Traumatic injury of the iliopsoas muscle in three dogs.

Three dogs with injuries of the iliopsoas muscle were examined. All dogs had a history of trauma. On physical examination, discomfort on hyperextension of the hip joints was detected. Palpation and stretching of the affected muscle by simultaneous internal rotation and extension of the hip joint elicited signs of pain. Abnormalities were not detected on pelvic radiography. On the basis of clinical signs and lack of radiographic abnormalities, a presumptive diagnosis of a strain injury of the iliopsoas muscle was made. Ultrasonography confirmed the presumptive diagnosis and provided further information about the location and extent of the injury. Traumatic injury to the iliopsoas muscle should be included as a differential diagnosis for lameness of the pelvic limb in dogs, and ultrasonography can be of value in the diagnosis of muscle injuries in dogs.