Gait analysis as a measure of neurological function in dogs
Abstract
Evaluation of gait of neurologically impaired dogs is usually conducted using subjective techniques. This research was conducted to validate the use of gait analysis as an objective measure of neurological function in dogs and to develop a comprehensive gait analysis protocol using temporospatial, kinetic, kinematic, and paw pressure data thus facilitating gait analysis as a diagnostic tool for neurologically impaired small animals and as outcome measure for experimental treatment of neurological disease. In the first study, the sagittal motion of canine hind limbs during walking was evaluated with a 2-dimensioinal (2-D) video system and the acquired data were compared to the data obtained with a 3-D optoelectric system during the same trials. Joint angles and angular excursions measured with the 2-D system were repeatable and agreed with the respective values obtained with 3-D system. Thus, the 2-D video system provided accurate and repeatable data describing the sagittal angular motion of canine hind limbs during walking. In the second study, temporospatial parameters (TSPs) and kinetic parameters (KPs) of fore and hind limbs in small dogs (<10kg body>weight) and in large dogs (>25kg body weight) were measured using a pressure sensing walkway (PSW) and compared. There were significant similarities and differences of the gait characteristics of small and large dogs. Most of the TSPs and KPs of the small dogs were significantly smaller that those of the large dogs.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Breur, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Veterinary services
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.