Stifle Flexion Research Articles

Inter-rater reliability in performing stifle goniometry in normal and cranial cruciate ligament disease affected dogs: a prospective randomized controlled study

BackgroundGoniometry can be performed clinically in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). The purpose of this study was (1) to compare reliability of stifle goniometry in dogs with CCLD and healthy dogs and (2) to investigate the effect of compliance on measurements. Dogs presented for surgical intervention for CCLD (CCL-Dogs; n = 15) and orthopedically healthy dogs (C-Dogs; n = 11) were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. In each dog, three observers randomly measured maximum stifle flexion (mSF) and maximum stifle extension (mSE) three times with a standard goniometer with the scale covered, while dog compliance was scored (Scores: C0: excellent - C4: poor). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for intra-/interobserver reliability. Effects on measurements were evaluated with mixed-effect models (MEM).ResultsMaximum stifle extension and mSE-compliance were significantly decreased in CCL-Dogs compared to C-Dogs (p ≤ 0.004), but mSF and mSF-compliance did not differ between groups. Intraobserver reliability was excellent for all dogs during mSE (ICC:0.75–0.99) and mSF (ICC:0.89–0.99). Interobserver reliability was excellent for mSF in both groups (ICC: C-Dogs:0.84, CCL-Dogs:0.9) and for mSE in CCL-Dogs (ICC:0.94) but only fair for mSE in C-Dogs (ICC:0.58). Robust MEM showed that the combined average of all mSE measurements of all three observers was affected by compliance in both groups (p < 0.001). This effect was not observed for single mSE-measurements by themselves.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that compliance may affect goniometric stifle extension measurements in healthy and CCLD dogs. In a clinical setting, intra-/interobserver reliability was excellent for all measurements except for maximum stifle extension in healthy dogs.

Evaluation of Meniscal Load and Load Distribution in the Sound Canine Stifle at Different Angles of Flexion.

The aim of the study was to investigate the contact mechanics and kinematic changes in the stifle in different standing angles. We performed a biomechanical ex vivo study using pairs of canine cadaver hindlimbs. Motion sensors were fixed to the tibia and the femur for kinematic data acquisition. Pressure mapping sensors were placed between the femur and both menisci. Thirty percent bodyweight was applied to the limbs with the stifle in 125, 135, or 145 degrees of extension. Stifle flexion angle influences femoromeniscal contact mechanics significantly. The load on both menisci was significantly higher for 125 and 135 degrees in comparison to 145 degrees. Additionally, the center of force was located significantly more caudal when comparing 125 to 145 degrees in the medial meniscus as well as in both menisci combined. The angle of knee flexion significantly impacts the contact mechanics between the femur and the meniscus. As the knee flexes, the load on both menisci increases.

Determination of Isometric Points in the Stifle of a Dog Using a 3D Model.

The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) model to identify the isometric component of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs. A static 3D model of the specimen was generated from a computed tomography scan of the stifle of a dog and a kinematic model was generated from data collected, every 5 degrees from full extension (131 degrees) through 80 degrees of stifle flexion, from four sensors attached to the tibia. Kinematic data were superimposed on the static model by aligning the points of interest, which were defined for both models. This allowed the tibia to rotate and translate relative to the femur based on the kinematic data. The contours of the distal femur and proximal tibia were converted into point clouds and the distance between each point in the femoral point cloud and all the points in the tibial point cloud were measured at each of the 15 positions. The difference between the maximum and minimum distances for each pair of points was calculated, and when it was less than 0.2 mm, points were illustrated as two red dots connected by a line at their locations on the femur and tibia. A total of 3,681 pairs of isometric points were identified and were located at the origin and insertion of the CCL and on the lateral aspect of the stifle. Isometric areas are present at the origin and insertion of the CCL and lateral aspect of the stifle. Better understanding of these locations may lead to refinements in techniques to replace the ruptured CCL.

Intra-articular Pressure Changes during Stifle Arthroscopy Using a Cadaver Model

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to measure canine stifle intra-articular pressures (IAP) during arthroscopy using three different fluid pump pressure (FPP) settings. Study Design Frozen thawed canine cadavers were used. The stifle was distended using a 2.7 mm arthroscope connected to a commercial fluid pump. Intra-articular pressure was measured using a portable pressure gauge connected to an intra-articular 18 G needle. Intra-articular pressure was recorded during stifle extension, 90 degrees flexion and full flexion at three different FPP (30, 50, 80 mm Hg). Results Testing was performed on 27 stifles. Intra-articular pressure significantly increased at higher FPP (p &lt; 0.01). At FPP 30, 50, and 80 mm Hg, the mean IAP was 51.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.3–62.2), 103.3 (95% CI: 92.8–113.7), and 175.2 mm Hg (95% CI: 164.8–185.6), respectively. At FPP 30 and 50 mm Hg, IAP always remained under 170 mm Hg. At 80 mm Hg, IAP raised to or above 170 mm Hg in 11/14 stifles. Stifle position significantly affected IAP (p &lt; 0.01). Changing stifle position from 90 degrees flexion to extension significantly decreased IAP by 22.4 mm Hg (95% CI: 16.2–28.5), and changing to full flexion significantly increased IAP by 20.9 mm Hg (95% CI: 14.8–27.1; p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion Our results suggest that caution should be used during stifle arthroscopy to limit risk for iatrogenic capsular damage. Fluid pump pressure 30 mm Hg is considered safe when using a 2.7 mm arthroscope and high flow cannula. If higher FPP is necessary for visualization, duration of stifle flexion should be limited. Fluid pump pressure 80 mm Hg should be avoided.

Kinematic Analysis During Straight Line Free Swimming in Horses: Part 2 - Hindlimbs.

BackgroundSwimming is used for rehabilitation and conditioning purposes in equine sports medicine. We described the swimming kinematics of the equine forelimbs in Part 1. The aim of Part 2 is to assess stifle, tarsus, and hind fetlock joints kinematics in swimming horses. The objectives were 1- to calculate and compare joint angles during swimming against passive mobilizations (PM), 2- to determine joints angular velocities during a swimming stride cycle.MethodsEleven elite endurance horses were used to swim in a 100-meter straight pool. Underwater (swimming) and overground PM videos were recorded from the horses' left side. Joint markers were applied on the lateral hoof wall, lateral metatarsal epicondyle, lateral aspect of the talus, lateral femoral epicondyle, and great trochanter of the femur. As a reference, maximal fetlock, tarsus, and stifle flexion/extension angles were determined during PM overground. Differences between angle extrema, angular velocities, and range of motion (ROM) were statistically compared.ResultsThe tarsus ROM was similar during PM and swimming. The stifle and fetlock ROM were greater during PM, although the stifle flexion was greater during swimming. The stifle and tarsus had the greatest hindlimb angular velocity during the swimming cycle. Greater angular velocities were observed during the retraction phase for all the hindlimb joints.ConclusionA short retraction phase with great angular velocity for the joints of interest characterized the swimming pattern observed. Swimming may be beneficial in horses when an increased ROM of the tarsus and stifle or a reduced fetlock extension is indicated for rehabilitation purposes.

Evaluation of Meniscal Load and Load Distribution in the Canine Stifle after Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy with Postoperative Tibia Plateau Angles of 6 and 1 Degrees.

The aim of the study was to investigate the kinetic and kinematic changes in the stifle after a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) with a postoperative tibia plateau angle (TPA) of either 6 or 1 degrees. Biomechanical ex vivo study using seven unpaired canine cadaver hindlimbs from adult Retrievers.Hinge plates were applied and a sham TPLO surgery was performed. Motion sensors were fixed to the tibia and the femur for kinematic data acquisition. Pressure mapping sensors were placed between femur and both menisci. Thirty per cent bodyweight was applied to the limbs with the stifle in 135 degrees of extension. Each knee was tested with intact cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), deficient CCL, 6 degrees TPLO and 1degree TPLO. Transection of the CCL altered kinematics and kinetics. However, comparing the intact with both TPLO set-ups, no changes in kinematics were detected. After 1 degree TPLO, a significant reduction in the force acting on both menisci was detected (p = 0.006). Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy restores stifle kinematics and meniscal kinetics after transection of the CCL ex vivo. The contact force on both menisci is reduced significantly after TPLO with a TPA of 1 degree. Increased stifle flexion might lead to caudal tibial motion.

Kinematics and kinetics of dogs completing jump and A-frame exercises

Many police dogs do not reach their expected retirement age as they are no longer able to cope with the physical demands of the job. Annual licensing requires police dogs to complete a series of agility tasks, including jumping and negotiating an A-frame obstacle, both of which are associated with higher injury rates in canine agility competitors. This study sought to measure conformational, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of actively employed police German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs), whilst completing a 55 cm jump hurdle, and a standard A-frame. Each dog completed three repetitions of each obstacle and was also recorded at both walk and trot. Contact pressures and forces were measured, whilst joint kinematics were recorded using reflective markers and a high-speed camera. Results found that static hip angle was significantly correlated with hip flexion at trot, during jump suspension and at the apex of the A-frame. Stifle and hock flexion were greatest during the suspension phase of jump (56.98±11.710° and 54.51±17.430°). Shoulder and elbow flexion were greatest at the apex of A-frame (104.34±16.744° and 75.72±20.804°), whilst carpal extension was highest upon landing from the jump (125.77±7.071°). Peak vertical force (PFz) when normalised for body mass (BM) increased when landing from A-frame (14.28 N/kg BM) as opposed to landing from the jump obstacle (12.055 N/kg·BM). Our results show that increased range of motion (ROM) is required during both jumping and negotiation of A-frame compared to walk and trot, but more significantly, greater forces are incurred upon landing from the A-frame than compared to jumping. It was also observed that dogs were subject to high degrees of torsion in the distal limbs upon landing from the A-frame due to trained behaviours. We conclude that use of agility equipment generates greater forces through the musculoskeletal system and requires a greater ROM than what is experienced at walk and trot, which may contribute to early retirement ages in police dogs.

Development of a three-dimensional computer model of the canine pelvic limb including cruciate ligaments to simulate movement

Gait analysis as subjective visual assessment forms the foundation of the veterinarian's lameness examination. Pelvic limb lameness is frequently seen in dogs and the stifle joint with its cruciate ligaments, is a main cause of lameness due to cruciate ligament deficiency.In this study, we developed an open-source three-dimensional musculoskeletal pelvic limb model of a 30 kg Labrador Retriever including cruciate ligaments, simulating the gait cycle of the walking movement with the open-source programs NMSBuilder (Institutio Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy) and OpenSim (National Center for Simulation in Rehabilitation Research (NCSRR), Stanford, CA, USA).The computer model generated muscle activations based on motion data. The computed activations were similar to experimental electromyogram data. Highest joint torque was in extension/flexion in the stifle joint at 54 Nm at 14% of the gait cycle with cruciate ligaments. Highest stifle joint reaction force was 408 N at 16% of the gait cycle and was reduced after adding cruciate ligaments. Especially the cranial cruciate ligament loads up to 102 N (34% body weight). Cranial cruciate ligament forces increase with stifle extension and decrease with stifle flexion. On the contrary, the caudal cruciate ligament loads up to 27 N (9% body weight) during the swing phase with a flexed stifle joint.The model was validated with electromyogram data. The model's predictions are plausible because joint torques and forces match the applied ground reaction forces in curve progression and in timing. This model forms a basis for further investigations into stifle surgery after cruciate ligament deficiency.

Treatment of a congenital lateral patellar luxation by recession trochleoplasty in a donkey foal

SummaryThe present report describes the surgical treatment of a congenital lateral patellar luxation in a 6‐month‐old female donkey foal. The foal was presented with a slight crouched position, muscle atrophy, moderate lameness, reluctance to flex the right hindlimb at a walk and slight effusion of the right stifle joint. The foal responded painfully to the stifle flexion test. Irreducible lateral luxation of the right patella was confirmed on physical examination and radiography. The animal was treated surgically by recession trochleoplasty and imbrication of the medial joint capsule. The animal gradually improved after surgery, and good clinical results were reported after 6 months post‐operatively. In conclusion, congenital lateral luxation of the patella should be considered as a congenital cause of lameness in donkeys and surgical repair by recession trochleoplasty and medial imbrication of the joint capsule can be helpful to treat this problem.

Different conformations of the German shepherd dog breed affect its posture and movement

The conformation of the German shepherd dog (GSD) varies considerably within the breed. These differences may result in large variation in the movement and limb loading and undesirable consequences to their musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between conformation and biomechanical measures in 60 GSDs. Full body kinematic and kinetic measures were computed from 3D motion capture and pressure data. The dogs were divided into groups based on their back slope and curvature. Correlation analysis and statistical differences between groups showed that GSDs with a greater back slope have a greater contact area in their forelimbs and place them closer together when standing (n = 60). During trot, the dogs with sloped back showed a greater vertical force in the forelimbs and a greater mid-thoracic flexion (n = 60). Unilateral differences were found in the stifle flexion, hock flexion and hock adduction, suggesting greater movement asymmetry with an increase in the back slope (n = 30). In conclusion, several biomechanical parameters are affected by the GSD’s slope of the back and not by its curvature. Further studies are required to determine whether the variation in movement, posture and conformation within the breed relates to an increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders.

Effect of stifle flexion on the position of the cranial tibial artery relative to the proximal tibia in dogs.

To determine the effect of stifle flexion on the proximity of the cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia in canine stifles with an intact or transected cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). Ex vivo randomized blinded computed tomographic angiographic study. Fifteen pelvic limbs from eight greyhound cadavers. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated and injected with 10 mL of iohexol. Each limb was placed in lateral recumbency on an acrylic sheet with predrawn femoral and tibial lines representing angles of stifle extension. Computed tomography was performed before (limbs 1-15) and after (limbs 10-15) CCL transection. The shortest distance between the cranial tibial artery and proximal tibia (dCrTA-PT) was measured at a distance of one patellar length from medial intercondylar tubercle. Median dCrTA-PT in intact specimens at 70°, 90°, 110°, and 135° was 2.04, 2.05, 2.28, and 2.51 mm, respectively (P = .008). Pairwise comparisons identified a difference between 70° and 135° (P = .007). Mean dCrTA-PT in transected specimens at 70°, 90°, 110°, and 135° was 2.60, 2.57, 2.90, and 2.79 mm, respectively (P = .208). Median overall dCrTA-PT was 2.24 mm in intact specimens (limbs 1-15, all four angles of extension combined) and 2.76 mm in transected specimens (limbs 10-15, all angles combined; P = .01). Flexion of the stifle resulted in a negligible decrease in dCrTA-PT in intact specimens but had no effect in CCL transected stifles. The angle of stifle extension does not appear to have any clinically significant effect on the proximity of cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia.

Effect of Stifle Flexion Angle on the Repeatability of Real-Time Elastosonography of the Patellar Ligament in Medium- to Large-Breed Dogs.

The aims of this study were to describe the elastosonographic findings of the patellar ligament in healthy dogs >15 kg in different positions and determine the most appropriate stifle angle to perform elastosonography of the patellar ligament. Eighteen clinically healthy dogs, weighing >15 kg, were prospectively recruited. B-mode ultrasound and real-time elastosonography of both patellar ligaments were performed on days 0 and 14. Elastosonography examinations were performed with the stifle in four positions: standing position, lateral recumbency with the stifle positioned at 135 degrees extension and in full passive flexion and extension. The percentage hardness of the patellar ligament was significantly lower when the elastosonographic examination was performed with the dog standing, compared with the other positions (p < 0.005). The variability in the elastosonography readings for each stifle position was lowest when the dog was standing (89.32%). Elastosonography is a feasible technique for evaluating the elasticity of the normal canine patellar ligament in dogs >15 kg and would be a useful technique for investigating the mechanical changes within the patellar ligament following stifle surgery. Elastosonography of the patellar ligament should be performed with the dog standing to provide the most accurate elastosonograms with lowest variability between readings.

Cryotherapy Improves Limb Use But Delays Normothermia Early After Stifle Joint Surgery in Dogs.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of cold compression therapy (CCT) relative to a soft padded bandage (SPB) in dogs undergoing surgery to manage cranial cruciate ligament injury.Methods:Dogs were randomized into groups that received CCT or SPB after surgery. Weight bearing was measured using a weight distribution platform before and the day after surgery. Stifle joint flexion and extension were measured using a goniometer before and the day after surgery. Rectal temperatures were measured every 15 min for 2 h after surgery and the morning after surgery. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were measured using an algometer the day after surgery. Findings in both groups were compared using a mixed model ANOVA.Results:20 dogs were enrolled: 10 in the CCT and 10 in the SPB group. Dogs undergoing CCT had more stifle joint flexion (P = 0.008) and weight bearing (P < 0.001) after surgery than dogs with SPB. MNT after surgery correlated statistically with stifle joint flexion after surgery (r = −0.315, P = 0.014), extension after surgery (r = 0.310, P = 0.016), and weight bearing after surgery (r = 0.314, P = 0.003). Return to normothermia was delayed in the CCT group, with temperatures ~0.5°C (1.0°F) lower 105 (P = 0.018) and 120 min (P = 0.013) after surgery.Conclusion:Relative to bandaging, CCT had a positive short-term impact on stifle flexion and weight bearing. CCT delayed warming after surgery but dogs were only mildly hypothermic [0.5°C [1.0°F]].

Treatment of Quadriceps Contracture with Femoral Shortening Ostectomy, Rectus Femoris Muscle Transposition and Dynamic Stifle Flexion Apparatus in a Dog

Treatment of Quadriceps Contracture with Femoral Shortening Ostectomy, Rectus Femoris Muscle Transposition and Dynamic Stifle Flexion Apparatus in a Dog

Description of soft tissue artifacts and related consequences on hindlimb kinematics during canine gait.

BackgroundSoft tissue artifacts (STAs) are a source of error in marker-based gait analysis in dogs. While some studies have revealed the existence of STAs in the canine hindlimb, STAs and their influence on kinematic gait analysis remain unclear.MethodsThirteen healthy Taiwan dogs affixed with twenty skin markers on the thigh and crus were recruited. Soft tissue artifacts and their influence on the determination of segment poses and stifle angles were assessed by simultaneously measuring marker trajectories and kinematics of the underlying bones via a model-based fluoroscopic analysis method.ResultsMarkers on the thigh showed higher STAs than those on the crus, with root-mean-square amplitudes up to 15.5 mm. None of the tested marker clusters were able to accurately reproduce the skeletal poses, in which the maximum root-mean-square deviations ranged from 3.4° to 8.1°. The use of markers resulted in overestimated stifle flexion during 40–60% of the gait cycle and underestimated stifle flexion during 80–90% of the gait cycle.ConclusionsConsiderable magnitudes and effects of STAs on the marker-based 3D gait analysis of dogs were demonstrated. The results indicate that the development of error-compensation techniques based on knowledge regarding STAs is warranted for more accurate gait analysis.

Patellar ligament rupture in a cat treated with autologous fascia lata graft augmentation

A five-year-old male domestic shorthair cat has been referred with a two-week history of lameness affecting the right hind limb. Gait assessment revealed an involuntary flexion of the stifle during...

Goniometric Assessment in French Bulldogs.

Goniometry is a low-cost, user-friendly and widely available technique used by different veterinary medicine professionals to estimate joint range of motion (ROM). Studies providing breed-specific reference ranges for goniometric measurements are scarce and there is a lack of information regarding joint angles in French Bulldogs. This prospective study set out to determine normal ROM for the carpus, elbow, shoulder, tarsus, stifle and hip joints in healthy, adult French Bulldogs using goniometry. We hypothesized ROM would be similar in this and other dog breeds. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria. Sample size was calculated using power analysis based on previous studies. Goniometric measurements were made by a single examiner. Limbs were measured in random order and three measurements made per joint. Dogs were not sedated. Joint angles measured in French Bulldogs in this study were similar to those reported in Labrador Retrievers (shoulder, carpal, and tarsal flexion), Rottweilers (shoulder, carpus, and hip flexion), and Dachshunds (hip, stifle, and tarsal flexion). Similar flexion angles and ROM were detected in right and left limb joints. Findings of this study suggest similar ROM in French Bulldogs and other dog breeds. Lack of radiographic assessment and the fact that goniometric measurements were made by a single examiner were the major limitations of this study.

Quantification of three-dimensional soft tissue artifacts in the canine hindlimb during passive stifle motion

BackgroundThree-dimensional joint kinematics during canine locomotion are commonly measured using skin marker-based stereophotogrammetry technologies. However, marker-related errors caused by the displacement of the skin surface relative to the underlying bones (i.e., soft tissue artifacts, STA) may affect the accuracy of the measurements and obscure clinically relevant information. Few studies have assessed STA in canine limbs during kinematic analysis. The magnitudes and patterns of the STA and their influence on kinematic analysis remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to quantify the in vivo STA of skin markers on the canine thigh and crus during passive joint motion. The stifle joints of ten dogs were passively extended while the skin markers were measured using a motion capture system, and skeletal kinematics were determined using a CT-to-fluoroscopic image registration method.ResultsThe skin markers exhibited considerable STA relative to the underlying bones, with a peak amplitude of 27.4 mm for thigh markers and 28.7 mm for crus markers; however, the amplitudes and displacement directions at different attachment sites were inconsistent. The markers on the cranial thigh and lateral crus closer to the stifle joint had greater STA amplitudes in comparison to those of other markers. Most markers had STA with linear and quadratic patterns against the stifle flexion angles. These STA resulted in underestimated flexion angles but overestimated adduction and internal rotation when the stifle was flexed to greater than 90°.ConclusionsMarker displacements relative to the underlying bones were prominent in the cranial aspect of the thigh and the proximal-lateral aspect of the crus. The calculated stifle kinematic variables were also affected by the STA. These findings can provide a reference for marker selection in canine motion analysis for similar motion tasks and clarify the relationship between STA patterns and stifle kinematics; the results may therefore contribute to the development of STA models and compensation techniques for canine motion analysis.

Ex vivo preliminary investigation of radiographic quantitative assessment of cranial tibial displacement at varying degrees of canine stifle flexion with or without an intact cranial cruciate ligament

BackgroundThe presence of cranial tibial subluxation can aid in the detection of joint instability as a result of CrCL injury. Detection of cranial tibial subluxation has been described using the tibial compression test (TCT) and cranial drawer test (CDT); however, diagnosis of CrCL insufficiency by assessing cranial subluxation motion of the tibia is subjective and difficult to quantify accurately. The aim of this study was to investigate a measurement technique to assess the degree of cranial tibial displacement relative to the femoral condyles on mediolateral projection stifle radiographs at varying degrees of stifle flexion (90°, 110°, and 135°) in CrCL intact, partially, and completely transected conditions. Radiographic measurements included: CrCL length and intercondylar distance (ICD), defined as the distance between the tibial mechanical axis (TMA) and the femoral condylar axis (FCA). The influence of CrCL status, stifle flexion angle, and measurement type on measured distance was evaluated. The relationship between CrCL length and ICD measurement was also assessed.ResultsComplete transection of the CrCL resulted in significant cranial tibial displacement. Stifle flexion angle affected ICD, but not CrCL length. Normalized measured CrCL length and ICD were significantly different; however, no differences existed between the change in distance detected by CrCL length and ICD measurements as CrCL transection status changed. Correlation coefficients detected a significant positive correlation between measured CrCL and ICD.ConclusionThe ICD measurement technique was able to quantify tibial displacement at various stifle flexion angles in the intact and completely transected CrCL conditions. The ICD measurement was more affected by stifle flexion angle than was the CrCL length.

Kinetic and kinematic follow-up gait analysis in Doberman Pinschers with cervical spondylomyelopathy treated medically and surgically.

BackgroundThe efficacy of treatment of dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is commonly based on the owner's and clinician's perception of the gait, which is highly subjective and suffers from observer bias.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare selected kinetic and kinematic parameters before and after treatments and to correlate the findings of gait analysis to clinical outcome.AnimalsEight Doberman Pinschers with CSM confirmed by magnetic resonsance imaging.MethodsPatients were prospectively studied and treated with either medical management (n = 5) or surgery (n = 3). Force plate analysis and 3‐D kinematic motion capture were performed at initial presentation and approximately 8 weeks later. Force plate parameters evaluated included peak vertical force (PVF). Kinematic parameters measured included number of pelvic limb strides, stifle flexion and extension, maximum and minimum thoracic limb distance, truncal sway, and thoracic limb stride duration.ResultsKinematic analysis showed that deviation of the spine to the right (truncal sway) was significantly smaller (P < .001) and the degree of right stifle flexion was significantly larger (P = .029) after treatment. Force plate analysis indicated that PVF was significantly different after treatment (P = .049) and the difference of the PVF also was significantly larger (P = .027). However, no correlation was found with either method of gait analysis and clinical recovery.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceKinetic and kinematic gait analysis were able to detect differences in dogs with CSM before and after treatment. A correlation of gait analysis to clinical improvement could not be determined.