In this blog article, Dr. Gudrun Werner shares the case of Shaki, a dog presenting subtle lameness in the right hind limb.
Through this clinical case, discover how acupuncture, myofascial release, and nail maintenance instantly impact locomotion. Objective gait analysis with Tendiboots™ Canine immediately highlights the beneficial effects of the treatment for both practitioners and owners.
Clinical Case Example: The Case of Shaki
Shaki was presented to Dr. Gudrun Werner for gait asymmetry.
Clinical exams and recordings from the dynamic gait analysis tool Tendiboots™ Canine revealed a lameness in the right hind limb. It was also observed that the nails on the right hind limb were abnormally long, which could be influencing the dog's gait.
Upon palpation, Dr. Werner noted significant fascial rigidity, with sensitive fascial lines from the glutes to the back, extending to the caudal part of both scapulae.
The sacroiliac joint was also immobile, especially on the right side (anterior superior ilium). The fascial and muscular overload was likely due to the long nails, which had altered Shaki's stance, according to the veterinarian.
During the consultation, gait analysis was performed before and after acupuncture, myofascial release, and nail shortening.
The improvements in Shaki's locomotion, before and after the treatments, were evident.
In this graph, focused on the stride length parameter, we can see that Shaki's locomotion improved during the consultation.
A first recording was made when the dog arrived (the first recordings are on the left side of the graph), followed by a second recording after Dr. Gudrun Werner's intervention (the last recordings are on the right side of the graph).
It is clearly observed that the blue line (representing the forelimbs) and the purple line (representing the hindlimbs) become more symmetrical in the second recording, indicating that the stride length became more balanced after the veterinarian's intervention.
In the first recording, the values for both the forelimbs and hindlimbs were far from the central zone, indicating an asymmetry between the limbs.
The closer the values are to the central lines, the more symmetrical the animal's locomotion is (the black horizontal line representing perfect symmetry).
In the second recording, the values clearly move closer to this symmetry zone.
The Expert’s Insight
"Happy to see a dog that was nervous before treatment become so relaxed afterward!
I enjoy using Tendiboots for gait analysis. To my great satisfaction, Shaki's locomotion analysis became almost normal after fascial treatment.
Upon arrival, he showed subtle lameness in the right hind limb and a shortened stride. After treatment, the Tendiboots system detected no abnormalities, and Shaki is now fully relaxed."
Gudrun Werner, DVM
Focus on Myofascial Release in Dogs
Myofascial release is a gentle manual therapy technique designed to relieve tension and restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs. This approach helps improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being in dogs suffering from musculoskeletal imbalances, injuries, or chronic pain.
The benefits of this technique include:
• Reduction of stiffness and pain.
• Improvement of flexibility and range of motion.
• Stimulation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
• Correction of postural imbalances and compensations.
• Support for recovery after injury or surgery.
The Different Myofascial Release Techniques for Dogs
Used for arthritic and senior dogs, those recovering post-surgery, athletic dogs, or cases of lameness and postural imbalances, various techniques are available to practitioners for releasing muscles and fascia:
🐾 Sustained pressure: Ideal for localized tension, adhesions, and scar tissue.
🐾 Gentle stretching: Perfect for sensitive dogs, general stiffness, and nervous system relaxation.
🐾 Skin rolling: Helps release superficial fascia and stimulates blood circulation.
🐾 Cross-fiber stretching: Targets deep fascia and enhances mobility.
🐾 Traction and compression: Beneficial for stiffness in the hips, shoulders, and spine.
Dr. Gudrun Werner, Veterinarian Specialized in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
A Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), Dr. Werner has expanded her expertise in canine rehabilitation by training in chiropractic care and acupuncture.
Practicing in Austria, she treats both dogs and cats, complementing her treatments with laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and electrostimulation.
Dr. Werner is also equipped with the Tendiboots™ Canine system.
