Dynamic and Postural Changes in Forelimb Amputee Dogs: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Simple Summary It is assumed that dogs with an amputated limb experience difficulty with their tripedal gait in terms of energy and balance. This is especially true when the missing limb is a forelimb. The aim of our study is to objectively deepen the knowledge about biomechanical (postural and dynamic) modifications in forelimb amputee dogs by using force and pressure platforms. Based on our results, the amputee dogs in our study had increased vertical, braking and propulsion forces and their respective impulses on their remaining limb also increased, except for the propulsion impulse during walking. The amputee dogs also had increased peak pressure, mean pressure and area of the paw. Surprisingly, the amputee dogs were able to preserve the same level of balance when compared with the control, four-legged dogs of the same breed at stance. Although amputee dogs were able to preserve balance during stance and gait, there was a higher force (and pressure) demand on the remaining forelimb. This situation may potentially predispose these animals to injury caused by an overload of the anatomical structures involved in weight bearing.Abstract The amputation of a limb in quadrupeds can overload the remaining limbs, especially the contralateral one. The compensatory effort is especially high if it is a forelimb. It is, therefore, important to objectively know the changes in weight redistribution that occur in the animal while walking and standing still. With this objective, static (postural) and dynamic kinetic examinations were carried out on five French bulldogs with an amputated forelimb and five intact French bulldogs. For this examination, force and pressure platforms were used. The results were statistically compared using the student t-test. The parameters derived from the ground reaction forces were significantly higher in the amputee group. Surprisingly, postural examination showed that amputated dogs reached the same stability as healthy ones. Tripedal support in dogs does not objectively imply a loss of balance in quantitative terms; although the increase in force used by the remaining limb, as well as its altered cranial disposition during the support phase, may potentially predispose the animal to additional injuries in the future due to an overuse of different musculoskeletal units.