Canine gait analysis. Understanding movement.

In detail

What is canine gait analysis?

In a gait analysis, the dog’s movement is recorded with measuring technology and translated into numbers. Depending on the method, the dog wears sensors on its body, walks across a force plate or is filmed by cameras. The measurements answer questions such as: Is the dog moving symmetrically? Is it favouring a leg? Has its gait changed since the last measurement? Experts speak of objective gait analysis because movement parameters are recorded using standardised measurement methods. This means results can be documented and compared independently of a purely visual assessment.

Why is a trained eye not always enough?

Because mild and bilateral lameness is difficult to see with the eye. In a study of 24 dogs, the assessments of surgeons and students agreed only poorly with force plate data, and the observers also differed considerably from one another (Waxman et al., 2008). The veterinary examination remains the foundation. The measurement adds a value that can be compared at the next appointment.

When does gait analysis make sense?

• for unclear or shifting lameness
• before and after surgery, to document progress
• in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, to see whether the treatment is working
• in puppies and young dogs, as an early baseline
• in sporting and working dogs, as a baseline and for monitoring
• in older dogs, to notice changes early

How does objective gait analysis work?

Using LupoGait as an example, in four steps:

1. The dog is fitted with a textile sensor holder, the LupoMove^® Holder, which contains 6 or 12 wireless sensors.
2. It walks on the lead along a straight 20-metre track, in the practice or on site. Measurements on a circle are also possible to detect pain on turning.
3. The software analyses the measurement.
4. You receive a report and discuss the result.

The measurement takes 7 to 10 minutes, the whole appointment 20 to 30 minutes.

What can gait analysis not do?

It does not make an automated diagnosis. It can reveal functional asymmetries and changes in movement, but the cause of these abnormalities cannot be reliably determined from the movement data alone. That requires the clinical examination, supplemented by X-ray, CT or MRI. Conversely, an X-ray shows the structure of a joint, but not how well the dog moves with it.

While imaging mainly shows structural changes, gait analysis provides information about how the musculoskeletal system functions. Together with the clinical examination, both methods allow a more comprehensive assessment.