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Post by Ricky on Oct 13, 2014 13:39:44 GMT 10
Hi Tom I have a dog that has pain on the back inside of the tibia about a third of the way down from the knee off side leg, the dog will dip upon slight pressure to the area which is only small, have been told possible stress fractures. I was just after your thoughts and treatment ideas. Regards Rick
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Post by Tom Meulman on Oct 13, 2014 17:11:10 GMT 10
Hi Rick,
I guess this won't be the answer you expect mainly because I have a different point of view on pain in that part of the tibia, however it is still extremely important to examine the bone surface in the area where there is pain to make absolutely certain that there is no bone fracture.
That area of the tibia in particularly the surface a little bit more to the rear of the tibia rather than the inside surface of the tibia is the classic referred pain location for spinal muscle spasms around the L2 - L3 area.
A stress fracture or even periostitis would show either an area of inflammation or a slightly raised rounded area where the bone would be reacting to the damage if that actually existed, and the treatment would require up to six weeks rest and stimulation of the bone to speed the healing process.
While with a referred pain syndrome there is no visual damage to the bone surface, but even slight pressure, particularly rubbing pressure, makes the dog dip down almost as if the leg is about to collapse from under them.
In many instances when this occurs you are also likely to find referred pain on the surface of the muscle called the medial vastus which is the inside surface of the thigh muscle. Even though I must admit when I have shown various trainers exactly where to find this referred pain area many find it difficult to locate, however again this takes minimal pressure for the dog to react when you gently touch or rub the right area.
The referred pain areas on the inside of the hind leg are caused by spinal muscle spasms that impact upon nerve function, and therefore upon muscle function, start on the back inside edge of the tibia about 60 mm above the hock where pain is caused by compression in the spine at the L1 - L2 level right through to severe pain high in the groin caused by compression of the spine due to muscle spasms in the sciatic nerve area of the S1 - L7.
These referred pain areas on the inside of the hind leg are approximately the same distance apart as the actual spinal segments joints are apart.
Treatment in all cases consist of hot packs, deep massage to both sides of the spine close to the bone in the appropriate area, and gentle manipulations to relieve the muscle spasms. Treat daily for three days plus possibly again after the next run behind the lure.
You will find further information on this subject in the top section of the site in the posts regarding referred pain and manipulations.
Cheers,
Tom
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