Lameness is a general term used to describe a dog that is not weight bearing equally, has a gait irregularity, is hobbling or limping, is dipping a shoulder or throwing a leg whilst moving.

There can be a number of reasons why a dog may be lame, some are:

• Due to a fall

• Slipping or landing awkwardly

• A strained muscle

• Post surgery

• An orthopaedic condition such as hip or elbow dysplasia

• Arthritis

• Trauma such as a road traffic accident

• A neurological condition

Due to the vast array of potential causes for lameness, it is imperative to understand the source of the issue, in order to determine whether massage is the correct therapy to support your dog’s rehabilitation. This is just one of the reasons I ask that your dog’s vet completes a veterinary consent form prior to treatment.

Massage can often bring complete resolution when the lameness is due to a muscular issue, and it can significantly help with compensatory pain for orthopaedic (luxating patella etc) and degenerative conditions such as arthritis or post-surgery.