Chapter 2 Locomotion and Athletic Performance 35Objective gait analysis in
performance dogs
Performance dogs can be stoic and do not
always show overt signs of pain or lameness.
Early signs of lameness may be as subtle as a
shortened stride or shorter stance time on the
injured leg and often cannot be seen by visual
observation alone, and thus need to be objec-
tively quantified. Gait analysis is an important
tool to establish a diagnosis, monitor the pro-
gress of treatment and determine when the dog
has achieved full recovery.
Every performance or working dog should
have a baseline objective gait analysis per-
formed prior to training and performing.
Having a baseline objective gait analysis pro-
vides data to refer to in the event of injury or
change in performance, and is especially impor-
tant given individual‐ or breed‐related varia-
tion in gait patterns. Additionally, if a
pre‐existing orthopedic condition is suspected,
objective gait analysis provides an easy oppor-
tunity to objectively screen for and measure
any lameness or gait abnormalities, which can
also then be monitored.
Objective gait analysis tools
Normal locomotion requires proper function-
ing of the musculoskeletal system coordinated
by the nervous system. In the past, canine gait
was usually evaluated subjectively. Such analy-
sis was limited mainly to the walk and the trot
because of their slower speeds, and analysis
was still limited due to the inability of the
human eye to follow rapid movements. While
subjective gait analysis still has a very impor-
tant role in clinical practice, validated objective
gait analysis technologies have recently become
available to help veterinarians quantitate gait
characteristics in the clinical setting. This can
greatly assist in the detection of a subtle lame-
ness and in monitoring response to various
treatments.
While there are multiple quantitative gait
analysis methods that can be used to establish a
diagnosis and to monitor treatment efficacy, it
is important to establish normal parameters for
accurate interpretation of gait analysis results.
Quantitative analysis of canine locomotion
most commonly involves the measurement of
temporospatial characteristics, kinematics of
limb segments, and/or kinetics of the foot con-
necting with the substrate. The advantages and
disadvantages of each type of gait analysis
system are summarized in Table 2.3.
Gait analysis should always be performed in
a quiet space where the patient has minimal
distractions because velocity, head turning, and
changes in acceleration have all been shown to
affect gait (Gillette & Angle, 2008; Maes et al.,
2008; Gordon‐Evans, 2012). Additionally, it isFigure 2.15 This image taken from a video shows a Golden Retriever’s left front foot on the ground, but the right rear
foot only just about to touch down. When seen repeatedly, this is evidence of short‐striding, in this case of the left
front foot.