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
