An update on mobility assessment of dogs with musculoskeletal disease

Clark, N ORCID: 0009-0004-2101-7941 and Comerford, E ORCID: 0000-0002-5244-6042 (2023) An update on mobility assessment of dogs with musculoskeletal disease JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, 64 (10). pp. 599-610. ISSN 0022-4510, 1748-5827

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

Abstract

Mobility impairments associated with musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, affect approximately 200,000 dogs annually and pose a notable challenge to canine health and welfare. Osteoarthritis causes the remodelling of synovial joints, alongside inflammation and impaired mechanical function which can be extremely debilitating. Secondary osteoarthritis commonly affects dogs and can be exacerbated by previous joint abnormalities, such as patellar luxation or cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Although musculoskeletal diseases can affect dogs of any age, the early subtle signs of gait abnormalities are perhaps missed by owners, thus, dogs may be in the latter stages of osteoarthritis progression when they are presented to veterinarians. Dogs showing subtle signs of gait abnormalities must be presented to veterinary practices for acute diagnosis to prevent long-term deterioration. Musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, are commonly diagnosed via visible radiographic changes. However, veterinarians can use a combination of subjective and objective clinical scoring systems, such as clinical metrology instruments and gait assessment in conjunction with radiography to aid their diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of musculoskeletal diseases. These scoring systems may be more sensitive to earlier signs of mobility impairments in dogs, ultimately, promoting increased canine health and welfare by enabling pain reduction, improvement of muscle strength and preservation of joint function. Current canine mobility scoring systems available to veterinarians will be discussed in turn throughout this review for implementation into clinical practice.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Stifle, Animals, Dogs, Joint Diseases, Osteoarthritis, Dog Diseases, Inflammation, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	27 Jul 2023 15:27
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 04:49
DOI:	10.1111/jsap.13650
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13650
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3171961
Disclaimer:	The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate.