Recent developments in canine locomotor analysis: a review

Abstract

Subjective evaluation of canine gait has been used for many years. However, our ability to perceive minute details during the gait cycle can be difficult and in some respects impossible even for the most talented gait specialist. The evolution of computer technology in computer assisted gait analysis over the past 20 years has improved the ability to quantitatively define temporospatial gait characteristics. These technological advances and new developments in methodological approaches have assisted researchers and clinicians in gaining a better understanding of canine locomotion. The use of kinematic and kinetic analysis has been validated as a useful tool in veterinary medicine. This paper is an overview of the kinematic and kinetic analytical techniques of the last decade.