Vertical loading rates in clinically normal dogs at a trot

Area of Science:

• Veterinary biomechanics
• Canine locomotion analysis

Background:

• Understanding limb loading mechanics is crucial for assessing canine health and performance.
• Previous studies have explored limb loading, but detailed analysis of loading/unloading rates across different velocities is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify vertical limb loading and unloading rates in clinically normal dogs at a trot.
• To investigate the influence of forward velocity on these loading rates and their timing within the stance phase.
• To compare loading characteristics between forelimbs and hind limbs.

Main Methods:

• Clinically normal dogs were analyzed using a force platform during trotting gaits.
• Vertical ground reaction forces were measured to calculate limb loading and unloading rates.
• Data were analyzed across different forward velocities.

Main Results:

• Maximal rates of limb loading and unloading increased with forward velocity in both forelimbs and hind limbs.
• Forelimbs demonstrated higher loading/unloading rates and earlier maximal loading positions compared to hind limbs.
• Maximal unloading occurred earlier in the stance phase for hind limbs at higher velocities and for forelimbs compared to hind limbs.

Conclusions:

• Limb loading and unloading rates are velocity-dependent in trotting dogs, with forelimbs bearing greater loads.
• These calculations provide a reliable method for assessing functional limb loading and potential skeletal stress in dogs.
• The methodology is adaptable for analyzing limb mechanics in various animal models across different measurement axes.