‘Mechanical gait asymmetry confounds lameness assessments’

Dr Robert Colborne, BSc, MHK, PhD

Equines and canines have been shown to have ‘handedness’ ie they will lead with a particular leg or turn a particular way round an obstacle. We are all asymmetric and bones, joints, [...]]]> Canine Day Summary – 23rd February 2013

‘Mechanical gait asymmetry confounds lameness assessments’

Dr Robert Colborne, BSc, MHK, PhD

Equines and canines have been shown to have ‘handedness’ ie they will lead with a particular leg or turn a particular way round an obstacle. We are all asymmetric and bones, joints, ligaments and muscles can develop differently on each side of our bodies even though differences may not be visible on observation of the gait. Bob believes that as symmetry of motion is considered a hallmark of soundness in gait, we need to consider whether ‘normal’ gait is in fact symmetric.

The causes of these behavioural, structural and functional asymmetries are multifactorial and largely unknown, but handedness definitely impacts lameness and could help explain why some unilateral joint diseases develop. More research is needed to discover if the approach to an orthapaedic condition should vary depending on the affected side.

‘Review of pet nutrition for health and weight management’

Dr Helen Bond, BVetMed, PhD, MBA, MRCVS

Diet can help with most clinical conditions, but it is the type, quality and amount of the nutrients in the ingredients that is crucial to efficacy.

Osteoarthritis benefits from a multi-modal approach and nutrition and weight management are a large component of this. A 14 year study has shown that a reduced calorie intake in dogs to maintain a lean body condition, can increase life span by 15%. In addition the study showed there was delayed onset and reduced severity of osteoarthritis.

Nutrients which have been shown to provide support for joint mobility are omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine and chondroitin.

Senior dogs may also develop cognitive dysfunction or dementia which can also be helped with nutrition. In this condition the brain loses its ability to use glucose and cognitive ability can be regained by incorporating medium chain triglycerides into the diet.

‘The canine elbow: the current assessment and treatment approach at Fitzpatrick referrals’

The Fitzpatrick Physio Team

Elbow dysplasia has a variety of clinical signs and pathologies which has no single treatment. The pathology must be understood in order to optimize the treatment outcome. Diagnosis is made via clinical examination, radiographs and arthroscopy.

Fitzpatrick have developed an algorithm in order to arrive at the best treatment approach for each pathology. Once diagnosed, the algorithm is then used to choose the most appropriate treatment method. These methods include subtotal coronoid ostectomy, arthoscopic fragment removal, ulna osteotomy, sliding humeral osteotomy, biceps ulna release procedure and total elbow replacement.

Rehabilitation is started as soon as possible following surgery to ensure the best outcome.

‘Understanding the early signs and signals dogs give during treatment and how to respond to make treatment successful and enjoyable’

Winkie Spiers, Dog trainer/behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist,  MAPDT, MBPTA, MPDTE, MECBS

When a dog is anxious for whatever reason it will give off many signals which if ignored may ultimately lead to a bite. By recognizing how they feel and responding appropriately the situation can be calmed and the treatment outcome improved.

Some of these signs include head turning, lip licking and very enlarged or contracted pupils. If signs of anxiety are seen then treatment needs to slow down and the physiotherapist should use body language and eye contact to help the dog feel more confident and relaxed.

Winkie believes first impressions are very important so time is needed to establish trust in order for the therapist/patient relationship to start in a positive way.

Always remember that each dog is an individual and they all have different experiences and coping abilities.

‘Peripheral nerve anatomy, pathology and palpation’

Dr Mike Targett,  MA, VetMB, DipECVN, PhD, MRCVS

Lower motor neuron (LMN) disease in small animal practice is under diagnosed and often mistaken for orthopaedic lameness in the early stages.

The commonest pathologies encountered are as follows:

Primary myopathies

Traumatic injuries

Brachial plexus neoplasia

Idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis

Myaesthenia gravis

Botulism

Distal denervating disease

There are various diagnostic methods including electromyography, biopsy and blood tests. Most of these pathologies are similar in that they start in the lower limb, they are usually self-limiting and will spontaneously regress. They have no treatment except nursing and physiotherapy.

‘Canine locomotion and post-operative outcome measures’

Karl Jones, MSc Vet Phys, Bsc(Hons), MCSP, ACPAT Cat A

Gait analysis has a very important role in ascertaining the functioning of the body. Any gait is made up of strides and a stride is made up of step cycles. A step cycle can be broken down to a stance phase – type and duration – and a swing phase. Abnormalities in either phase may help diagnose lameness.

A human study has used a figure of 8 shuttle run test to measure discrepancies pre and post-surgery. Karl has made the first study of its kind to use this idea in canines to establish a range of lap time values between healthy and surgically managed cranial cruciate ligaments.

The study concluded that the figure 0f 8 test can be a more sensitive measure of return to function than more traditionally used methods. It has also established the range of normal lap times for future reference.

“He was in shock and appeared to be paralysed”, says Emma “so I rushed him straight to the vet”.

After an overnight stay at [...]]]> Stan, Emma Gardner’s 9 year old miniature dachshund suffered a forelimb injury when he landed awkwardly jumping out of a stationary car in September last year.

Stan

“He was in shock and appeared to be paralysed”, says Emma “so I rushed him straight to the vet”.

After an overnight stay at the surgery, receiving pain killers and fluids he was considered fit to go home knowing that his right foreleg wasn’t broken but very badly strained. To prevent weight bearing Stan’s leg was placed in a sling in order to completely rest the limb.

After 3 days Emma removed the sling as the vet had advised but was disappointed to see that Stan was limping badly. “Even though I’m a qualified nurse I was unsure what I could do to help Stan and I hated seeing him so uncomfortable. That is when a friend recommended physiotherapy with Sandy Goard. She told me that Sandy had treated her horse a few months earlier, with great results.”

Laser Therapy

“I contacted Sandy for a home appointment during which Stan underwent a thorough assessment. She handled Stan extremely confidently and it was obvious that Stan trusted Sandy because of his relaxed response to her intervention. He definitely enjoyed the laser therapy that was applied to the affected area and was very calm throughout his treatment. Sandy gave me a very clear interpretation of what was wrong with Stan, demonstrating an excellent knowledge base. She watched me perform the prescribed exercises Stan was expected to undergo before the next treatment and also gave me advice about Stan’s management”.

It transpired that Stan had strained the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle and needed rest and controlled exercise along with physiotherapy treatment.

Stretch Exercise

“It took 3 visits from Sandy and 6 weeks of physiotherapy to get Stan back to normal. He is now completely healed and is running about as though the accident had never happened. There is no deficit in his movement and he is totally pain free. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sandy to anyone with a pet in pain, because Stan really benefited from her treatment. She has a naturally good rapport with animals which makes them trust her and is also patient and sympathetic to – in my case – neurotic owners!”