Front Matter

Chapter 5 Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation 113

Girth measurement

Girth measurements are circumferential
measurements taken with a tape measure at
standard anatomic sites around the body and
used to document muscle size, body composi­
tion, and swelling, and to monitor changes in
these objective measurements. The amount of
tension on the tape, correct use of landmarks,
altered joint or body position, and use of differ­
ent testers or raters can affect reliability. There
are different methods for taking girth meas­
urements depending on the purpose of the
measurement. If measuring swelling, the tape
measure is usually placed around the affected
area. If measuring for body composition or
muscle size, consistent landmarks are impor­
tant to increase reliability. One method is to pull
the tape measure as high into the groin or axilla
as possible and hold it in place using the fifth
digit (Figure  5.8). However, this method may
not be completely reliable as the tape can slip
and therefore not be in the exact same place as a
previous measurement.
The author (A.K.) prefers to use a method
incorporating the same landmarks each time
for improved accuracy. For example, when
measuring thigh muscle size, the tape measure
is placed at the greater trochanter with the
tape wrapped tightly around the thigh as
proximally as possible, and the tape ending at
the greater trochanter (Figure  5.9). This tech­
nique can be reproduced, using the acromion,

for forelimb measurement. The measurement is

rechecked for accuracy, compared to the oppo­

site leg, and the patient’s position (recumbent

vs weight‐bearing) is documented.

Table 5.4 Mean goniometric passive range of motion
(PROM) measurements

Joint Motion Measurement

Shoulder Flexion 57

Extension 165

Elbow Flexion 36

Extension 165

Carpus Flexion 32

Extension 196

Varus 7

Valgus 12

Hip Flexion 50

Extension 162

Stifle Flexion 42

Extension 162

Tarsus Flexion 39

Extension 164

Figure 5.8 Girthometry of the pelvic limb muscles:

Option 1.

Figure 5.9 Girthometry of the pelvic limb muscles:

Option 2.