Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2025; 38(05): A1-A12
DOI: 10.1055/a-2626-5966
Canine Podium Presentations

Prevalence and Localization of Trigger Points in Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Authors

  • Maira Rezende Formenton

    1   School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

  • Denise Tabacchi Fantoni

    1   School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

  • Lisa Gauthier

    2   VetAgro Sup (Campus Vétérinaire), Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Algologie Comparée (CREFAC), University of Lyon, Marcy l’Etoile, France

  • Thibaut Cachon

    2   VetAgro Sup (Campus Vétérinaire), Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Algologie Comparée (CREFAC), University of Lyon, Marcy l’Etoile, France

  • Lin Tchia Yeng

    3   School of Medicine, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

  • Karine Portier

    2   VetAgro Sup (Campus Vétérinaire), Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Algologie Comparée (CREFAC), University of Lyon, Marcy l’Etoile, France
    4   Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CRNL), University of Lyon, Trajectoires, Bron, France
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Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal condition with hypersensitive spots known as trigger points (TPs). Symptoms typically include localized pain, weakness, and a unique motor reaction termed the local twitch response. The prevalence of MPS in small animals remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of TPs in dogs with osteoarthritis, alongside exploring the correlation between age, number of TPs, muscle location, and affected joints.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-five dogs underwent palpation by two independent assessors to identify TP presence.

Results: Thirty (86%) dogs exhibited at least one TP, while only 5 (14%) had none, totalling 177 trigger points. The longissimus thoracic showed the highest prevalence of TPs: 43% on the right side (R) and 40% on the left side (L), followed by the quadriceps femoris (40% L/31% R). The longissimus lumborum had 23% R and 20% L, and the gluteus medius and deltoid muscles exhibited 14% L, with the pectineus at 11% R. There was no correlation between TP count and the number of affected joints, or the number of joints and age. However, age showed a positive correlation with the number of muscles affected by TPs. Additionally, no correlation was found between TPs and muscles surrounding the affected joint.

Conclusion: MPS prevalence is notably high in dogs with osteoarthritis, contributing to their overall discomfort, and correlates positively with age. The subjective nature of myofascial pain assessment through palpation remains a primary limitation, mitigated by standardizing TP recognition criteria and evaluator’s training.



Publication History

Article published online:
12 September 2025

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