internship at Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center. Dr. Lotsikas received his formal surgical residency training at Iowa State University. He now practices at the Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group (VOSM) in Annapolis Junction, Maryland (www.VOSM.com). Dr. Faith Lotsikas earned her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She has always had a strong interest in whole pet wellness. For that reason, she also became a certified canine rehabilitation therapist. Dr. Faith now offers rehabilitation services as a mobile veterinarian in the Washington D.C. area, and at Gunny’s Rainbow in Bethesda. She also enjoys being an amateur veterinary medical illustrator.

July 11 | Clean Run

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Clean Run - July 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - July 2011