| Computer-Assisted Videography (CAV)
of canine movement can be used to assess canine locomotion.
Computer assisted videography can
be a useful tool to:
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Evaluate the conformation and gait
of any dog.
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It can be used diagnostically to determine
causes and location of lameness.
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Post-treatment it can be used to assess
rehabilitation from injuries.
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In the competitive dog it can be used
to assess any subclinical factors that might affect performance.
Gait analysis and tape analysis is provided
by the Motion Analysis Lab for a fee ranging from $75.00 USD.
Locomotion
Motion is the one common component of
all athletic competition. Motion is a result of a combination of
nerves stimulating muscle to move bone. Abnormal motion occurs when
this chain of events is disrupted. Locomotion of an animal is described
as its gait. The walk, trot, and gallop are three forms of gait.
The walk and trot are symmetrical gaits. In this type of gait the movements
of the right side mirror the movements of the left side. The gallop
is an example of an asymmetrical gait , whereby the limbs of one side move
in a different pattern then limbs on the other side.
Lameness
Lameness is defined as a variance
from normal gait. There are two types of lameness: anatomical and
pathologic. Anatomical lameness may not necessarily be from pain,
and can be genetic or acquired. Pathological lameness can be neural
or musculoskeletal. Musculoskeletal lameness is usually caused
by pain . Two diagnostic tools to assess lameness are gait analysis
and the physical exam. The amount of variance from a normal gait
is defined in degrees of lameness.
Most abnormalalities can
be detected with subjective gait analysis. A dog with a lesion causing
severe sharp constant pain will carry the limb and keep the wieight off
it when lying down. A dull aching pain will produce a limp during
the gait analysis. A lesion that produces a small pain that occurs
in certain phases of locomotion allows the dog to adjust its gait for relief.
The quadruped has the ability to minimize pain by altering movement in
such a way that the abnormality may be unnoticeable. This altered
gait can lead to subsequent orthopedic problems.
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Computer-Assisted Videography of
Canine Movement
This web site is dedicated
to canine motion. We have developed a system to use videotape
( VHS, SVHS, VHS-C, SVHS-C, or DV ) to analyze canine locomotion.
Gait analysis has been a helpful assessment tool for Veterinarians throughout
time. It is mostly based on subjective judgement by the practitioner.
Recent advances in computer-assisted videography (CAV) have allowed us
to quantify animal motion, and to locate minute lameness that could go
unnoticed by visual analysis. The purpose of this web site is to
introduce CAV as a tool when diagnosing lameness, evaluating conformation,
and analyzing performance.
Computer-Assisted Video Analysis of Canine
Locomotion
A videotape of your dog
can be used by our CAV system to provide quatitative data that can then
be used:
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By any Veterinarian to help diagnose causes of
lameness
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Evaluate rehabilitation and therapy regimens
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By any trainer to assess performance and training
programs
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By breeders to assess conformation and gait
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By any individual who is interested in how their
dog moves
Gait analysis and tape analysis is provided
by the Sportsvet.com for a fee of $75.00 USD. Simply video tape your
dog, fill out the Analysis Submission form and send it to:
CAV Gait Analysis
SportsVet.com
1550 Opelika Road
Suite 6115
Auburn, AL 36830
The filming protocol can be viewed at the Filming
Protocol page and the Submission form can be accessed at the Analysis Submission
Form page. See links below.
send e-mail and questions to: Dr.
Robert L. Gillette
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