Temporo-spatial and kinetic gait parameters in English setter dogs

Abstract

Walking analysis systems have begun to be used in veterinary medicine in recent years. The pressure-sensitive walkway is one of the systems through which we can obtain temporo-spatial and kinetic variables of walking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the walking characteristics of English Setter dogs using a pressure-sensitive system. Twenty-five English Setter dogs were included in the study. Temporo-spatial and kinetic gait parameters were obtained with the pressure-sensitive walkway system. Centre of pressure values were taken separately for the forelimbs and hindlimbs and were statistically analysed. The force values in the forelimb were found to be greater than in the hindlimb during walking. According to the results of dynamic pedobarographic evaluation, the highest-pressure values were found at the 2nd and 3rd digital pads for the forelimbs and on the 3rd and 4th digital pads for the hindlimbs. During the stance, 64.58% of the weight was found to be on the forelimbs. No difference was found between the forelimbs and the hindlimbs in centre of pressure analysis. As conclusion, the gait data obtained from the English Setter dogs can be used in future research to identify animals that may have neurological or orthopaedic problems.