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

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.