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Aghapour M, Affenzeller N, Lutonsky C, Peham C, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. A validation study to analyze the reliability of center of pressure data in static posturography in dogs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1353824. [PMID: 38560629 PMCID: PMC10979645 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1353824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Center of pressure (COP) parameters are frequently assessed to analyze movement disorders in humans and animals. Methodological discrepancies are a major concern when evaluating conflicting study results. This study aimed to assess the inter-observer reliability and test-retest reliability of body COP parameters including mediolateral and craniocaudal sway, total length, average speed and support surface in healthy dogs during quiet standing on a pressure plate. Additionally, it sought to determine the minimum number of trials and the shortest duration necessary for accurate COP assessment. Materials and methods Twelve clinically healthy dogs underwent three repeated trials, which were analyzed by three independent observers to evaluate inter-observer reliability. Test-retest reliability was assessed across the three trials per dog, each lasting 20 seconds (s). Selected 20 s measurements were analyzed in six different ways: 1 × 20 s, 1 × 15 s, 2 × 10 s, 4 × 5 s, 10 × 2 s, and 20 × 1 s. Results Results demonstrated excellent inter-observer reliability (ICC ≥ 0.93) for all COP parameters. However, only 5 s, 10 s, and 15 s measurements achieved the reliability threshold (ICC ≥ 0.60) for all evaluated parameters. Discussion The shortest repeatable durations were obtained from either two 5 s measurements or a single 10 s measurement. Most importantly, statistically significant differences were observed between the different measurement durations, which underlines the need to standardize measurement times in COP analysis. The results of this study aid scientists in implementing standardized methods, thereby easing comparisons across studies and enhancing the reliability and validity of research findings in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Aghapour
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadja Affenzeller
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christiane Lutonsky
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Peham
- Movement Science Group, Equine Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Platform Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department for Biomedical Services, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Peláez-Gorrea P, Damiá-Giménez E, Rubio-Zaragoza M, Cuervo-Serrato B, Hernández-Guerra ÁM, Miguel-Pastor L, Del Romero-Martínez A, Sopena-Juncosa J, Torres-Torrillas M, Santana A, Cugat-Bertomeu R, Vilar-Guereño JM, Carrillo-Poveda JM. The autologous chondral platelet-rich plasma matrix implantation. A new therapy in cartilage repair and regeneration: macroscopic and biomechanical study in an experimental sheep model. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1223825. [PMID: 38146499 PMCID: PMC10749322 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1223825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Articular cartilage injuries are a severe problem, and the treatments for these injuries are complex. The present study investigates a treatment for full-thickness cartilage defects called Autologous Chondral Platelet Rich Plasma Matrix Implantation (PACI) in a sheep model. Methods Chondral defects 8 mm in diameter were surgically induced in the medial femoral condyles of both stifles in eight healthy sheep. Right stifles were treated with PACI and an intraarticular injection with a plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) solution [treatment group (TRT)], while an intraarticular injection of Ringer's lactate solution was administered in left stifles [Control group (CT)]. The limbs' function was objectively assessed with a force platform to obtain the symmetry index, comparing both groups. After 9 and 18 months, the lesions were macroscopically evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society and Goebel scales. Results Regarding the symmetry index, the TRT group obtained results similar to those of healthy limbs at 9 and 18 months after treatment. Regarding the macroscopic assessment, the values obtained by the TRT group were very close to those of normal cartilage and superior to those obtained by the CT group at 9 months. Conclusion This new bioregenerative treatment modality can regenerate hyaline articular cartilage. High functional outcomes have been reported, together with a good quality repair tissue in sheep. Therefore, PACI treatment might be a good therapeutic option for full-thickness chondral lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Peláez-Gorrea
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Damiá-Giménez
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Rubio-Zaragoza
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Cuervo-Serrato
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángel María Hernández-Guerra
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Miguel-Pastor
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ayla Del Romero-Martínez
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Sopena-Juncosa
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Torres-Torrillas
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Angelo Santana
- Departament of Mathematics, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ramón Cugat-Bertomeu
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Manuel Vilar-Guereño
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jose Maria Carrillo-Poveda
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
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Clark N, Comerford E. An update on mobility assessment of dogs with musculoskeletal disease. J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:599-610. [PMID: 37455329 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Mobility impairments associated with musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, affect approximately 200,000 dogs annually and pose a notable challenge to canine health and welfare. Osteoarthritis causes the remodelling of synovial joints, alongside inflammation and impaired mechanical function which can be extremely debilitating. Secondary osteoarthritis commonly affects dogs and can be exacerbated by previous joint abnormalities, such as patellar luxation or cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Although musculoskeletal diseases can affect dogs of any age, the early subtle signs of gait abnormalities are perhaps missed by owners, thus, dogs may be in the latter stages of osteoarthritis progression when they are presented to veterinarians. Dogs showing subtle signs of gait abnormalities must be presented to veterinary practices for acute diagnosis to prevent long-term deterioration. Musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, are commonly diagnosed via visible radiographic changes. However, veterinarians can use a combination of subjective and objective clinical scoring systems, such as clinical metrology instruments and gait assessment in conjunction with radiography to aid their diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of musculoskeletal diseases. These scoring systems may be more sensitive to earlier signs of mobility impairments in dogs, ultimately, promoting increased canine health and welfare by enabling pain reduction, improvement of muscle strength and preservation of joint function. Current canine mobility scoring systems available to veterinarians will be discussed in turn throughout this review for implementation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Clark
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - E Comerford
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
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Charalambous D, Lutonsky C, Keider S, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. Vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution, and center of pressure during heelwork in working dogs competing in obedience. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1106170. [PMID: 36846253 PMCID: PMC9950403 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1106170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heelwork walking is a command that competitive obedience and working dogs are trained to perform. Unlike other canine sports, the research for competitive obedience sport is limited and no research regarding biomechanical gait adaptions during heelwork walking has been published. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution (PPD), and center of pressure (COP) of Belgian Malinois during heelwork walking. Ten healthy Belgian Malinois were included in the study. The dogs walked first without heeling (normal walk) and then while heeling on a pressure platform. The comparison between normal and heelwork walking was performed using mixed-effects models. Post-hoc analyses were performed using Sidak's alpha correction procedure. During heelwork walking, a significant decrease in the vertical impulse and stance phase duration (SPD) and a significant increase in the craniocaudal index and speed of COP was observed in the forelimbs compared to normal walking. At the hindlimbs, a significant increase in vertical impulse and SPD was observed during heelwork walking. Regarding PPD, a significant decrease of vertical impulse was observed at the cranial quadrants of the right forelimb and craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb during heelwork. The area was significantly decreased at the craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb and the time for the peak vertical force was prolonged significantly at the caudal quadrants of the right forelimb during heelwork walking. The vertical impulse was significantly increased in all quadrants of the hindlimbs except the craniolateral quadrant of the left hindlimb. The effect of these changes on the musculoskeletal system of working dogs should be investigated in further studies, using electromyography and kinematic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Charalambous
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria,*Correspondence: Danae Charalambous ✉
| | - Christiane Lutonsky
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Keider
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Platform of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Häußler TC, Kornmayer M, Scheich M, Fischer A, Feichtenschlager CJ, Rohwedder T. Retrospective multicentre evaluation of common calcaneal tendon injuries in 66 cats. Part 2: treatment, complications and outcomes. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X221131224. [PMID: 36706011 PMCID: PMC10812042 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221131224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the second part of this retrospective multicentre study were to describe the surgical techniques used in the treatment of common calcaneal tendon (CCT) injuries, and evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes and complications. METHODS The medical records of five different small animal referral centres and veterinary teaching hospitals between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. Surgical vs conservative treatment was evaluated. Treatment type, type of postoperative immobilisation, and short- and long-term outcomes and complications were recorded. Minor complications were defined as not requiring surgical intervention. Long-term outcome was evaluated by an owner questionnaire. RESULTS Sixty-six cats met the inclusion criteria. Mean time to surgery was 9.6 days (range 0-185). Most cats (83.3%) were treated surgically. Regardless of treatment modality, all limbs were immobilised for a mean time of 48.2 days (range 2-98). For 63 cats that had the temporary tarsal joint immobilisation technique recorded, a transarticular external skeletal fixator (ESF; 57.1%) or a calcaneotibial screw (33.3%) were used most commonly. The method of immobilisation had a notable, although non-significant, influence on the occurrence of short-term complications, with most complications being reported for the transarticular ESF group. The total short-term complication rate was 41.3%, the minor complication rate was 33.3% and the major complication rate was 7.9%, with pin tract infections being the most commonly occurring minor complication. Three cats (6%) had a total of four major complications over the long term. Most cats (86%) were free of lameness at the long-term evaluation, with an overall successful clinical long-term outcome of 84.9%, according to the owner questionnaire. Cats with traumatic injuries and injuries treated surgically had higher questionnaire scores than those with atraumatic injuries and those treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Outcome was generally good in cats with CCT injury, irrespective of the type of treatment. Complications included a high proportion of minor complications associated with the technique of tarsal joint immobilisation. ESF frames were more commonly involved in complications than other techniques. Surgically treated cats had a slightly better long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Häußler
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Clinic – Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Matthias Kornmayer
- Clinic for Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Christian J Feichtenschlager
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Clinic – Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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Bieber B, Reicher B, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. Changes in Ground Reaction Forces and Center of Pressure Parameters of Paws When Wearing Dog Boots in Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:906277. [PMID: 35903138 PMCID: PMC9323085 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.906277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog boots are commonly used as protective footwear against snow, ice, hot sand, road salt, and paw injury. Only a few studies exist in veterinary medicine that capture the impact of dog boot replacements, such as bandages, on ground reaction forces (GRF) in dogs. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the effect of dog boots on the center of pressure (COP) in dogs. This study investigated changes in the GRF of the whole limb and selected COP parameters of the paws while wearing dog boots in five Labrador Retrievers. After habituation, data were collected by walking and trotting dogs over a pressure platform without boots (control measurement) and under five different test conditions (wearing boots on all limbs, boots on both front limbs, boots on both hind limbs, one boot on the left front limb, and one boot on the right hind limb). The most prominent change was detectable when one boot was worn on the left front limb, with a decrease of peak vertical force (PFz%) in the left front limb at trot which led to a significant difference between both front limbs and a significant increase of PFz (%) in the right hind limb. Additionally, in both tempi, the vertical impulse (IFz%) showed significant differences between the front limbs; in trot, there was also an increase in the right front limb compared with the control. Furthermore, some significant changes in COP parameters were detected; for instance, all test conditions showed a significant increase in COP area (%) at the right front limb during walking compared to the control. Therefore, our results show that wearing the tested dog boots in different constellations seems to have an impact on GRF and some COP parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Bieber
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bianca Reicher
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Platform, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Barbara Bockstahler
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Charalambous D, Strasser T, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. Ground Reaction Forces and Center of Pressure within the Paws When Stepping over Obstacles in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131702. [PMID: 35804600 PMCID: PMC9264929 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Physical therapy and rehabilitation are emerging in veterinary medicine, and more research is needed to understand the effect of various exercises on kinematics and kinetics in animals. This will allow the animal physiotherapist to best utilize these exercises as a therapeutic and even diagnostic tool. Walking over obstacles is a typical canine physiotherapy exercise; however, no studies investigating the kinetics have been conducted. The present study showed significant changes in ground reaction forces and center of pressure in dogs walking over obstacles compared to normal walking. This can reflect a challenge that the animals have to overcome in order to perform this exercise. The data can be used for further studies in diseased animals or in the future as a diagnostic tool. Abstract Walking over obstacles is a widely used physiotherapy exercise in dogs. Current research is limited to the effect of this exercise in kinematics and muscle activation in dogs. The present study assessed the influence of walking over obstacles on the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and center of pressure (COP) in dogs. Data of dogs walking over one and two obstacles over a pressure platform were retrospectively analyzed and compared to normal walking. Walking over one obstacle did not affect the GRFs and COP of the forelimbs; however, significant changes were observed for the hindlimbs, especially the leading hindlimb. Walking over two obstacles caused significant changes to only one value at the forelimbs, whereas multiple significant changes in the GRFs and COP values were observed at the hindlimbs. Walking over obstacles seems to be challenging even for healthy adult dogs. Further studies are needed to investigate how different heights of obstacles and distances between them can further challenge the animals. The combination of kinetics and kinematics during walking over obstacles may be used in future as a diagnostic tool in geriatric and neurological patients in order to assess their proprioception awareness or to assess the improvement after an intervention, e.g., physiotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Charalambous
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.S.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Therese Strasser
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.S.); (B.B.)
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Schnabl-Feichter E, Schnabl S, Tichy A, Gumpenberger M, Bockstahler B. Measurement of ground reaction forces in cats 1 year after femoral head and neck ostectomy. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:302-309. [PMID: 32795115 PMCID: PMC10812205 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20948143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare ground reaction forces (GRFs) of a group of cats after femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) with those of a historical control group. METHODS We searched the database of the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary University in Vienna for cats that had undergone unilateral FHO at least 1 year previously. Owners were telephoned and invited to the clinic with their cats for a re-examination. An in-house owner questionnaire-based evaluation, complete orthopaedic examination, hip radiography and gait analysis with a pressure-sensitive plate were performed, and results were compared within and between groups (FHO group and control group [CG]). RESULTS Seventeen cats that had undergone FHO (FHO group) at least 1 year previously and 15 healthy cats (CG) from a previous study were included. Measured GRFs (peak vertical force and vertical impulse [IFz] normalised to total force [%TF]) of the FHO legs were lower than those of the other legs of the FHO group and the legs of the CG. Results of the owner questionnaire were generally good and did not match the results of the GRF comparison. Furthermore, the gaits evaluated during the orthopaedic examination did not correlate with the measured GRFs where we identified a certain degree of lameness (reduced IFz, %TF) in all cats. Cats with limb shortening (dorsally displaced major trochanter major) were not revealed to have different GRF measurements. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This is the first study to assess GRFs in a large group of cats that had undergone FHO, comparing findings with those in healthy cats. Even if the differences are statistically significant, but rather small, our findings point to a long-term residual gait abnormality that could be detected using a pressure-sensitive plate but not always with an orthopaedic examination, in cats 1 year after FHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schnabl-Feichter
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Schnabl
- Department for Small Animal Surgery and Reproductive Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department for Biomedical Science, Platform Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Gumpenberger
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, Diagnostic Imaging, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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