The study on the relationship between the morphometric measurements and the range of motion in the hind limbs of the dogs

The Study on the Relationship between the Morphometric Measurements and the Range of Motion in the Hind Limbs of the Dogs The orthopedic disorders of hind legs are frequently encountered in dogs. The disturbance in the co-ordination of the muscles, joints and bones, which form locomotor system of the hind limb, may be the cause of orthopedic problems. The differences in the dog's posture can be related to the morphometric variations in different breeds. It has not been observed in any study that determines the different postures objectively in the dog breeds. Thus, the aim of this present study was to determine the reference values of joint angles, the muscle mass and leg circumference measurements and the postural differences in different breeds of healthy dogs. In this study, a total of 135 healthy adult dogs (25 German Shepherd, 23 Golden Retriever, 23 Labrador Retriever, 20 Belgian Malinois, 16 Rottweiler, 10 Boxers, 9 Doberman, 5 Anatolian Shepherd dog, 4 Berner Sennenhund breed) were used. Animal materials were obtained from the private veterinary clinics or university hospitals. Firstly, the goniometric measurements of the joint angles in the standing position were obtained, the crus and thigh circumference, and the height measurements from hind limbs in dogs were also recorded. Secondly, the angle measurements of extension and flexion were done in the dog under sedation and ROMs were calculated. Muscle thickness, bone length, and NA, KA, TPA measurements were performed on the total of five radiographs obtained during sedation. It was observed that statistically significant differences among the breeds in terms of the measurements especially in the all of the angle measurements of posture and height measurements which have a direct effect on posture. In light of the data obtained, it could be said that the German shepherd dog had a different posture objectively from the other breeds. It is thought that the breed-specific diversity can supply a valuable data as a reference value in the studies on hind limbs. In this context, it is considered that ROM value will be taken into consideration in terms of the dog breeds as seen in human medicine which has usage in practice. Additionally, not only ROM but also extension and flexion angles of the hind limb joints should be evaluated. In conclusion, in this study, it was determined the breed-specific data of joint angles, the muscle mass and circumference measurements in healthy dogs. These values are expected to cause the difference in the biomechanics of the hind limbs related to dog breeds. Keywords: Dog, Hind Limbs, Posture, Morphometry, ROM.