Abstract
Assessment of canine gait is frequently used by veterinary clinicians to establish the presence of orthopaedic pain. As up to 30% of canine orthopaedic conditions affect the pelvic limb, knowledge of pelvic limb biomechanics during gait is very important. Previous studies have investigated the biomechanics at the tarsus and stifle, but little information is available regarding hip motion during gait. The aim of this study was to determine the maximum hip extension range achieved during the stance phase of gait in normal canines. In addition, this study aimed to determine the difference between maximum passive hip extension and maximum hip extension during gait. Using a sample of 30 morphologically similar normal dogs, mean maximum passive hip extension was measured using a goniometer and mean maximum hip extension range during gait was determined videographically. Inter- and intra-assessor reliability studies performed at the start of the study showed that the measurement tools and techniques used in this study were valid and reliable. The goniometric data showed that mean maximum passive hip extension range was 162.44 degrees (+/-3.94) with no significant difference between the left and the right hind limbs. The videographic data showed that mean maximum hip extension range during gait was 119.9 degrees (+/-9.26) with no significant difference between the left and right hind limbs. The results of this study provided reference values for active and passive hip extension range and showed that the degree of hip extension range required for normal gait is significantly less than maximum passive hip extension range.
Highlights
Gait analysis forms an integral part of the orthopaedic assessment of canine patients[1,6]
The range of hip extension required for gait was significantly less than the maximum passive hip extension range that could be measured by goniometer
The mean passive hip extension range determined in that study was 162° (± 3°), while the data collected from this group yielded a mean of 162.44° (± 3.94°)
Summary
Gait analysis forms an integral part of the orthopaedic assessment of canine patients[1,6]. The onus is upon those responsible for its well-being to obtain an indication of the presence of pain from the dog’s movement or behaviour. While a change in behaviour is often the deciding factor for an animal owner to seek professional advice, the clinician relies on assessment tools such as gait analysis and palpation to determine whether pain is present[10]. Gait analysis is mostly subjective and the experience of the clinician performing the assessment aDepartment of Physiotherapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa. BConsultant, PO Box 30705, Kyalami, Johannesburg, 1684 South Africa. CDepartment for Biostatistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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