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Groin Sprains in Dogs: Understanding the Injury and Why a Brace Won’t Help

Hi everyone, Nikki here from Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today, let’s talk about a common but often misunderstood injury in dogs: a groin sprain. While we specialize in knee braces, it’s just as important to understand injuries that don’t require one, so you know how to help your dog get back on their paws.

What is a Groin Sprain?

A groin sprain is an injury to the muscles and tendons in the inner thigh, specifically the iliopsoas muscle group. These muscles connect the lower spine and pelvis to the femur (thigh bone), and they are essential for your dog’s mobility. They are responsible for flexing the hip and pulling the leg inward, making them critical for activities like running, jumping, and quickly changing direction.

Common Causes

Groin sprains often happen when the iliopsoas muscles are stretched beyond their normal capacity. Common causes include:

• Overexertion: This can happen during intense play, exercise, or sports like agility.
• Sudden, awkward movements: Think of a dog “doing the splits” by slipping on a slick surface like a hardwood floor or ice.
• Lack of a proper warm-up: Starting high-intensity activity without preparing the muscles can make them more susceptible to injury.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of a groin sprain can be tricky because they often mimic other common injuries, like a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear. This is why a proper veterinary diagnosis is so important.

Look for these signs in your dog:

• Limping: They may be favoring a hind leg.
• Reluctance to move: You might notice difficulty getting up, jumping, or climbing stairs.
• Pain or sensitivity: Your dog may show signs of discomfort when the inner thigh is touched or the leg is stretched back.
• Decreased activity: They may be less interested in their usual playtime.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. Providing details about how the injury might have happened, such as your dog slipping, can help your vet reach the correct diagnosis.

Why a Brace Won’t  Help

Unlike a knee injury, a groin sprain is an internal muscle issue, not a joint instability. The injured iliopsoas muscles are located deep within the abdomen and pelvis. Because of this location, a traditional brace or external support device cannot effectively immobilize or support the damaged muscle to promote healing.

Instead, the key to recovery is conservative management.

Treatment and Recovery

The good news is that most groin sprains heal well with the right care. Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of the following:

• Rest: Limiting your dog’s activity is the single most important step. This means kennel or crate rest and only short, controlled leash walks.
• Pain management: Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
• Cold therapy: Applying a cold pack to the area can help reduce inflammation, especially in the first 24-48 hours.
• Other therapies: Your vet might also suggest therapeutic laser treatments or physical therapy to aid in recovery.

Recovery times can vary depending on the severity of the sprain:

• Mild sprain: Typically improves in 2 to 3 weeks.
• Moderate sprain: May take 4 to 6 weeks to heal.
• Severe sprain: Can take 8 to 12 weeks or even longer for a full recovery.

By understanding what a groin sprain is and how to properly care for it, you can help your dog get back to their happy, active self. Always remember to consult your vet for a correct diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Do you have any questions about your dog’s mobility or other injuries you’ve noticed? Contact us today via our contact form or visit us on Facebook.

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