Iliopsoas Injury in Dogs: What It Is and How Rehab Can Help

Iliopsoas injuries are a common but often overlooked cause of hindlimb pain in dogs. They can be frustrating for both pets and owners, especially when symptoms are subtle or slow to improve. The good news is that with the right approach - particularly rehabilitation - most dogs can make a strong recovery.

What is the Iliopsoas Muscle?

The iliopsoas is made up of two muscles - the psoas and iliacus - that run from the lower spine and pelvis to the top of the femur (thigh bone).

This muscle plays an important role in your dog’s movement and stability and does the following:

• Flexes the hip (brings the leg forward)

• Assists with leg positioning (adduction and external rotation)

• Helps stabilise the lower back and core, especially when your dog is standing or moving

Because of its role in both movement and stability, it’s under constant use, making it vulnerable to injury.

How Do Iliopsoas Injuries Happen?

Injuries to the iliopsoas typically occur when the muscle is overstretched while contracting, especially when the hip is extended backwards.

This can be caused by:

• Sudden movements or trauma

• Overuse from repetitive activity

• Slipping or losing footing

• High intensity exercise (e.g. sprinting, jumping)

Most injuries occur at the muscle-tendon junction, rather than in the muscle itself.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

Some dogs are more prone to iliopsoas injuries than others, including:

• Working or sporting dogs (e.g. agility, flyball)

• Dogs with underlying conditions such as:

  • Hip dysplasia

  • Arthritis

  • Intervertebral disc disease

  • Cranial cruciate ligament injuries

• Overweight dogs (increased strain on muscles)

• Older dogs (reduced flexibility and strength)

In many cases, iliopsoas pain develops secondary to another issue, as dogs compensate to avoid discomfort elsewhere, which places extra load on this muscle over time.

Signs to Look Out For

Symptoms can be subtle, which is why this injury is often missed. Keep an eye out for:

• Reduced performance or reluctance to exercise

• Lameness or an abnormal gait

• Shifting weight away from one hind leg when standing

• Difficulty extending the leg backwards

If you notice any of these signs, get your dog assessed as soon as possible.

How is it Diagnosed?

A physical examination will often reveal:

• Pain when the muscle is palpated

• Reduced hip extension

However, imaging is important to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is one of the most useful tools because it:

• Is non-invasive and usually performed without sedation

• Allows both static and dynamic assessment

• Can be used throughout recovery to monitor healing

It also helps identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to the injury.

Why Rehabilitation is So Important

Unlike some injuries, iliopsoas strains will not fully resolve with rest and anti-inflammatories alone. This is where rehabilitation plays a key role.

A structured rehab program typically includes:

• Pain management (including therapies such as photobiomodulation/laser therapy)

• Controlled rest in the early stages

• Gradual introduction of stretching exercises

• Progressive strengthening

• Functional and resistance-based exercises

• A carefully managed return to activity

Each program should be tailored to your dog, progressing based on their healing and response to treatment.

In more severe cases, regenerative therapies may be recommended before continuing with rehabilitation.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery from an iliopsoas injury takes time and patience.

• Most cases take 4 - 12 weeks or longer

• Progress depends on severity, consistency of rehab, and any underlying conditions

Rushing recovery or returning to activity too soon can lead to re-injury, so a gradual and guided approach is essential.

Iliopsoas injuries can be tricky to diagnose and slow to heal, but with the right care, dogs can return to full function. Early recognition, proper diagnosis, and a structured rehabilitation program are the keys to success.

If your dog is showing signs of hindlimb discomfort or reduced performance, it’s worth seeking professional advice—early intervention can make all the difference.

References

Online Pet Health. (2023). What do we really know about iliopsoas strain? https://onlinepethealth.com/what-do-we-really-know-about-iliopsoas-strain/

VCA Animal Hospitals. (2023). Iliopsoas injury and rehabilitation. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/iliopsoas-injury-and-rehabilitation

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2026). Iliopsoas injury. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/iliopsoas-injury

Vets at Home. (2021). Iliopsoas strain in dogs. https://www.vetsathome.com.au/post/iliopsoas-strain-in-dogs

The K9 Body Shop. (2026). Core concepts and trends in iliopsoas strains. https://thek9bodyshop.com/about-therapists/publications/core-concepts-and-trends-in-iliopsoas-strains/