Agility combines speed, jumps, changes of direction, weaving, contacts, and repeated accelerations.

This discipline is now one of the most popular canine sports and one of the most studied in veterinary sports medicine.

Available scientific data show that it is also a demanding activity from a locomotor perspective. Injuries are relatively common, sometimes subtle at first, and some progress to chronic conditions if not identified early enough.

Injury frequency

Several major surveys now allow us to assess the risk of injury in dogs participating in agility.

Levy's study of 1,627 dogs reported an injury rate of approximately 33%.

More recent work by Pechette Markley found higher figures, with a frequency reaching 41.7% in some populations.

These variations may reflect several phenomena:

• evolution of training methods;

• increase in athletic level;

• better recognition of injuries;

• greater owner awareness.

Currently available data suggest that between one-third and nearly half of dogs regularly participating in agility will experience at least one injury significant enough to interrupt their activity.

The shoulder: the most affected region

The most recent surveys identify the shoulder as the most frequently affected location.

The structures involved include:

• the supraspinatus tendon;

• the biceps brachii tendon;

• certain shoulder ligamentous structures.

Jumps, landings, changes of direction, and rapid decelerations generate significant stress on this region.

Clinical signs sometimes remain subtle:

• slight lameness;

• discomfort after exertion;

• slower recovery;

• decreased performance.

An incipient tendinopathy can progressively worsen if not managed.

The iliopsoas

The iliopsoas represents one of the most frequent muscular injuries in athletic dogs.

This muscle is involved in hip flexion and propulsion.

Accelerations, tight turns, skidding, or certain landings can cause acute or progressive damage.

Observed signs sometimes include:

• shortened stride;

• stiffness after rest;

• decreased drive;

• modified weaving;

• difficulty with certain obstacles;

• decreased propulsion.

Lameness can remain subtle for several weeks.

Is the Border Collie at higher risk?

Several studies identify the Border Collie among the most represented breeds in injured dogs.

This observation must be interpreted with caution.

The Border Collie is largely predominant in high-level competitions and generally exhibits:

• greater speed;

• tighter trajectories;

• a high frequency of work;

• greater exposure to training.

Therefore, current data do not allow us to conclude on a specific fragility of the breed.

Activity level and exposure volume seem to play a major role.

Modifiable risk factors

Several factors appear regularly in the literature:

• insufficient warm-up;

• fatigue;

• insufficient recovery;

• too rapid progression;

• unsuitable surfaces;

• slips;

• collisions;

• overtraining.

These elements probably represent the main levers for prevention.

Warm-up

A progressive warm-up allows for a gradual increase in:

• muscle temperature;

• blood circulation;

• joint mobility.

A few minutes of active walking and light trotting before work are generally recommended.

Cooling down after exertion also contributes to recovery.

The surface

Surfaces strongly influence mechanical stress.

Dry, firm outdoor terrains frequently appear in injury surveys.

Conversely, slippery surfaces increase the risk of skidding and awkward movements.

A visually correct terrain is not necessarily suitable for intensive practice.

The experience of the dog and handler

Experience also seems to play a role.

Experienced handlers generally recognize changes more quickly:

• locomotion changes;

• signs of fatigue;

• behavioral changes;

• decreased performance.

Appropriate progression of the dog, a consistent workload, and good interpretation of subtle signs probably contribute to risk reduction.

Warning signs

In an agility dog, the first signs are often subtle:

• stiffness after training;

• shorter stride;

• difficulty getting into the car;

• hesitation before certain obstacles;

• unusual knocked bars;

• modified weaving;

• decreased drive.

These changes sometimes precede the appearance of actual lameness.

A motivated dog may continue to work despite early pain.

Diagnosis and return to sport

Prognosis largely depends on early diagnosis.

Muscular or tendinous injuries identified quickly generally show better progression.

According to studies on iliopsoas injuries, a majority of dogs resume their sporting activity, but recovery times can extend to several months.

Evaluation may require:

• an orthopedic examination;

• musculoskeletal ultrasound;

• additional imaging;

• specialized evaluation.

The absence of visible lameness does not necessarily mean complete recovery.

Conclusion

Agility is a demanding sport that heavily stresses the locomotor system.

Scientific data show a relatively high frequency of injuries, mainly to the shoulder and iliopsoas.

Warm-up, recovery, workload management, surface quality, and early identification of warning signs play an important role in prevention.

The agility dog should be considered a true athlete, with specific needs in terms of preparation, recovery, and locomotor monitoring.

Sources

1. Levy I. et al. (2009). A preliminary retrospective survey of injuries occurring in dogs participating in canine agility. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. PMID: 19597633
2. Cullen K.L. et al. (2013). Internet-based survey of the nature and perceived causes of injury to dogs participating in agility training and competition events. J Am Vet Med Assoc. PMID: 24050568
3. Cullen K.L. et al. (2013). Survey-based analysis of risk factors for injury among dogs participating in agility training and competition events. J Am Vet Med Assoc. PMID: 24050569
4. Kerr Z.Y. et al. (2014). Epidemiology of injury among handlers and dogs competing in the sport of agility. J Phys Act Health. PMID: 23799256
5. Pechette Markley A. et al. (2021). Internet-based survey of the frequency and types of orthopedic conditions and injuries experienced by dogs competing in agility. J Am Vet Med Assoc. PMID: 34643488
6. Sundby A.E. et al. (2022). Internet survey evaluation of demographic risk factors for injury in canine agility athletes. Front Vet Sci. PMID: 35464366
7. Inkilä L. et al. (2022). Part II of Finnish Agility Dog Survey: agility-related injuries and risk factors for injury in competition-level agility dogs. Animals. PMID: 35158551
8. Pechette Markley A. (2023). Management of injuries in agility dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. PMID: 36964029
9. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Riney Canine Health Center. Iliopsoas injury
10. VCA Animal Hospitals. Iliopsoas injury and rehabilitation