Dogs can be accident prone. Some are clumsy, some are athletic (too athletic, maybe), others overzealous and some just old. No matter the reason, dog owners will find themselves scratching their heads on an injury their dog exhibits one day. Many can be perplexing, seeming to have no obvious cause and others we see happen before us.  Many of these injuries are considered to be a soft tissue injury – something we hear often occurring in humans. These types of injuries can occur in just about any mammal and encompass a wide range of injuries. Let’s take a high-level look at what soft tissue injuries mean in dogs. What is a soft tissue injury In dogs, soft tissue injuries or traumas, means damage to muscle, tendons, skin, ligaments and other soft body tissue. Some examples of these injuries include:
  • Sprains
  • Bruising/contusions
  • Muscle tears/strains
  • Tendon and ligament tears
  • Lacterations
  • Puncture wounds
  • And even internal injuries 
These injuries can all present with similar symptoms to other types of injuries like compound fractures, breaks, hairline fractures, illness, and more. So it can be hard to determine what exactly is occurring with a dog – making it imperative that you consult a veterinarian.  Symptoms of soft tissue injury in dogs Due to the tricky nature of soft tissue injuries, and a dog’s propensity to not show pain, it can be hard to even realize something is wrong with your dog. There are many times when soft tissue injuries like bruises go completely unnoticed. However, if you have a well-trained eye and are attuned to your dog’s habits, you may be able to pick up on these symptoms of soft tissue trauma.
  • Limping
  • Whining or flinching at pressure on certain areas of the body
  • Swelling and inflammation
  • Decreased at activity
  • Difficulty moving
  • Bruising on skin
  • Bleeding or discharge from wound
  • Licking at source of pain
  • Unusual heat from injured body part
  • Muscle weakness
  • Irregular breathing
If you notice any of these symptoms persistently for more than a day or two, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. Especially if internal damage is suspected as those injuries can escalate in severity very quickly.  Treatment of soft tissue injuries in dogs After you have seen your veterinarian and your dog has been diagnosed with a soft tissue injury, treatment will be dependent on the type of injury. For sprains, bruises, strains, etc. your dog will be prescribed pain medicine for a week with direction to limit activity. These injuries typically heal well on their own. Lacerations and open wounds will need antibiotic treatment and potentially stitching – your vet will make the best decision based on the severity.  Unfortunately, soft tissue injuries like tendon and ligament tears in dogs often require surgery – though not all do. Your vet will take some diagnostic imaging to help you determine the best course of action to give your dog the best chance at resuming his previous lifestyle.