Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Using massage
• Part 2 of 4: Using Passive Mobilization
• Part 3 of 4: Using Medication
• Part 4 of 4: Using Physical Therapy
• Tips

Hip pain is a common problem in dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. This condition usually gets worse when the dog stops using the leg, resulting in muscle shrinkage. In turn, this means a decrease in muscle support for the joint, and the vicious circle of lameness is closed. The lameness only gets worse over time. Fortunately, there are many techniques that can be used to relieve pain - we'll look at physical therapy, non-medical pain relief, and pain relievers to get your dog back to 100% right off the bat.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Using massage

1. 1 Have the dog lie on its side, exposing the sore hip. This shouldn't be too difficult, if only because dogs usually lie on the healthy side anyway to take weight off the affected hip. When you touch this area, you will feel that it is tense and tough, even when not in use. This is a good sign: the massage will be effective.
   • As long as the bone and skin are intact, massage can help relieve your dog's pain. However, if you notice any skin problems or your dog is in great pain, do not massage. Go to your vet for a physical exam right away.
2. 2 Massage your dog's thigh with the surface of your hand. In a rocking motion, apply a little pressure with the inner side of the wrist, lifting from the lower part of the limb up towards the heart. Slow gentle movements are relaxing; firm and quick movements are stimulating. For pain relief, one massage movement every five seconds is ideal. Massage the injured limb for 10-20 minutes two to three times a day.
   • In an animal with hip pain, the muscles will be hard and tense. Tense muscles compress the joint, causing the inflamed surfaces to rub, thereby increasing pain. The massage not only helps the muscles to relax, but also stimulates the production of endorphins - natural pain relievers, similar in chemical composition to morphine.
3. 3 Always move from the end of the limb to the top. To make sure you are massaging the affected limb correctly, pretend you are massaging fluid back to your heart. Reverse massage increases blood flow to the affected joint, leading to swelling and decreased mobility. Plus, your four-legged friend will feel better if you stretch his muscles up instead of pulling them down.
4. 4 Remember when massage can not be done. Massage is not suitable and cannot be done in the following situations:
   • The animal's thigh is broken or dislocated
   • His joint is infected
   • If the animal has an infected skin
     • If you suspect you have any of the above conditions, contact your veterinarian immediately. These conditions require professional medical treatment.
5. 5 Know why it works. The theory of massage therapy says that stimulation of the muscles around the hip joint increases the pressure in the tissues, and interstitial fluids are replaced in a vacuum.It helps to get rid of toxic irritants that are caused by damage and inflammation and irritate nerve endings. In turn, the new nutrients soak the area and speed up the healing of sore joints and stretched muscles.

Part 2 of 4: Using Passive Mobilization

1. 1 Know that passive mobilization is almost the same as stretching. Passive hip mobilization involves gently stretching the back of the affected leg backwards, away from the head. You can do this with a standing or lying dog.
   • If the dog has two sore thighs, it may be better to put it down, because it will be unpleasant for the dog to keep the extra weight on the opposite hip when one leg is raised.
2. 2 Place the dog on the healthy side. To passively stretch the left thigh, place the dog on the right side, lifting the left leg as high as possible. For the right hip, place the dog on the left side, lifting the right leg as high as possible.
   • In any case, this position is most likely the most comfortable for her. Lying on the healthy side relieves weight and pressure from the sore hip.
3. 3 Gradually begin to pull your hind thighs back. Slide your left hand down the front of your thigh down half the length of your thigh and grab the head muscles with your left palm. Apply a little gentle pressure and pull your thigh back so that the dog's paws also move back.
   • Do not force movement, and stop if the dog is uncomfortable. You are not trying to improve her flexibility. You are trying to stretch an already elastic, taut muscle.
4. 4 Hold the limb in an extended position for 40 seconds, then release. Try to stretch twice a day in ten minute sessions. This helps to keep the joint soft and relieve pain.
   • Mobilization is the passive stretching of the limb to keep the muscles in good condition and the joint to be mobile. The theory of mobilization is that pain restricts the movement of the joint, but over time, the hip joint becomes stiff, resulting in further loss of the ability to move, and thus a worsening cycle of limb underutilization is established.

Part 3 of 4: Using Medication

1. 1 Start giving your dog NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescription pain relievers that reduce inflammation. They work by inhibiting the production of “bad” COX enzymes that mediate joint inflammation. At the same time, NSAIDs have almost no effect on the “good” COX-1 enzymes that maintain blood flow in the kidneys and stomach. They can reduce pain and inflammation in a dog almost immediately.
   • When used correctly, these drugs have a very high safety margin. This reduces the risk of potentially dangerous side effects such as stomach ulcers and bleeding problems compared to other pain relievers. Veterinarians usually prescribe the following NSAIDs: meloxicam (Metacam), carprofen (Remadil), robenacoxib (Onsior).
   • The maintenance dose of metacam is 0.05 mg / kg orally, during or after meals, once a day. In oral suspension, usually 1.5 mg / ml, and a typical 30 kg Labrador should receive 1 ml once a day with meals.
2. 2 Give your dog aspirin. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can provide pain relief for mild to moderate pain. If no other pain relief is available, a healthy dog ​​can get 10mg / kg aspirin twice daily with or after meals. Aspirin is usually sold in 300mg tablets, so the usual dose for the average 30kg Labrador retriever is one tablet twice daily with meals.
   • However, long-term use of aspirin is fraught with the development of stomach ulcers, especially if aspirin is given on an empty stomach. This is because aspirin reduces blood flow to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, stomach, and kidneys.
   • Aspirin should not be given at the same time as NSAIDs. When these medicines are combined, they further increase the risk of serious stomach ulcers.
3. 3 Consider giving your dog paracetamol. Another option for moderate pain relief is paracetamol (acetaminoprofen). However, be careful with dosage because exceeding the recommended dosage increases the burden on the liver with the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI), which can cause liver damage and ultimately liver failure.
   • Dose: 10 mg / kg orally, twice a day with or after meals. Most tablets are 500 mg, so a 30kg Labrador retriever should receive at most three-fifths of the tablets twice a day. When in doubt about dosage, always give less. For small dogs, use the pediatric suspension.
   • It is always best to have a veterinarian-approved prescription drug, but if this is not possible, give paracetamol with meals and make sure the dosage is correct.

Part 4 of 4: Using Physical Therapy

1. 1 Use warmth. The applied heat helps to dilate blood vessels and stimulates blood flow in the thigh. Always be careful not to harm your dog. Always check on your skin how safe this temperature is.
   • An easy way to apply heat is to use a bag of salt, which can be heated in the microwave or in a skillet. Place the dog so that the injured thigh is accessible, and put a warm bag there. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then do some passive exercises.
2. 2 Consider using electromyostimulation carefully. It involves applying a small electric current to the skin to block the sensory nerves and thus the transmission of pain. This happens when delta fibers are stimulated, which in turn reduces sensitivity to pain. You can use electromyostimulation for your dog if you have access to basic training and the right equipment.
   • The electrostimulation device is a small hand-held battery-powered device that has two electrodes that are in contact with the dog's skin. Place one electrode on one side of your back, about six inches (15 cm) above (towards the head) of the hip joints. This is because the pain is blocked by the downward flow of the electrodes; they do not work directly in the applied area. One 20 minute session will help reduce pain for 24 hours.
3. 3 Consider using laser acupuncture. In this method, instead of needles, the laser stimulates the acupuncture points, where pressure is usually applied. There is proven evidence that activating pain points stimulates the production of the natural pain reliever, AA endorphin. Again, with basic skills and good hardware, you can do this yourself if you feel comfortable doing it.
   • There are three points for stimulation to relieve hip pain. For each location: Place the laser head in the groove between the muscle and bone, pressing firmly and holding for 15-30 seconds. Pain points:
     • In the groove in front of the hip joint
     • Behind in the depression in front of the hip joint
     • In the groove above the hip joint.

Tips

• Physiotherapy is pain management based on physical manipulation and non-medication. Massage, passive exercise, acupuncture, electromyostimulation, heat therapy are all physiotherapy methods that can be used at home.