Kinematic analysis of Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers trotting on a treadmill.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to evaluate kinematic patterns in clinically normal Labrador and Rottweiler dogs trotting on a treadmill at a constant velocity.

METHODS

Ten Labrador Retrievers aged from 2.2 to 5.1 years, and 10 Rottweilers aged from two to 5.9 years were used. A three-dimensional capture system was used to perform analysis of joint kinematics. Kinematic data were collected by use of a triple-camera system. The kinematic study was performed first on the right side of the dog, and then on the left side. Data were analysed by use of a motion-analysis program. Flexion and extension joint angles, angular velocity and angular acceleration were determined for the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints.

RESULTS

Within each group, the differences between the right and left limbs in all variables were not significant. Significant differences occurred between Labradors and Rottweilers in the following categories: angular displacement and minimum angular acceleration of the stifle (Rottweiler >Labrador); angular displacement and maximum angular velocity of the tarsus (Rottweiler >Labrador); minimum angular velocity of the shoulder (Labrador >Rottweiler); angular displacement, maximum angular acceleration, maximum angular velocity, and minimum angular velocity of the elbow (Labrador>Rottweiler); and maximum angle and maximum angular velocity of the carpus (Labrador>Rottweiler).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Both breeds had similar kinematic patterns, but there were magnitude differences, especially of the elbow and stifle joints. Therefore, each breed should have a specific database.