Initial exploration of the discriminatory ability of the PetPace collar to detect differences in activity and physiological variables between healthy and osteoarthritic dogs

Abstract

BackgroundAccelerometry has been used to evaluate activity in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) pain, especially in relation to effect of treatment; however no studies have compared accelerometry-measured activity in dogs with OA-pain and healthy dogs. The aims of this study were to (1) compare activity output from the PetPace collar with the validated Actical monitor and (2) determine if PetPace collar outputs (overall activity, activity levels, body position, and vital signs) differed between healthy dogs and dogs with OA-pain.MethodsThis was an observational, non-interventional study in healthy dogs and dogs with OA-pain. All dogs were outfitted with the PetPace collar and the Actical monitor simultaneously for 14 days. Output from these devices was compared (correlations), and output from the PetPace device was used to explore differences between groups across the activity and vital sign outputs (including calculated heart rate variability indices).ResultsThere was moderate correlation between the PetPace collar and Actical monitor output (R2 = 0.56, p < 0.001). Using data generated by the PetPace collar, OA-pain dogs had lower overall activity counts and spent less time standing than healthy dogs. Healthy dogs spent more time at higher activity levels than OA-pain dogs. Certain heart rate variability indices in OA-pain dogs were lower than in healthy dogs.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe results of this study suggest that the PetPace collar can detect differences between healthy dogs and those with OA-pain, and that OA-pain negatively impacts overall activity levels in dogs, and especially higher intensity activity.

Therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of liposomal-cannabidiol injection: a pilot clinical study in dogs with naturally-occurring osteoarthritis

“…Mobility in dogs can be affected by osteoarthritic pain, as previously reported ( 6 , 32 , 48 ). Therefore, the use of activity monitoring collars was chosen in order to provide an objective activity measurement.…”

“…At least two weeks before intervention, an activity monitoring collar (PetPace, Burlington, MA, United States 1 ) ( 31 , 32 ) was placed on the dogs’ neck. Data was collected from the collar for 2 weeks prior and 6 weeks following liposomal-CBD injection.…”

Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs

“…Physical, orthopedic, and neurologic examination, blood work, and urinalysis were performed, and data were captured. For the orthopedic examination, every joint of each limb was examined by a veterinarian experienced in evaluating canine OA (ME), and joints were graded for pain, crepitus, effusion, and thickening 18 . The manus and pes were considered as one joint region for evaluation purposes.…”

The impact of stress and anesthesia on animal models of infectious disease

“…These devices typically involve sensor units attached to collars or bands for ease of use. They can provide a non-invasive means of monitoring clinical parameters, including heart rate variability, and can be useful measures of pain ( 200 ) acute systemic inflammation ( 201 ) and stress ( 202 ). Despite the ease of use and apparent low welfare impacts, using wearable devices in animal disease research is not common practice.…”