Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle contractures in dogs and cats - causes and signs
By Taylor, J & Tangner, C H·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2007·Garden State Veterinary Specialists, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acquired muscle contractures in the dog and cat. A review of the literature and case report.
Plain-English summary
A dog or cat with muscle contractures may show signs like limping, pain, weakness, and a stiff gait. These issues often develop after some form of trauma, which can happen weeks or months before the symptoms appear. Treatment options vary depending on the affected muscle, but generally, muscle contractures in the front legs tend to respond better to treatment than those in the back legs. If your pet is showing these symptoms, it's important to consult your veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment plan.
People also search for: dog limping after injury · cat muscle pain treatment · signs of muscle contracture in pets
Abstract
Canine and feline muscle contracture is reported to affect several different muscles, is associated with a number of predisposing factors, and a varying prognosis depending upon which muscle is affected. Most patients suffer some form of trauma weeks to months before the contracture is present. The clinical signs include: lameness, pain, weakness, decreased range of motion, a firmness noted throughout the entire muscle, and usually a characteristic gait. Pre-disposing factors for muscle contracture include: compartment syndrome, infection, trauma, repetitive strains, fractures, infectious diseases, immune-mediated diseases, neoplasia, and ischaemia. There does appear to be some breed and age predilection, however, the sex of the animal does not have an appreciable influence. In general, muscle contractures of the forelimb respond better to treatment and carry a better prognosis than muscle contractures of the hindlimb.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17546206/