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Post by lindsay on Nov 5, 2014 10:35:39 GMT 10
Hi Tom
My dog appears to be running slightly out of alingment.When he is running towards me his back legs are slightly to the right of his front legs.I would appreciate ypur thoughts.
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Post by Tom Meulman on Nov 5, 2014 16:42:27 GMT 10
Hi Lindsay,
When a greyhound runs in a straight line their footprints should also finish up in a perfect straight line, to the extent that you should be able to ride a bicycle over those footprints without having to steer from one to another.
When this no longer occurs it is as a result of muscle injuries, particularly injuries that tend to tighten a muscle, scar tissue in a muscle, or anything that stops the muscle from fully stretching out or cramping fractionally when fully contracted.
The most common injury that stops a greyhound from running in a straight line, and from behind creates the impression that the greyhound is swinging a hind leg sideways, is damage in the hip muscle (Gluteal). The hip muscle is the main muscle that controls the sideways movement of the hind legs, and damage to this muscle is also the main cause of a track leg injury.
The next muscle injury that can also cause this running action is damage to the triangle or also known as the hip support (Tensor fascia ) or in some instances damage to the upper end of the thigh muscle (Lateral vastus), even damage in the pencil/whip muscle (Sartorious) can also have the same effect.
All of these muscles when injured have some effect of altering the line taken by the hind legs, and therefore are the main cause of a greyhound that appears to be running out of alignment.
Only a thorough examination of these muscle areas will provide the answer.
Cheers,
Tom
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