Goniometric measurements of the forelimb and hindlimb joints in sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate angle-of-motion values for the forelimb and hindlimb in clinically healthy adult Santa Ines sheep by means of a standard goniometer.

Twenty female Santa Ines sheep, ranging in age between three- to six-years-old, and weighing 32-45 kg (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 30.4 ± 3.7) were used. A standard transparent plastic goniometer was used to measure passive maximum flexion, maximum extension, and range-of-motion (ROM) of the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints in the right and left limbs. The goniometric measurements were done with the sheep awake and in a standing position. The measurements were made in triplicate by two independent investigators.

In all evaluated joints, there was no significant difference either between the means of the two sides or between measurements performed by the two investigators. The mean ± SD values of the measurements (degrees) were as follows: 20 ± 1 (flexion), 170 ± 2 (extension), and 150 ± 2 (ROM) for the carpal joint; 34 ± 4 (flexion), 145 ± 6 (extension), and 110 ± 4 (ROM) for the elbow joint; 88 ± 2 (flexion), 144 ± 6 (extension), and 56 ± 5 (ROM) for shoulder joint; 35 ± 4 (flexion), 163 ± 3 (extension), and 129 ± 4 (ROM) for tarsal joint; 46 ± 4 (flexion), 146 ± 6 (extension), and 100 ± 4 (ROM) for the stifle joint; 54 ± 3 (flexion), 143 ± 7 (extension), and 89 ± 5 (ROM) for the hip joint.

The data obtained provide useful and objective information on the joints. More studies are necessary using other sheep breeds.