Learn & Go w Dr. Laurie Iliopsoas Part 3 - For Medical Professionals
Welcome to Iliopsoas Part 3, the final entry in our iliopsoas series of "Learn & Go with Dr. Laurie"! Today, we will focus on assessing hip extension in dogs using a practical, straightforward method that can help identify potential iliopsoas or hip joint issues. This method involves evaluating the dog's hip extension angle with their rear feet on the ground and their front feet elevated on a stool or chair. Did you miss Part 1 or Part 2, no worries you can catch them here.
Hip Extension Evaluation Technique
This is a quick and easy technique that you can use at your office or teach your clients to do at home.
Setup and Positioning:
Equipment Needed: Depending on the size of the dog, a stable stool or chair that allows the dog's front feet …{Read More- link to website} to be comfortably elevated.
Starting Position: Position the dog, in this case, my trusted companion Syd, with their rear feet firmly on the ground and their front feet placed on the raised surface. This surface should be at least wither height. The higher it is, the more challenging it is so start lower and increase the height only if this is easy (able to hold it for 1-3 minutes) and not difficult or uncomfortable (wanting to jump off or dancing around).
Encouraging the Correct Posture: Gently encourage the dog to maintain this position. The aim is to ensure that the dog's rear legs remain extended and the front legs are elevated, with the thoracolumbar spine in a straight line or even in a concave line indicating full thoracolumbar extension. The higher the elevated surface, the more hip extension and iliopsoas stretch you will be able to obtain.
Observations and Indicators:
Hip Extension Angle: Observe the extension angle of the hips. A healthy dog should be able to extend their hips fully, allowing for a smooth, straight alignment of the hindquarters.
Compensatory Movements: If the dog has to step one leg forward or exhibits an inability to maintain the correct posture, it may indicate a problem. Specifically, watch for:
·Forward Stepping of One Leg: This may suggest an asymmetry in hip or iliopsoas flexibility or strength.
Thoracolumbar Spine Alignment: The dog should be able to extend their thoracolumbar spine fully, looking straight up without signs of discomfort or strain. Inability to do so can indicate underlying issues.
Identifying Potential Problems:
Iliopsoas Muscle Issues: Difficulty maintaining this position or compensatory movements may suggest iliopsoas strain or tightness. This muscle, critical for hip flexion, can restrict movement when injured or strained.
Hip Joint Pathology: Extending the hip can be particularly uncomfortable for dogs with hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis. If the dog shows signs of pain or reluctance to extend the hip fully, a deeper evaluation of the hip joint is warranted.
Diagnostic Follow-Up:
Palpation and Pain Response: Combine this observational technique with palpation of the iliopsoas muscle and the hip joint to pinpoint the source of discomfort.
Further Testing: If the dog exhibits significant difficulty or discomfort, consider additional diagnostic imaging (e.g., radiographs or ultrasound) to assess for hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, or iliopsoas injuries.
Conclusion
Evaluating hip extension using this method provides a quick and effective way to identify potential issues in the iliopsoas muscle and hip joint. Accurate assessment allows for early intervention and tailored treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. We hope you have enjoyed this iliopsoas series.
Thank you for your dedication to advancing veterinary care. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this topic further, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Dr. Laurie McCauley
& The Optimum Pet Vitality Team
Empowering Veterinary Professionals, Optimizing Pet Health
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