The Importance of Good Muscular Health in Osteoarthritic Dogs.

Understanding the role of muscles in managing canine osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint condition affecting a significant number of dogs. In dogs of 4 years of age or less 40% have osteoarthritis in at least one joint and in dogs over 8 years of age 80% have osteoarthritis. It leads to pain, inflammation, reduced mobility, and a decline in quality of life. While much of the attention in managing OA has traditionally focussed on joint health – cartilage degradation, bony changes and inflammation – it is critical not to overlook the muscular system. In fact, good muscular health is a cornerstone of long-term management and comfort for osteoarthritic dogs.

In this blog, we will explore why muscle health matters, how it is impacted in OA, and the role of issues like trigger points and myofascial pain in chronic cases.

Why Muscles Matter

When it comes to a dog’s health, muscle health is often overlooked until signs of pain or weakness appear. However, a dog’s muscular system plays a crucial role in everyday function. They do far more than move the body – they stabilize the joints, absorb shock, and distribute mechanical loads during movement. Healthy muscles work in harmony with the skeletal system to allow for fluid, pain-free movement. In dogs with osteoarthritis, joint degeneration leads to pain, altered gait, and reduced activity. This in turn causes muscle disuse and atrophy (muscle wastage) which triggers a vicious cycle: weaker muscles contribute to further joint instability and a worsening of the symptoms.

The downward spiral: Muscle atrophy and compensation

When a dog is in pain, it will instinctively offload weight from the affected limb(s). Over time, this leads to muscle atrophy in underused areas and overuse of compensatory muscle groups. The result is a pattern of uneven muscle development, tension, and postural dysfunction.

This chronic imbalance places abnormal strain on both affected and unaffected joints, increasing the risk of:

·        Soft tissue injuries such as muscle strains – a tear to the muscle or its tendon, and sprains – a tear to a ligament.

·        Gait abnormalities

·        Progression of osteoarthritis in adjacent joints.

·        Loss of proprioception – weakened muscles and chronic pain can impact a dog’s awareness of their body position, leading to clumsy movement or trips and falls.

Trigger Points and Myofascial pain: the Hidden Pain Generator

One of the most overlooked aspects of muscular health in osteoarthritic dogs is the presence of myofascial pain syndrome and Trigger Points. Trigger Points are hyperirritable knots or taut bands within the muscle tissue or its surrounding fascia that can cause pain either directly within the muscle or distant from its original location. Trigger Points can develop due to chronic muscle tension from compensatory gait, overuse or underuse of specific muscles, direct trauma or stress and a lack of a proper warm up or stretching. They are not the same as acupuncture points and typically do not respond to anti-inflammatory medications. In dogs, trigger points may present as guarding or flinching on palpation, fasciculations, reduced range of motion, lameness, reluctance to exercise or play or be petted or groomed and behavioural changes due to chronic pain.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome occurs when fascia becomes restricted, stiff and bound, sometimes spasmodic and painful to the touch. Fascia is the tissue that surrounds all other tissues, including the muscles. It is a highly sensitive tissue that forms a frictionless platform in which the muscles are allowed to slide and glide over each other. Affected, restricted fascia can lead to chronic and persistent pain. Myofascial pain often exists in a loop with osteoarthritis as joint pain causes muscle guarding, muscle guarding leads to trigger points, trigger points cause further pain and restricted movement, and restrictive movement exacerbates joint degeneration. Addressing myofascial pain is therefore essential for breaking this cycle and restoring comfort.

Promoting Good Muscular Health in OA Management

A comprehensive OA management plan must include targeted support for muscular health as well as medications, joint supplements rich in Omega-3s such as Yumove Advance 360 Max, home adaptations, controlled exercise and physiotherapy.

Clinical Canine Massage is integral to supporting good muscular health and is used to reduce muscle tension, address areas of overcompensation, improve blood flow to the tissues – thereby improving oxygenation and nutrition and removing waste products, and to break the pain cycle. Myofascial release techniques, used by Canine Massage Guild Therapists, targets dysfunctional fascia to improve flexibility and restore normal function.

Conclusion

In the osteoarthritic dog, muscular health is not a secondary concern. It is central to managing the condition and maintaining quality of life. Overcompensation, Trigger points and myofascial pain often go unrecognised, yet they are major contributors to chronic pain and poor mobility. By taking a multimodal approach that includes Clinical Canine Massage we can offer our dogs not just longer lives, but more comfortable and happy ones.

If you suspect your osteoarthritic dog may be struggling with muscle pain or compensation patterns, consult with your veterinary surgeon or a Canine Massage Guild Therapist. Early intervention can make all the difference.

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