Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Gait changes in dogs with pelvic fractures treated without surgery
By Vassalo, Flávia Gardilin et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2015·Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Gait analysis in dogs with pelvic fractures treated conservatively using a pressure-sensing walkway.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with pelvic fractures that were treated without surgery showed changes in how they walked, even months after their injuries. Some dogs favored one hind leg over the other, while others distributed their weight more evenly. This study found that these changes in walking patterns could persist long after the fracture had healed. If your dog has a pelvic fracture and is still limping or walking oddly, it's important to discuss these potential long-term effects with your veterinarian.
People also search for: dog pelvic fracture recovery · why is my dog limping after injury · treatment for dog walking problems
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate dogs with pelvic fractures and treated conservatively during locomotion on a pressure-sensing walkway. The hypothesis was that dogs may present changes in kinetic and temporospatial parameters because of the fractures, which may interfere with the symmetry index. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1-healthy group (n = 15) and Group 2-conservatively treated group (n = 15). The dogs were of similar body size. The body weight distribution percentages and symmetry indices of the peak vertical force, vertical impulse, stance time, swing time, percentage of stance time, and percentage of swing time of the hind limbs were evaluated. RESULTS: In Group 2, the time interval between fracture occurrence and patient evaluation was between 4 and 87 months (mean of 20 months). Four dogs had lower percentage of body weight distribution on one of the hind limbs while three dogs had greater weight distributed toward both hind limbs. Four of these dogs had alterations in the temporospatial and/or kinetic symmetry indices. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs with pelvic fractures treated conservatively may present changes in percentage of body weight distribution and symmetry indices of the kinetic and temporospatial parameters. The conservative treatment can cause persistent abnormal gait.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26438541/