Quantitative Comparison of the Walk and Trot of Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, Breeds with Different Performance Requirements

home Acta Veterinaria Brno Journal of the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Czech Republic Search:

To (1) report ground reaction forces for healthy Rottweilers at a trot and (2) compare force platform data with values obtained for healthy Labradors. Prospective, clinical study. Adult Rottweilers (n=9) and Labrador Retrievers (12) without orthopedic abnormalities. Dogs were trotted over a force platform at controlled speed and acceleration. Peak vertical and craniocaudal forces, associated impulses, stance time, rising, and falling slopes were analyzed and forces, impulses, and slopes were expressed as percentages of body weight. The effects of weight and anatomic measurements on force platform values were re-evaluated with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). In Rottweilers, peak vertical forces in thoracic limbs were significantly lower and vertical impulses in thoracic and pelvic limbs were significantly higher than in Labradors. Rising and falling slopes in thoracic and pelvic limbs were significantly smaller in Rottweilers. Body weight and anatomic measurements were significantly larger in Rottweilers. After removing the effect of relative velocity, functional limb length, and body weight by using ANCOVA, there were no significant differences between breeds. Ground reaction forces were significantly different between Rottweilers and Labradors when using standard methods of normalization. Based on ANCOVA differences were attributable to difference in conformation and body weight between breeds. Conformation and body weight have a significant influence on force platform values and this may cause bias when study results are compared.

The objective of this paper was to compare the range of motion in Border Collies to that of Labrador Retrievers. Humeral circumference, thigh circumference and differences between sex and age were also compared. Twenty three (23) healthy Border Collies and 18 healthy Labrador Retrievers were used. A single investigator measured range of motion of the carpus, elbow, shoulder, hip, stifle and tarsus as well as humeral and thigh circumference under field conditions in 23 Border Collies and 18 Labrador Retrievers. Border Collies had a significantly greater range of motion (P<O.001) in all joints than Labrador Retrievers. Sex was a significant predictor of range of motion (P=0.010), but age was not (P=0.400). Range of motion significantly varied by joint (P<0.001) and the effect was different within Border Collies versus Labrador Retrievers (P=0.008). Range of motion did not vary between left and right sides (P=0.365). Considerations of range of motion were made in deciding pathology and progress based on type and breed of dog (sporting, herding, protection). Comparisons were made based on breed and from left side to right side. Key words: Range of motion, goniometry, flexion, extension, and abduction.

The present study compared two indirect blood pressure methods at thoracic limb, pelvic limb, and coccygeal sites. For measurement of blood pressure, 48 client-owned dogs in a clinical setting were used. When comparing the results obtained by doppler and oscillometric methods, there were significant differences in blood pressure of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. The Doppler machine produced significantly higher blood pressure value than oscillometry measured at thoracic and pelvic limbs. The difference in blood pressure between the two methods was not significant when measured in the tail. Comparison of blood pressure measured at three different sites by doppler, blood pressure measured at pelvic limb was higher than at thoracic limb and tail. In case of oscillometry, there were no significant differences between the three sites. The results of this study indicate that mechanical and positional differences were existed in blood pressure measurements at the canine thoracic limb, pelvic limb and tail.

Isoflurane MAC determination in dogs using three intensities of constant-current electrical stimulation

Agreement of caudal aortic arterial blood pressure with oscillometry using two cuff widths placed on the thoracic or pelvic limbs of sevoflurane-anesthetized rabbits

We provide quantitative anatomical data on the muscle-tendon units of the equine pelvic limb. Specifically, we recorded muscle mass, fascicle length, pennation angle, tendon mass and tendon rest length. Physiological cross sectional area was then determined and maximum isometric force estimated. There was proximal-to-distal reduction in muscle volume and fascicle length. Proximal limb tendons were few and, where present, were relatively short. By contrast, distal limb tendons were numerous and long in comparison to mean muscle fascicle length, increasing potential for elastic energy storage. When compared with published data on thoracic limb muscles, proximal pelvic limb muscles were larger in volume and had shorter fascicles. Distal limb muscle architecture was similar in thoracic and pelvic limbs with the exception of flexor digitorum lateralis (lateral head of the deep digital flexor), the architecture of which was similar to that of the pelvic and thoracic limb superficial digital flexors, suggesting a functional similarity.

To characterize biomechanical differences in gait between dogs with and without an amputated thoracic limb. Client-owned dogs (16 thoracic-limb amputee and 24 quadruped [control] dogs). Dogs were trotted across 3 in-series force platforms. Spatial kinematic and kinetic data were recorded for each limb during the stance phase. Amputees had significant increases in stance duration and vertical impulse in all limbs, compared with values for control dogs. Weight distribution was significantly increased by 14% on the remaining thoracic limb and by a combined 17% on pelvic limbs in amputees. Braking ground reaction force (GRF) was significantly increased in the remaining thoracic limb and pelvic limb ipsilateral to the amputated limb. The ipsilateral pelvic limb had a significantly increased propulsive GRF. The carpus and ipsilateral hip and stifle joints had significantly greater flexion during the stance phase. The cervicothoracic vertebral region had a significantly increased overall range of motion (ROM) in both the sagittal and horizontal planes. The thoracolumbar vertebral region ROM increased significantly in the sagittal plane but decreased in the horizontal plane. The lumbosacral vertebral region had significantly greater flexion without a change in ROM. Compared with results for quadruped dogs, the vertebral column, carpus, and ipsilateral hip and stifle joints had significant biomechanical changes after amputation of a thoracic limb. The ipsilateral pelvic limb assumed dual thoracic and pelvic limb roles because the gait of a thoracic limb amputee during trotting appeared to be a mixture of various gait patterns.

Evaluation of neurologic testing in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Background: Hypertrophic osteopathy (OH) is a syndrome characterized by progressive bilateral periosteal bone neoformation that mainly affects the thoracic and pelvic limb bones’ metaphyses and diaphyses. In most cases, it is secondary to a chronic primary lesion located in the thoracic cavity but can be associated with an abdominal injury that has already been occurred. The occurrence of this condition without being associated with a primary lesion is considered infrequent in animals. The purpose of this report was to describe a case of idiopathic hypertrophic osteopathy in a cat with a description of clinical signs and radiographic and anatomopathological findings.Case: A male adult cat was brought to the veterinarian with an initial observation by the owner of four limbs’ volume increase, apathy, and reluctance to move. Upon clinical examination, the animal presented dehydration, mucosal hyperemia, hyperthermia, and bilateral edema of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Based on the radiographic examination, a periosteal reaction with palisade-like appearance was found in the metacarpals, radios, ulna, humerus, scapulae, tibias, and fibulae. There were no significant changes in additional exams. Due to poor prognosis, the cat was euthanized and referred for necropsy and histopathological examination. All organs were examined both macroscopically and microscopically. Fragments were fixed in 10% formalin and routinely processed for histological slides with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson's trichrome, and limb bones that were not fixed in formalin were macerated. Lesions were observed only in the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Macroscopically, there was a diffuse, regular, slightly firm volume increase, covered by abundant gelatinous whitish tissue. The periosteal bone neoformations were characterized by numerous papillary projections distributed throughout the phalanges, radius, ulna, humerus, scapula, tibia and fibula. Histologically, the original bone matrix was surrounded by lightly organized eosinophilic material in bundles. Young bone matrix-formed trabeculae perpendicular to the original bone matrix, projecting into the mature bone tissue, was attached to the cortical layer.Discussion: The hypertrophic osteopathy diagnosis was based on clinical signs, radiographic examinations, and anatomopathological findings. Although the long bones of the pelvic limbs are often the most affected, the lesions were more marked in the thoracic limbs in this cat. The presumptive diagnosis was made through radiographic examination. Radiography is considered a very useful diagnostic method in animals suffering from this condition. Histological changes are compatible with persistent phases of hypertrophic osteopathy resulting from the action of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, with osteoid matrix deposition in the existing cortical bone. Since this cat didn't present macroscopic and microscopic alterations beyond the bone lesions, it was not possible to attribute them to a primary cause. For this reason, osteopathy was considered idiopathic in this case. We concluded that lesions of hypertrophic osteopathy may be more pronounced in the thoracic limbs. In cases of animals with signs of limb volume increase even in the absence of thoracic and abdominal lesions, hypertrophic osteopathy should be included as a differential diagnosis. The radiographic and anatomopathological examinations are enough to diagnose this condition.

Wildlife can only be properly managed when populations are accurately monitored. Commonly used monitoring methods, including camera-trapping and visual surveys, are often costly, labour intensive, with low detection rates. To address these issues wildlife detection dogs are increasingly being used in ecological research. These dogs non-invasively locate live individuals, their scats, carcasses, and denning/nesting sites. The success of this method is dependent most notably on the dog and handler, and their training. Whilst incorrectly selecting dogs and handlers is costly and a welfare concern, selection is often based on personal preference rather than scientific evidence. Working dog selection remains focused on breeding programs that are financially expensive with highly varied success. Certain breeds are therefore commonly excluded during selection. Selecting unsuitable individuals, or incorrectly managing these teams, will not only reduce team performance but may also tarnish wildlife detection dogs’ reputation. There is currently minimal research on the selection, training and management of wildlife detection dog teams, especially in Australia. Given wildlife detection dogs have unique working requirements research on other working dog fields is often not comparable. Thus, to investigate factors important to detection dog and handler selection and management, I trained 12 dogs from three breeds at detection work, experimentally assessing their training times and odour discrimination ability. After reviewing the literature three breeds were selected. The breed with the greatest number of suitable behavioural and physical characteristics for wildlife detection (Border Collies); the breed with the least number of suitable characteristics (Greyhounds); and the breed used most commonly for detection work (Labrador Retrievers). These dogs were trained to detect Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) scat as it was a novel odour which they would not encounter outside training. Training sessions were filmed to determine the time required to achieve specific training competencies, and behaviour coded to record smelling times and behaviours related to the dogs’ true and false indications. Once the dogs achieved all training competencies their odour discrimination ability was assessed during single-blind trials, with both a familiar and unfamiliar handler.All Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, and one Greyhound, completed training. Overall the Border Collies had the quickest training times and the highest accuracy scores. Individual variation was, however, significant within the breeds’ training times and accuracy. During training the dogs’ smelling times were significant factors influencing their indications, with specific behaviours (e.g. paw-lifting) being correlated more often with true, rather than false, positives. The only Greyhound to complete training had higher accuracy scores than half of the Labrador Retrievers during testing. There was therefore a weak correlation between the dogs’ training times and detection accuracy. During testing the dogs had significantly higher accuracy scores when handled by their familiar handler. With the unfamiliar handler the dogs performed significantly more stress-related behaviours and were distracted for a higher proportion of time, which was negatively correlated to detection accuracy.Important dog handler traits and skills were also determined through emailing questionnaires to Australian and New Zealand wildlife detection dog handlers. These questionnaires asked the handlers to complete personality assessments and rate handler skills based on importance for wildlife detection work. The handlers shared similar mean personality scores, however, these scores had large ranges. Handlers rated skills specific to their dog, such as understanding dog body language, as highly important for field success.Individual variation was prominent in all major findings. Due to the large range in the dog handlers’ personality scores, personality may not be as important as their training or dog–handler relationship. The large variation within the breeds training times and accuracy further suggests that a dog’s breed may not be the best predictor of their trainability or detection aptitude. These dogs’ accuracy was further impacted by changing handlers. Future research is required to determine if professional dogs are impacted similarly, and the best ways to manage dog-handler transitions. Lastly my research demonstrated that dogs’ smelling times and their associated behaviours can assist handlers discriminate between dogs’ true and false indications.My research challenges how working dogs are currently globally managed. Due to the level of individual variation among dogs suitable for working roles, dogs should not be excluded purely because of their breed. Individual team’s performances must also continue to be evaluated due to the highly site-specific nature of their effectiveness. Management strategies must also take into consideration how influential the dog-handler relationship is on team performance. Prior to my study no research had investigated how detrimental changing a dog’s handler is on their welfare and performance. It is therefore crucial to continue challenging and advancing best practises, not only for animal welfare but also for the success of the working dog industry. Continuing research on wildlife detection dogs, including best avenues to source dogs, is crucial for this emerging method and will ensure the greatest outcomes are achieved.

Reversal of profound rocuronium block monitored in three muscle groups with sugammadex in ponies

SUMMARY An investigation was made of the stride characteristics of horses jumping 2 obstacles during a Grand Prix competition. One obstacle was a picket fence and rail 1.3 m high (fence 2), and the other was a coop and rail 1.52 m high (fence 11). Thirteen distance and 22 timing measurements of 17 horses were extracted from high-speed films, using computer-aided analysis. These data were used to compare takeoff and landing of the lead and nonlead legs, the thoracic limbs and pelvic limbs, and fence 2 and fence 11. Paired t-tests were used to compare means and a stepwise regression analysis was done for each fence, using the total horizontal distance jumped as the dependent variable. Stride timing and distance measurements did not differ (P &lt; 0.05) between the 2 fences. Each horse approached the fences in a moderately fast canter and, at takeoff, placed the nonlead thoracic limb earlier and farther from the fence than the lead thoracic limb (P &lt; 0.05). The nonlead leg stance phase lasted longer than the lead leg stance phase (P &lt; 0.05). The lead and nonlead pelvic limbs acted more in unison than the thoracic limbs and did not differ in their time of placement, stance phase duration, or position from the fence (P &lt; 0.05). The overlap of the stance phases of the pelvic limbs was greater than that of the thoracic limbs (P &lt; 0.05). The pelvic limbs remained on the ground for a longer period of time and were placed closer to the jump than the thoracic limbs (P &lt; 0.05), but the total stance phase of the thoracic limbs did not differ from the total stance phase of the pelvic limbs (P &lt; 0.05). In 15 of 29 jumps studied, the lead thoracic limb changed during the jump. In the landing phase the lead thoracic limb was positioned further from the jump and had a longer stance phase and single support than did the nonlead thoracic limb (P &lt; 0.05). The overlap increased and advanced placement decreased between these limb pairs on landing as compared with the takeoff (P &lt; 0.05). The distance between the pelvic limbs at landing was greater than at takeoff (P &lt; 0.05), but was not significantly different from the distance between the thoracic limbs at landing. The stepwise regression analysis selected different independent variables for the 2 fences. The final regression equation for fence 2 included 5 independent variables and had an adjusted R2 value of 0.999. Four of these independent variables were distance measurements and 4 described the thoracic limbs. The R2 value of the final regression equation for fence 11 was 0.953 and all 3 independent variables selected were distance measurements of the pelvic limbs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the balance of the hooves of horses reared on pasture and sated on the northern coast of Bahia. For this, 43 horses, without defined breed, average weight of 300 to 400 kg, both sexes, 21 animals reared in the field at Campo Grande Farm in Crisópolis and at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Bahia in Entre- Rios and 22 horses raised in stables in the Cavalary of the Military Police of Bahia. The following measurements were evaluated: tweezer length (p), bead height (t), length (a) and sole width (b) and angle of the hull (A) of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. It was found that the animals were tabulated with longer length, smaller sole width and lower bead height, but with no difference in tweezer length and hull angle of both pelvic and thoracic limbs. Regardless of management, it was found that the thoracic limbs present higher values in measures p, t, a and b and lower values in A, demonstrating to be larger than the pelvic limbs. Although casing and ironing are used to maintain the balance of the hulls, in the present study, the animals kept in a stall presented smaller and longer hooves than those reared on pasture, demonstrating that imbalances in hoof measurements were more significant in the animals kept in stall, that is, in animals that are frequently casqueted, which can lead to future problems.

Cerveny C.: Distinguishing Characteristics on Ossa Sesamoidea Phalangis Distalis in Cattle (Bos primigenius f. taurus Linne 1758). Acta vet. Brno, 59, 1990: 101-110. We studied and measured the ossa sesamoidea phalangis distalis on all digits in fourteen female adult individuals of the Bohemian Pied breed. The animals were 3 to 12 years of age. Adspection of external anatomical characteristics does not allow safe determi­ nation of the appurtenance of sesamoid bones of distal phalanges either to respective digits of limbs or to limbs unless we know at least one of the following attributes. If we know the appurtenance of the sesamoid bone to the digit, we can decide from the position and location of anatomical formations its appurtenance either to the right or the left limb, and vice versa. The appurtenance of the sesamoid bone of the distal phalanx of the digit to thoracic or pelvic limbs can be assessed by adspection of the shape and size of the facies flexoria and later confirmed osteometrically. On the basis of our osteometric observations, the appurtenance of sesamoid bones of distal phalanges to digits and thoracic and pelvic limbs on the basis of mutual com­ parisons of ascertained values for the height, width and length of bones. The appurtenance of the sesamoid bone of the dista phalanx to the thoracic or pelvic limbs can best be determined on the basis of their height (sesamoid bones of distal phalanges belonging to the thoracic limb are longer). Sesamoid bones of the distal phalanx of the third and fourth digit of the thoracic limb is primarily distinguishable for its width and height (the sesamoid bone of the distal phalanx of the fourth digit is narrower and lower). To distinguish between the same bones of the pelvic limb, their length and width can be used (the sesamoid bone of the fourth digit is narrower and lower). For an accurate identification of individual sesamoid bones of distal phalanges of cattle digits we must turn to osteometry and fully use the anatomical characte­ ristics described to achieve a conclusive detailed identification of bones. The dis­ tinguishing characteristics on ossa sesamoidea pahalngis distalis in cattle discussed here have supplemented the data of comparative and veterinary anatomy and re­ present an important tool of archaeological osteozoology. Cattle, digits, ossa sesamoidea phalangis distalis, anatomical characteristics, osteo­ metry