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Article
Relationship Between Gait Mechanics and the Speed of the Trot in the Weimaraner Dog Breed
Topics in Companion Animal Medicine
  • Leif D. Carlisle, Boswell Animal Clinic
  • Erdogan Memili, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Robert L. Linford, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Kristen A. Slater, Paws to Claws Veterinary Care
  • Molly C. Nicodemus, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Document Type
Article
Abstract

While the size of the Weimaraner may assist in the breed performing the tasks of a sporting dog, the large size coupled with these tasks may also make the breed more susceptible to orthopedic issues. The understanding of the normal gait mechanics of the Weimaraner can be a useful tool in examining for gait abnormalities associated with these orthopedic issues, and yet, research concerning breed-specific gaits in the canine is limited. Therefore, study objectives were to define the normal Weimaraner trotting kinematics and determine the influence of speed on these parameters. Markers were attached to palpation points on the limbs and head of American Kennel Club registered Weimaraners. Dogs were tracked while performing a slow (1.2-1.7 m/s) and fast (1.9-2.3 m/s) trotting speed. Frame-by-frame analysis was performed. Paw ground contact and lift-off was documented and marker displacement was tracked. At both speeds, the trot had a diagonal footfall sequence with diagonal limb pairing alternating between diagonal bipedal support and suspension. The faster speed was achieved with significant increases in stride length and displacements of the head, withers, and fore and hind paws (P <.05). Range of motion of the elbow and hip significantly increased as the dog transitioned from a slow to fast speed (P <.05). Through gait analysis, the Weimaraner trot was defined as a 2-beat diagonal rhythm gait with suspension. Speed did not change these characteristics, but did influence stride length and linear and angular displacements, and thus, should be a consideration in clinical examination.

DOI
10.1053/j.tcam.2019.03.003
Publication Date
6-1-2019
Citation Information
Leif D. Carlisle, Erdogan Memili, Robert L. Linford, Kristen A. Slater, et al.. "Relationship Between Gait Mechanics and the Speed of the Trot in the Weimaraner Dog Breed" Topics in Companion Animal Medicine Vol. 35 (2019) p. 26 - 30 ISSN: 19389736
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/erdogan-memili/56/