Helping your dog with
Supraspinatus Tendinopathy

Supraspinatus tendinopathy (ST) is a common condition identified in dogs with forelimb lameness, particularly sporting dogs. The cause of ST appears to be related to repetitive strain injury and does not tend to respond well with rest and pain relief. That's where we come in!

Supraspinatus Tendinopathy Overview

Signs of ST

Signs show varying degrees of lameness, from a shortened stride length to a significant weight-bearing lameness. The lameness worsens with activity. There may also be atrophy (reduction) of the muscle which is painful when touched, especially when the shoulder is flexed.

Causes of ST

Sporting dogs are predisposed due to the impact jumping, twisting and turning have on the Supraspinatus muscle. Over time, this accumulates into repetitive strain type injury. Slipping, overstretching and exercising on 'cold' muscles (i.e. lack of appropriate warm up and cool downs) can also contribute.

Treatment of ST

ST can be quite tricky to treat and often requires lengthy rehabilitation as they typically do not respond to rest and pain relief. However, physiotherapies with progressive exercise programme has been shown to be effective. For extreme cases, surgery is an option, including treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

What can we do about it?

Plenty! We have numerous modalities in clinic that we have at our finger tips to help your dog. These include massage, soft tissue mobilisation, stretching, joint mobilisations, targeted exercises, laser therapy, hydrotherapy... shall we continue? These have all been shown to regain muscle function, strength and coordination and get back to competitive fitness. In some unfortunate cases, recurrence of the condition is not avoidable. With each session they undergo constant review of their clinical signs and progression in order to gain maximum recovery at a pace that's comfortable for them.

We have a comprehensive programme tailored for your dog's specific needs, depending on their recovery so far. We will always assess their pain levels, degree of mobility, muscle strength, amongst more, to enable us to create the most successful treatment plan for them. If they have co-morbidities such as biceps tenosynovitis or osteoarthritis we will rehabilitate these concurrently.

Alongside what we do with your beloved pooch, there are a number of things outside of the clinic that can help them manage their condition or rehabilitation. Please find information in the sections below!

Physical Therapies

Therapies are essential for a comprehensive treatment plan - as you already know! For the best results, therapies should be implemented early on in their diagnosis to maintain the best possible joint mobility, muscle strength and comfort. Homework should be adhered to as much as possible to really gain maximum benefits.

Weight Management

Losing excess weight, and keeping your dog as lean as possible without compromising nutrition, will significantly improve their recovery. Excess weight not only bears greater forces through their painful muscles, but the fat tissue itself contains inflammatory mediators that amplify pain. Basically, the leaner they are the less pain they will be in!

Pain Relief & Supplements

As mentioned before, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are largely futile. This is due to the lack of an inflammatory process occuring at the trauma site. Most dogs do not respond to these drugs. Supplements such as Omega 3, Boswellia Powder and Green Lipped Muscle are great to for natural pain relief and are safe to feed long term. (Please check competition guidelines regarding herbal supplementation)

Modified Exercise

We will provide you with a specific, progressive exercise plan for your dog depending on their clinic signs and degree of damage. Modifying your walk routines with your dog is a really huge part of managing their pain. We will direct you specifically according to your dog's assessment in clinic, but the general rules of thumb are; Little and often - multiple short walks per day are much better than one long one. Keep it consistent - suddenly going for a long walk on the weekend will set your dog back and often initiates a flare up. Keep their daily activity the same each day. Dont let them fatigue - signs such as slowing down on walks, looking stiffer or limping are big red flags and should be avoided. Shorten the walk time so that they return home in the same state that they left home in. Sniffy walks are GREAT - if your dog benefits from more stimulation a fantastic way to do this without impacting their recovering muscles is to take them to super sniffy places and let their noses do the work. Let them sniff everything and everywhere. It also provides a little comfort break and allows them to be out for longer before fatiguing.

Home Modifications During Recovery

Flooring

Wooden floors and stairs are a big slip hazard for your dog. Try using non-slip mats along the main routes of your house. Alternatively, some dogs may benefit from paw pads (please speak to us before trying this option in case of contraindication).

Feeding Stations

Raising their water and food bowls may seem like a insignificant change to us, but it can really help your dog to be in a more neutral position.

Access to Furniture

Jumping up and down from heights if often a cause of additional pain / difficulty to your dog. If they enjoy a cuddle on the sofa or the bed, make it easier for them with dog-friendly steps or ramps onto furniture. This also applies to getting in / out of cars! You may find a sling to be useful.

Keeping Warm

Especially important in the colder months, your dog will benefit from staying warmer. Keep them in a jumper and walk them out with coats. Stay dry too!

Sleeping / Resting Areas

Great quality sleep is essential. Ensure their sleeping area is free from any drafts and in a warm spot. Their bedding should be supportive and not restrictive. Memory foam mattresses without rigid or tall sides are best. Make sure your dog can access the bed and can change position / stretch out easily.

Be Wary of Terrain

Different types of terrain in the garden and on walks can be hazardous, such as steep slopes, loose or uneven surfaces. Be mindful to where they are going.

Helping your dog with Supraspinatus Tendinopathy