Locomotor Mechanics of a Three-Legged Dog
Faculty Mentor Information
Craig P. McGowan, Ph.D.
Abstract
Amputations are life-changing procedures to which many animals struggle to adapt, resulting in a substantial decrease in overall welfare. However, little is known about how animals adjust their locomotion postamputation. To understand the potential adjustments made to overcome limb loss, we compared the gait mechanics, or footfall patterns, between one healthy and one hindlimb-amputee German Shepherd across various speeds. Data was collected using high-speed video, which was used to determine the differences in contact times, duty factors, and cycle frequencies between the animals. Preliminary results suggest that the amputee dog uses fewer gaits than the healthy dog for a wider range of speeds, rather than changing its footfall pattern as speed changes. This knowledge provides us with a foundation for understanding the compensatory changes made by amputee dogs and can be applied in the fields of prosthetics, rehabilitation, or injury-prevention.
Locomotor Mechanics of a Three-Legged Dog
Amputations are life-changing procedures to which many animals struggle to adapt, resulting in a substantial decrease in overall welfare. However, little is known about how animals adjust their locomotion postamputation. To understand the potential adjustments made to overcome limb loss, we compared the gait mechanics, or footfall patterns, between one healthy and one hindlimb-amputee German Shepherd across various speeds. Data was collected using high-speed video, which was used to determine the differences in contact times, duty factors, and cycle frequencies between the animals. Preliminary results suggest that the amputee dog uses fewer gaits than the healthy dog for a wider range of speeds, rather than changing its footfall pattern as speed changes. This knowledge provides us with a foundation for understanding the compensatory changes made by amputee dogs and can be applied in the fields of prosthetics, rehabilitation, or injury-prevention.