L7 injury

Hi Ray,

While it is difficult to say exactly what sort of damage has been done, swelling does indicate that the damage is severe enough to have at least caused some soft tissue damage.

As in human treatment reducing the swelling and inflammation is essential, so cold packs two or three times daily for five minutes.

Once the swelling has gone down it is then important to rule out bone damage to the L6, L7, S1 and the very top of the tail by placing sideways pressure in both directions to each of the spinal segments, and checking the origin of the tail by bringing it sideways in both directions.

If the spinal segments feel firm and are unable to be moved sideways even a fraction, and there is minimal discomfort at least that will rule out any severe damage. In regard to the tail, pain on sideways movement generally indicates soft tissue damage to the one or both sides of the S1 area.

If any of the spinal segments, in particular L7, can be moved sideways at all it’s a completely different ball game and you will have to get back to me on that one.

Otherwise ultrasound treatment for three minutes at 1.2 watt to the soft tissue both sides of the L6/L7 area twice daily for three days, followed by an application of a heat producing liniment after each treatment will at least kick start the healing process.

After that two days rest with no treatments at all, and then three treatments with a muscle contractor to strengthen the soft tissue in these areas. This is best done by triggering a contracting action by placing the positive tip of the contractor just in front of the pin bones and to one side of the spine. This should have the action of causing tail flexion.

Day one ten contractions, day two fifteen contractions and day three twenty contractions, with again applying a heat producing liniment after each treatment.

During the ultrasound treatments and two rest days no free running and walking only on the lead for ten minutes twice daily.

Cheers,
Tom