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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2020; 33(02): 142-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3400484
Original Research
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Carpal Extension Angles in Agility Dogs Exiting the A-Frame and Hurdle Jumps

Andrea Castilla
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
,
Brooke Knotek
2   Animal Emergency and Referral Center, Oakdale, Minnesota, United States
,
Molly Vitt
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
,
Wanda Gordon-Evans
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

04 April 2019

14 October 2019

Publication Date:
08 January 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the mean carpal extension angles in dogs participating in the A-frame and hurdle jumps, and to determine if the use of a carpal brace changed the carpal extension angle.

Study Design Data from 13 healthy agility dogs were included. Approximately 1 cm square adhesive tape markers placed on both forelimbs served as anatomic landmarks for carpal angle measurement. Each dog was filmed landing after jumping over a bar and exiting the A-frame. Five valid trials on each obstacle were collected. The carpal braces were then applied and the dogs were allowed to navigate obstacles for 10 minutes. Once acclimated to the brace, an additional five valid trials were collected. Carpal extension was measured from the videos collected using a video analysis software.

Results Without the carpal brace, the mean carpal extension angles ± standard deviations in dogs participating in the A-frame and hurdle jumps were 124.7 ± 11.9 degrees and 123.3 ± 6.3 degrees, respectively. With the carpal brace, the mean carpal extension angles ± standard deviations were 129.1 ± 11.4 degrees and 125.3 ± 7.3 for the A-frame and hurdle jumps, respectively. There was no clinically significant reduction as defined (>10 degrees) in carpal extension measurements with and without the brace.

Clinical Significance The brace used in this study did not show a clinically significant reduction in carpal extension. However, multiple avenues for future research have been identified using these data.

Keywords

carpus - carpal injury - agility - brace - injury prevention

Authors' Contributions

Andrea Castilla and Wanda Gordon-Evans contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Brooke Knotek contributed to study design, acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Molly Vitt contributed to acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.