Keyword:stance analysis, gait analysis, lameness, repeatability, variability, weight distribution
Author(s):Megan L Wilson, James K Roush, Walter C Renberg
Gait analysis on a force plate or pressure mat has become the gold standard for objective limb function evaluations, the need for specially trained operators, the high cost of the equipment, space required to perform the evaluation makes the analysis difficult to conduct in clinical settings.
The purpose of the study was to assess single-day and multiday repeatability of weight distribution (stance) data obtained with the commercial STANCE analyzer for dogs with naturally occurring hind limb lameness.
Dogs evaluated at the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Orthopedic Service for unilateral or bilateral hind limb lameness and considered for orthopedic surgery were included in the study. Dogs with forelimb lameness or neurological disease were excluded. Medicated dogs were not excluded.
15 dogs in the single day analysis and 31 dogs in the multiday analysis for a total of 46 dogs included in the study.
In the single day analysis, 5 trials (repetitions) per dog were performed with 5 to 10 measurements captured at each trial, the dog was removed from the room and returned immediately until the fifth trial. For the multiday analysis, data was collected in the same manner for 2 consecutive days.
Data were compared among the single and the multiday measurements to evaluate the repeatability and variability of the Stance Analyzer.
The Stance Analyzer allows repeatable measurements of body weight and weight distribution on the hind limb in dogs with hind limb lameness.