Veterinary and Animal Science

Volume 25, September 2024, 100385

Serial kinematic analysis using inertial measurement units in growing dogs at risk of hip dysplasia

Highlights

  • Kinematic Analysis: Dogs with hip dysplasia exhibited a more unsteady gait pattern and higher variance in specific gait parameters compared to healthy dogs.
  • Significant Variance in Gait: Increased variance in key gait features, such as extension, stride length, and acceleration, indicated instability in dogs with HD.
  • Implications for Early Diagnosis: Focusing on gait variance could improve early detection of HD, allowing for preventive therapies before joint damage occurs.

  • Use of IMUs: IMUs were effective in capturing detailed gait patterns, offering a non-invasive method for early detection of orthopaedic issues.

Abstract

In this study, 54 dogs were examined at regular intervals from 12 weeks to 15 months of age using a gait analysis system based on inertial measurement sensors. At the end of the study, the dogs were examined for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) under sedation and officially classified at the Dysplasia Commission in Zurich. Gait parameters which are characteristic for the gait pattern of dogs, were calculated according to recent publications. These parameters were analysed for variance throughout the entire study period and assigned to healthy dogs and those suffering from HD. The findings of the study show that dogs suffering from HD exhibit a more unsteady gait pattern, e.g. higher variance, as they grow.

Read the scientific article in the Journal Veterinary and Animal Science, Volume 25, September 2024 for further insights.