07/16/2026
When the Coat Tells a Story…
This is a dog that came to see me a few years ago.
Can you spot the unusual coat patterns?
The distinct wave-like coat flicks are clearly visible across the lumbar spine (lower back) and sacral region (pelvis). Rather than lying smoothly, the coat forms obvious undulating lines running over the tissues between the lumbar mammillary processes (small bony projections on the lumbar vertebrae that provide attachment for the deep stabilising muscles) and the median sacral crest of the sacrum (the fused bones that connect the spine to the pelvis).
The lumbar spine is responsible for providing both stability and controlled movement, allowing flexion, extension and lateral bending while transmitting forces between the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The sacrum acts as the foundation of the spine, forming the vital connection with the pelvis and helping transfer propulsion from the hindquarters during movement.
On assessment, this dog was particularly reactive to even light palpation over the lumbar region.
There was marked hypertonicity (increased muscle tension) within several of the deep spinal muscles, including the erector spinae group, which helps extend and stabilise the spine, together with the spinalis, rotatores and interspinales muscles. These smaller stabilising muscles play an important role in controlling fine movements between individual vertebrae and maintaining spinal stability.
Before I even placed my hands on the dog, the coat flicks had already suggested that something in this area deserved closer attention. They certainly didn’t provide a diagnosis, but they acted as an important visual clue.
Following a thorough postural, gait and movement assessment, including evaluation of lumbar flexion and extension, I was concerned enough to refer this dog back to their vet. Although advanced diagnostic imaging was not undertaken because the caregiver chose not to pursue further investigations due to the dog’s other health conditions, the vet considered spinal disease to be the most likely cause based on the clinical findings. The dog was subsequently started on appropriate pain management.
This is why I always encourage owners to look beyond the coat’s appearance. Coat flicks do not diagnose disease, but they can sometimes highlight areas of altered tissue tension, fascial restriction or discomfort that warrant further assessment.
Have you ever noticed unusual coat flicks or wave-like patterns over your own dog’s lower back?
I’d love to see your photos in the comments. While these patterns are not always associated with pathology, they can occasionally provide valuable information that supports a thorough veterinary and musculoskeletal assessment.
References
* Stecco C. et al. (2013). Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System. (Fascial continuity principles relevant across mammals.)
* Schleip R., Findley T., Chaitow L. & Huijing P. (2012). Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body.
* Evans HE & de Lahunta A. (2013). Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog (4th ed.).
* Dyce KM, Sack WO & Wensing CJG. (2017). Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy (5th ed.).
* Levine D., Millis DL & Taylor RA. (2014). Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (2nd ed.).
Remember: coat flicks are simply one piece of the puzzle. They should always be interpreted alongside a full clinical history, gait analysis, postural assessment, palpation and veterinary investigation.
