Learn & Go w Dr. Laurie Iliopsoas Part 2 - For Pet Parents
Welcome to another edition of "Learn & Go with Dr. Laurie"! Today, we're taking the next step in focusing on an important muscle in your dog’s body – the iliopsoas muscle. If you missed it, you can see Iliopsoas Part 1 here. This muscle plays a crucial role in your dog's movement and can sometimes be a source of discomfort if not properly cared for. Let's dive in!
What is the Iliopsoas Muscle?
The iliopsoas muscle is actually a combination of two muscles: the iliacus and the psoas major. Together, they run from your dog’s lower back and pelvis and attach to the upper part of the femur (the thigh bone). The iliopsoas is nestled within your dog's abdomen and pelvis, and is essential for flexing the hip joint, which helps your dog lift their hind leg.
Why is the Iliopsoas Muscle Important?
The iliopsoas muscle helps your dog with activities like walking, running, and jumping. It also stabilizes the lower back and aids in smooth, coordinated movements. If this muscle becomes tight or strained, your dog might show signs of discomfort, lameness, or difficulty with these activities. Sometimes the signs are so mild, you only see them when your dog is doing something more strenuous, like jumping over an agility jump. If your dog has pain in the iliopsoas, the only sign might be dropped bars, with no reluctance to run and no obvious lameness, yet they are still painful.
How to Stretch the Iliopsoas Muscle
Stretching the iliopsoas muscle can help keep it flexible and reduce the risk of injury. Here’s a simple guide to stretching this important muscle in your dog:
Prepare Your Dog: Ensure your dog is calm and relaxed. It’s best to do this after a walk or play session when their muscles are warm.
Positioning: Have your dog lie on their side. Have them be comfortable and relaxed. This is the “filet mignon” muscle of the dog, tender and sensitive.
Hip Extension Stretch: Gently extend your dog’s hind leg backwards, away from the body. This movement stretches the iliopsoas muscle and extends the hip. Hold the stretch for about 10-20 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat 2-5 times.
Stabilize: To get the most effective stretch, stabilize the pelvis by gently holding the tuber ischii (the bony part of the pelvis) to prevent unwanted movement in the lumbosacral or sacroiliac joints.
Identifying Pain
Sometimes, the iliopsoas muscle can be a source of pain, which might show up as discomfort in the hip, lumbosacral joint, or sacroiliac joint. If you notice your dog showing signs of pain when you extend their hip, it’s important to have it checked out by your veterinarian. They can perform a more thorough examination and determine the exact cause of the discomfort. Sometimes x-rays are needed to rule out other causes such as arthritis.
When to See the Vet
If you’re unsure whether your dog is experiencing iliopsoas-related pain or if the stretching doesn’t seem to help, it’s always best to consult your vet. They can provide a professional assessment and suggest appropriate treatments or further exercises.
Conclusion
Understanding and caring for your dog’s iliopsoas muscle is essential for their overall mobility and comfort. Regular stretching can help keep this muscle flexible and reduce the risk of injury. Stay tuned for our next video, where we will cover more about how to keep your dog’s muscles healthy and strong.
Thank you for being dedicated to your pet’s health. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CVC, CVA, CCRT
Optimum Pet Vitality
Empowering People, Optimizing Pets
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