First aid for the dog's soft tissue injuries
Given the energetic nature of dogs, each and every individual would be a candidate for various injuries. A dog owner has to learn how to deal with unexpected emergency situations as dogs can have broken bones, suffer from lacerations, minor and serious cuts and impalement injuries. Dogs have the tendency to hide their injuries. Owners would notice that all is not well with the pet when the pain the pet feels becomes obvious and the condition has become serious. It is therefore necessary for a dog owner to know the normal appearance and the normal behavior of the pet so that any sign of injury can be easily seen. As with any kind of ailment, early detection and urgent treatment would give the dog a good chance at full recovery.
Similar to humans, dogs too can suffer from strains. Muscle, joint, ligament or tendon strain, also known as soft tissue injury is most prevalent in dogs that join athletic competitions. Strain develops more often in arthritic dogs, working dogs and overweight dogs. Small or toy breeds and stay-at-home canine companions can develop soft tissue injury too.
A strain would occur when the movements of a running, jumping or falling dog would put pressure to the soft tissues so that it would be stretched or in some cases torn. Swelling, inflammation and pain especially when the affected limb or body part is moved are signs of strain. Strain will prevent a dog from putting on even a little pressure on the injured body part. The pain will make the dog limp or to favor the injured leg.
Serious and recurring cases of strain are usually corrected with surgery. A surgical procedure is necessary to repair the stretched or torn tendons and ligament so that permanent damage can be prevented. However, rest is the simple but all important first aid treatment for a minor strain. Resting will allow the torn or strained muscle to recover.
A strain can quickly develop when the dog falls, collides with other animals or when it has overexerted the muscles in the performance of its usual activities. Hot and cold compress is the common first aid treatment for a strain. Cold compress is supposed to reduce swelling thereby reducing pain as well. A plastic bag with ice cubes can be placed over the sore muscle. The ice pack though must be wrapped in a towel because circulation will be restricted if it is applied directly to the skin.
Similar to humans, dogs too can suffer from strains. Muscle, joint, ligament or tendon strain, also known as soft tissue injury is most prevalent in dogs that join athletic competitions. Strain develops more often in arthritic dogs, working dogs and overweight dogs. Small or toy breeds and stay-at-home canine companions can develop soft tissue injury too.
A strain would occur when the movements of a running, jumping or falling dog would put pressure to the soft tissues so that it would be stretched or in some cases torn. Swelling, inflammation and pain especially when the affected limb or body part is moved are signs of strain. Strain will prevent a dog from putting on even a little pressure on the injured body part. The pain will make the dog limp or to favor the injured leg.
Serious and recurring cases of strain are usually corrected with surgery. A surgical procedure is necessary to repair the stretched or torn tendons and ligament so that permanent damage can be prevented. However, rest is the simple but all important first aid treatment for a minor strain. Resting will allow the torn or strained muscle to recover.
A strain can quickly develop when the dog falls, collides with other animals or when it has overexerted the muscles in the performance of its usual activities. Hot and cold compress is the common first aid treatment for a strain. Cold compress is supposed to reduce swelling thereby reducing pain as well. A plastic bag with ice cubes can be placed over the sore muscle. The ice pack though must be wrapped in a towel because circulation will be restricted if it is applied directly to the skin.
0 comments:
Post a Comment