Goniometric Evaluation and Passive Range of Joint Motion in Chondrodystrophic and Non-Chondrodystrophic Dogs of Different Sizes

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate angle values in maximal flexion and extension; the passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle and tarsus; and the carpal abduction and adduction of chondrodystrophic (CD) and non-chondrodystrophic (NCD) dogs of different sizes. Study Design Goniometric evaluation was performed in triplicate using a universal goniometer. CD dogs were categorized into miniature, small, medium, large and giant sizes, whereas NCD dogs were allocated to small- and medium-size groups. Hence, each of the seven subgroups comprised 11 clinically healthy dogs. For data analysis, the Levene test was used to evaluate homoscedasticity. The means of each joint angle with the means in each group as well as the PROM between the CD and NCD groups was compared by the Student's t-test; meanwhile, the means of the joint angles and ROM among the sizes were compared by analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test. In those cases, when no homogeneity variance was observed, the Bonferroni test was used. In every case, p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results The articular angles and PROM differed according to the dog size and type, that is, CD or NCD. Conclusion The goniometric values and PROM of dogs depend on the joint type, dog size and chondrodystrophy status. Further studies are necessary to increase the accuracy of the results and to establish the predominant factors governing the differences discovered.

The sesamoid bone in the long abductor muscle tendon of the first digit in the dog

“…Clinical studies have shown that surgical tendonectomy of the ADIL-tendon can lead to the development of carpal osteoarthritis, suggesting that the ADIL-tendon contributes to carpal stability (Grundmann & Montavon, 2001;Harasen, 2010). In this regard, a higher frequency of absence of the sesamoid bone in small dog breeds is indicative of a mechanical influence on the development of this sesamoid bone, the mechanical load on the ADILmuscle and carpus in these breeds being different from that of larger breeds (Reusing, Brocardo, Weber, & Villanova, 2020). If the presence or absence of (mineralization of) the sesamoid bone were due to mere mechanical loading, the sesamoid bone could be expected to be (radiologically) absent in more breeds belonging to the small breed group.…”

“…Interestingly, a chondrodystrophic breed as the French bulldog demonstrates such a low prevalence rate of the sesamoid bone. Chondrodystrophic dogs of particularly the small breed group exhibit a greater range of carpal motion compared to non-chondrodystrophic dogs, attributed to the characteristic angular deformity of the carpus (Reusing et al, 2020) and different leverage during rotation due to the relatively shorter leg (Fischer & Lilje, 2014;Roos, Brugger, & Rauscher, 1992). Furthermore, the dysplastic, shortened long bones in chondrodystrophic dogs are the result of a genetic defect that results in a disturbed endochondral ossification (Brown et al, 2017;Dickinson & Bannasch, 2020).…”

Reconstruction of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon with a fascia lata autograft in two dogs with carpal hyperextension

“…Therefore, postoperative evaluation was based on the joint angle of the contralateral limb, which was considered normal in each case. [23][24][25][26] After removal of the ESF, goniometry showed that the carpal joint angles in these two dogs were each approximately 15 in extension in the standing position, which was very similar to the joint angles of their contralateral limbs, suggesting that the carpal joint angles had been returned to normal. Furthermore, ultrasonography performed 3 months after surgery in both dogs showed that the structure and thickness of the repaired FCU appeared to be similar to that of the unaffected limb, suggesting that the transplanted fascia may have helped to restore normal function.…”

A Systematic Review of Musculoskeletal Mobilization and Manipulation Techniques Used in Veterinary Medicine

“…Passive joint range of motion (n = 3) and kinematic analysis (n = 3) were the most common methods used to evaluate changes in stiffness [19,23,[28][29][30][31]. While measures of normal passive joint range of motion has been reported for the appendicular skeleton [44,65], similar measures are not readily available within the axial skeleton due to a diverse array of measurement methods for assessing spinal stiffness [66].…”