Cramp

Cramp occurs when there is a prolonged tightening of a specific muscle or group of muscles. Cramp is an involuntary contraction of the muscle and can happen in striated (skeletal) and smooth (eg. Stomach, bladder) muscle. If you see your dog experiencing reoccurring cramp then it is vital to see your vet as soon as possible.

If you have ever had cramp yourself then you will know how incredibly painful it is and it can sometimes manifest as the result of a past injury or over stressing of a muscle. A common time that dogs will cramp is ,for example, during a long walk on a hot day; this may be due to past injury or a spasm being held but is more likely as a result of the dog becoming dehydrated and fatigued. When a dog gets cramp you may see your dog go lame for a few minutes, hold their leg off the floor or howl in pain. Other dogs will roll around on the floor or may drag one of their legs for a few minutes.

Your dog may be reluctant to let you touch the area as it will be extremely sensitive, however lightly massaging the area with the palm of your hand can provide some relief and encourage the flow of blood back to the area. In dogs with re-occurring cramp, clinical massage can be an effective form of management by helping to release areas of spasm that can often lead to cramp; do not try to do this yourself as you could end up doing more harm than goo.

In the racing greyhound cramp is often seen during the last straight of the race and can be as a result of poor oxygenation, dehydration, residual lactic acid and/or ongoing areas of spasm in the Rectus Femoris and tensor fascia lata (quadricep area). For the racing greyhound, massage is a must.

What Are The Causes Of Cramp?

• Excess lactic acid in the muscle
• Over walking or extreme exercise or racing
• Exhaustion
• Extreme cold
• Poor oxygenation to the muscle
• Lack of water
• Circulatory Issues
• Ongoing renal (kidney) issues
• Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (Spikes Disease) prevalent in Border Terriers*

How Can Massage Help?

• Increasing blood flow to the area
• Releasing spasms that can cause cramp
• Increasing the oxygenation to the muscle
• Draining lactic acid
• Increasing circulation
• By stretching and lengthening associated muscle groups

*Your dog should be under veterinary supervision if they suffer from regular cramping episodes; it is vital you see your vet.

This website shows a dog suffering from Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome and is a great resource to find out more information on this disorder which is often seen in the Border Terrier. if this looks all to familiar then please go and see your vet as soon as possible

http://www.borderterrier-cecs.com/cecs_photos_pg1.htm