In:
American Journal of Veterinary Research, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Vol. 61, No. 7 ( 2000-07-01), p. 832-838
Abstract:
Objective —To compare the trotting gaits of
Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds to determine whether differences in locomotion are attributable
to differences in their manner of moving or to body size and shape differences between these 2
breeds. Animals —8 healthy 5-month-old Greyhounds and 5
healthy Labrador Retrievers between 6 and 18 months old. Procedure —A series of 4 force platforms was used
to record independent ground reaction forces on the forelimbs and hind limbs during trotting. Values
of stride parameters were compared between breeds before and after normalization for size differences.
Standard values of absolute and normalized stride period and stride length were determined
from linear regressions of these parameters on relative (normalized) velocity. Forces were normalized
to body weight and compared at the same relative velocity. Results —Greyhounds used fewer, longer strides
than the Labrador Retrievers to travel at the same absolute speed. After normalization for body size differences,
most measurable differences between breeds were eliminated. Subtle differences that did
persist related to proportion of the stride that the forefoot was in contact with the ground, timing of initial
hind foot contact relative to initial forefoot contact, and distribution of vertical force between the forelimbs
and hind limbs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance —Results suggest
that apparent differences in the trotting gait between Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds are
mainly attributable to differences in size, and that dogs of these 2 breeds move in a dynamically similar
manner at the trot. ( Am J Vet Res 2000;61:
832–838)
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0002-9645
DOI:
10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.832
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Publication Date:
2000
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2056942-7
SSG:
22
