Floored by new ailments
RECENT years have seen an increase in two syndromes that were, until now, relatively unknown.
The first I shall call Laminate Floor Disorder (although it can also occur in agility training, flyball and other extreme sports).
The rise in incidence of Laminate Floor Disorder has occurred because, much to the chagrin of fleas and Big Jim the carpet fitter, shag pile is out and smooth surfaces are in.
It should be noted, however, that if the client resides in Kilmacolm, we call it Real Wooden Floor Disorder.
Whatever, the problem occurs when the hind leg is inadvertently splayed out as if the dog was doing the splits.
The most common cause is rushing on slippy flooring to answer the door or get to a food bowl but any form of strenuous exercise can result in a back leg being overstretched to the side.
Ultimately, damage is done to the adductor muscles, whose purpose is to pull the feet together by bringing the hindlegs back towards the body.
The most frequently affected muscle is the iliopsoas and strains or tears will result in pain when the affected leg is extended and the hip joint internally rotated or if the leg is abducted (so that the foot is moved away from the body.)
In my opinion, the injury is underdiagnosed but most patients respond well to rest and anti-inflammatories. Laminate Floor Disorder can be reduced by carefully warming dogs up before exercise then stretching the hindlimb by extending the hip and abducting the leg.
Our second syndrome is called Dog Walkeritis (I made that up.) As carpets have disappeared, there has been a huge surge in the number of people offering dog walking services.
I do not think the two things are connected.
Anyway, where once an individual dog received limited exercise on the lead at a slow pace, now all manner of mutts of different sizes are rampaging about the countryside for hours on end, having an absolute ball, getting fitter and, inevitably, falling victim to Dog Walkeritis.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am not having a go at dog walkers, who seem to be doing a splendid job. But if you mix all ages, types, breeds and levels of athletic ability then there are going to be casualties.
So Dog Walkeritis is a general term for minor muscular and tendon injuries, broken nails, the odd cut foot, tail wounds and the occasional ‘you’re not running past me’ bite to the ear.
All well worth it…