KINEMATIC GAIT ANALYSIS IN DOGS WITH HIP-DYSPLASIA

Objective-To define alterations of movement in dogs with hip dysplasia by use of noninvasive, 3-dimensional, computer-assisted kinematic gai t analysis, Design-Kinematic and force plate data were collected at th e trot from clinically normal dogs and from dogs with hip dysplasia. A nimals-12 large adult dogs of various breeds with clinical and radiogr aphic evidence of hip dysplasia, and 12 clinically normal adult large dogs of various breeds with body weight similar to that of the dogs wi th hip dysplasia. Procedure-Dynamic flexion and extension angles and a ngular velocities were calculated for the coxofemoral, femorotibial, a nd tarsal joints. Temporal and distance variables were also computed. Essential Fourier coefficients were determined and used to reconstruct mean dynamic flexion and extension curves for all joints, and to comp are differences in movement between dogs with hip dysplasia and clinic ally normal dogs, Results-Dogs with hip dysplasia had subtle character istic changes in dynamic flexion and extension angles and angular velo cities of each joint, verified by significant differences in essential Fourier coefficients between the 2 study groups. Stride length was in creased and peak vertical force was decreased in dogs with hip dysplas ia. Subject velocity, maximal foot velocity, stance duration, stride f requency, and impulse area did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclu sions-Kinematic gait analysis indicated that hip dysplasia is associat ed with alterations in movement of the coxofemoral, femoro tibial, and tarsal joints, Computer-assisted kinematic gait analysis provided a n oninvasive, objective tool with which to evaluate these complex motion alterations. Clinical Relevance-The information obtained may be usefu l in future evaluations of various modes of treatment for hip dysplasi a.