Abstract
Objectives Canicross is a popular canine and human cross-country sport. The purpose of this
study was to identify the most common injuries, their severity, risk factors and the
recovery.
Methods An internet-based retrospective survey design was used to examine the characteristics
of injuries, demographic and competition information and associations with injury
rate.
Results A total of 160 surveys were received and indicated that at the time of the survey
21.9% of dogs (35/160) had experienced at least one injury. Lacerations, abrasions
and punctures were the most common injury type (22/49), most frequently occurring
in the footpads of the forelimb (13/16). The majority of dogs (38/49) recovered from
their injuries. Sixty-nine out of 147 of the human handlers experienced injuries while
competing; ankle injuries (25/69) and bruises, cuts and grazes (20/69) were the most
common injuries. Risk factors for injuries were being a purebred Labrador, dogs running
with another dog and additionally competing in agility.
Conclusions Labradors, dogs running with another dog and dogs also participating in agility competitions
were at higher risk for injury. Injuries of the footpads of the forelimb were the
most common injuries in dogs. Most dogs had a complete recovery from their injuries.
Clinical Significance This is the first study that gives us insight into injuries occurring in dogs and
handlers competing in canicross. This will help making recommendations for this sport
as well as enable veterinarians to understand the risks and injuries.
Keywords
canicross - musculoskeletal injuries - survey - dog - human
