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OBJECTIVE To compare the kinematics of the thoracic limb of healthy dogs during descent of stairs and a ramp with those during a trot across a flat surface (control). ANIMALS 8 privately owned dogs. PROCEDURES For each dog, the left thoracic limb was instrumented with 5 anatomic markers to facilitate collection of 2-D kinematic data during each of 3 exercises (descending stairs, descending a ramp, and trotting over a flat surface). The stair exercise consisted of 4 steps with a 35° slope. For the ramp exercise, a solid plank was placed over the steps to create a ramp with a 35° slope. For the flat exercise, dogs were trotted across a flat surface for 2 m. Mean peak extension, peak flexion, and range of movement (ROM) of the shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints were compared among the 3 exercises. RESULTS Mean ROM for the shoulder and elbow joints during the stair exercise were significantly greater than during the flat exercise. Mean peak extension of the elbow joint during the flat exercise was significantly greater than that during both the stair and ramp exercises. Mean peak flexion of the elbow joint during the stair exercise was significantly greater than that during the flat exercise. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that descending stairs may be beneficial for increasing the ROM of the shoulder and elbow joints of dogs. Descending stair exercises may increase elbow joint flexion, whereas flat exercises may be better for targeting elbow joint extension.

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Background: The ideal goal of equine rehabilitation following injury or surgery is to return the horse to a level of function that either meets or exceeds the previous performance level, and monitoring progress is important within rehabilitation. Outcome measures (OM) are used extensively in human practice and research, especially patient reported outcomes (PRO). PROs generally consist of a series of questions and observation of functional tasks, use of which may be challenging in equine practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of OMs by physiotherapists in equine musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Methods: A questionnaire was used to investigate how those involved with the treatment and training of horses measure progress and outcomes during rehabilitation. Results: 71 physiotherapists responded, comprising 51 chartered physiotherapists and 20 physiotherapists without prior human training, with an average of 9.25 years in equine practice; 82.2% reported OM use. When asked to define an OM, 72.5% of chartered physiotherapists and 40% of physiotherapists without prior human training, matched a pre-set definition correctly. The benefits of OM use were reported consistently as a method of objectively monitoring progress and used to adapt treatment plans. The barriers to OM use were lack of OM validation and reliability and time constraints. However, OMs were mainly subjective, such as visual assessment of lameness, palpation and muscle symmetry. Conclusion: In conclusion, confusion exists regarding what an OM is, and OM use is reported but often refers to subjective assessment method. A validated equine musculoskeletal rehabilitation score is required to support clinical practice.

Manual therapy techniques are commonly used by physiotherapists in the management of back pain to restore a pain-free range of motion and function in humans. However, there is a lack of research to support the proposed kinematic effects of manual therapy in the horse. This study investigated the kinematic effects of craniocaudal spinal mobilisation (CCSM) on the thoracolumbar spine in asymptomatic leisure horses. Markers were fixed to T10, T13, T17, L1, L3, the highest point of the wither and the tuber sacrale on thirteen horses that were positioned squarely. The CCSM technique consisted of two parts: (1) carpal flexion of either forelimb to 90° to maintain the horse in a tripod position, and (2) the application of a cranial to caudal force to the forehand via the ipsilateral point of the shoulder. Movement changes of the thoracolumbar markers from baseline to maximum flexion when the CCSM was applied was recorded as ‘depth’ (mm) relative to a fixed line drawn from the tuber sacrale to the maximal point of the withers. The change in angle (°) of each marker relative to the same markers was also recorded. Data were collected via video and analysed with Dartfish™ software. Increases in maximum thoracolumbar angle (P<0.05) and reductions in thoracolumbar depth (P<0.05) were found with CCSM. These results indicate CCSM induced flexion in the thoracolumbar spine, supporting its potential to improve range of motion and function in horses. Further studies to understand whether the changes observed during CCSM translate to treatment of back pain are warranted.

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Weeren, P.R., Pfau, T., Rhodin, M., Roepstorff, L., Serra Braganc ßa, F. and Weishaupt, M.A. (2017) Do we have to redefine lameness in the era of quantitative gait analysis? Equine Vet. J. 49, 567-569.