Doesn’t time fly? or, in this week’s article, doesn’t your dog fly? Yes – its performance time. The last of the 5 subtle indicators of pain.
Fact – Sighthounds (Greyhounds and whippets e.g.) can fly! When they are at full speed their gait (locomotion) is called a double suspension, four-time asymmetrical gait. This is the only gait where the dog achieves total body extension with the forelimbs extended forward and the hindlimbs backward, so they are fully airborne at this point see picture below. They then arch their backs and the forelimbs extend backward and the hindlimbs forward and they are airborne again! If you don’t believe me – YouTube have lots of examples! It’s amazing and totally beautiful to see. This is why Sighthounds have speed but no stamina.
Photo curtesy of: greyhound-dog-charchterstics-1.jpg (1920×1080) (fishsubsidy.org)
Now, let me tell you about two very beautiful, sweet-natured and amazingly hard-working Cocker Spaniels. Willow (7 Years old) and Hazell (5 years old). I have been working with them and their fantastic guardian Lisa for nearly 2 years now. Each dog teaches me something new every single treatment. Hazell has had various injuries during her working seasons over the years. Back in May last year Lisa said Hazell was reluctant to retrieve – highly unusual for her. I found various issues on palpation of her muscles – nothing unexpected for a working dog of her ability (they have minor strains and knots like any other athlete working to their very highest potential) but seeing as I found minor strains in her Superficial pectoral muscles (front of the chest – under the jaw), I thought I’d check her Masseter muscles. These are her cheek muscles and she had tiny muscular tissue changes that indicated to me a strain. Bless her no wonder she was struggling to retrieve it was probably sore to open and hold something heavy in her jaw (Game birds on a shoot are not the lightest!)
So with performance, we are going to look at areas affecting different types of activities:
- Agility. Pole knocking when jumping; missed weave entries / slow weave; contact issues on the A-frame or seesaw; lack of drive & measuring techniques.
- Gun Dogs. Early onset fatigue (lack of energy or motivation); Retrieval issues.
- Canicross. Early onset fatigue; reluctance to wear Canicross harness; not pulling correctly or at all.
- Obedience. Including heelwork. Change in work positions e.g. sit, stand, down, send away.
- Flyball. Turning slow & wide on the spring loaded box; missing/avoiding (hurdles) jumps.
No matter the discipline, we’re looking for ANY deviation from your dogs’ natural performance. But this is true for all the principles, isn’t it? Norm vs Not the norm. During my consultations, I also consider Hoopers, working (farm) dogs, show dogs, medical alert dogs and assistance dogs – all these activities involve performance in some way, shape or form.
We’ve looked into specific activities but we can apply these to our dog’s general day-to-day play activities too. For example, when your dog runs after their ball are they tiring quicker? Are they no longer jumping to collect the ball & letting in land first?
Important bit (again)
These indicators act as a guide to help you identify symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions that Clinical Canine Massage could help but it is important to remember that some of these symptoms may cross over with other diseases/issues that are not of musculoskeletal origin. Therefore, it is really important to seek a diagnosis from vet – as Clinical Canine Massage Therapists do not diagnose. The reason why I have added this to every single blog is so that you are aware that all these issues may need veterinary intervention in some way. Even if it’s a referral to a Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, Clinical Canine Massage Therapist, Canine hydrotherapist or McTimoney Animal Chiropractor, there are many therapies out there now that can support your dog in a variety of ways. NB if your dog is insured you can even claim costs back. Win-Win!
SUMMARY
Subtle indicators of pain are also called ‘The 5 principles of pain’. These principles are Gait, Posture, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Behaviour and Performance. You can download a free PDF copy of the 5 Principles of Pain Consultation aide we Clinical Canine Massage Therapists use – which covers everything I’ve discussed over the past few weeks. Five-Principles-of-Pain.pdf (k9-massageguild.co.uk). I also have copies in my car – so if you want a printed version I can provide one too!
Assume. Makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’! Yes, you know the saying? Well, dogs carry on regardless because they want to please us, even if they are in pain, it might not simply be ‘something they do’ or because ‘they’re getting old’! Don’t assume!
- Get to know your dog – Norm vs Not Norm.
- Dogs cannot tell us they are in pain – they can only show you. Watch and listen to what they are ‘saying’.
- Take a video – invaluable.
- Mantra – Preventative not Reactive. Don’t wait and see! Get it sorted. The longer you leave things the harder it may be to improve and/or resolve them.
If you have ANY concerns go to your vet. Trust your gut! This is your duty of care under the 5 freedoms discussed in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 that you meet ‘their’ aka your dogs -needs “to be protected from pain, injury suffering and disease” (www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare)
I am very passionate about this can you tell?
Namaste
Lou xxx