Muscle injuries in dogs
– effective regenerative therapies

Introduction

Muscle injuries in dogs occur in active, athletic animals as well as in domestic pets. Injuries most often occur during intense exercise, sudden twists, jumps, or collisions. Untreated injuries can lead to scarring, chronic pain, and loss of mobility.

 

Symptoms of muscle injuries:

 

  • sudden lameness or reluctance to put weight on the limb,
  • swelling and pain at the site of injury,
  • muscle stiffness and limited mobility,
  • hematomas or bruising within the muscle,
  • decreased activity and reluctance to move.

 


Standard treatment

Traditional treatment includes rest, cold compresses, anti-inflammatory drugs, and gradual rehabilitation. Although these methods bring relief, they often do not ensure complete muscle tissue regeneration.

 


Modern biological therapies

 

PRP – platelet-rich plasma

PRP contains growth factors that stimulate angiogenesis and muscle cell proliferation. When applied topically, it promotes rapid healing, reduces inflammation, and limits scarring.

 👉 Learn more about PRP

 

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

MSCs accelerate muscle fiber regeneration, reduce inflammation, and promote the formation of healthy tissue instead of scar tissue. They can be used for more serious muscle damage or chronic injuries.

 👉 Check out how mesenchymal stem cells work

 

Therapy IL-1

In cases of severe inflammation or chronic pain following injury, blocking the IL-1 pathway can reduce inflammation and improve your dog's comfort..

 👉 Learn more about IL-1 pain therapy and treatment

 

 

dr Joanna Sanford

Approach depending on the stage of the disease

 

  • Stage 1 – fresh muscle injuries: PRP as the first line of biological healing support.

    Stage 2 – more serious injuries or recurrent injuries: MSC to accelerate regeneration and reduce complications.

    Stage 3 – chronic inflammation: IL-1 in combination with rehabilitation and pain management.

 

 

Summary

Muscle injuries in dogs can significantly limit the animal's fitness and activity. Standard treatment is often insufficient, which is why biological therapies – PRP and MSC – supported by IL-1 in cases of chronic inflammation are becoming increasingly important. They enable faster healing, reduce complications, and allow the dog to return to full activity.

 

FAQ

Is every muscle injury eligible for PRP?
How long does muscle regeneration take after MSC therapy?
Are biologic therapies safe?
Is IL-1 routinely used in muscle injuries?
szczęśliwe psy i koty