Summary
The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and repeatable radiographic protocol
for the measurement of joint angles in the standing dog, and to use this protocol
to determine all standing joint angles for dogs over a wide range of body weights.
The radiographic technique and the method of joint angle measurements were found to
be highly repeatable, suggesting that the technique is reliable. Most joint angles
did not vary between dogs of different weights. In those few instances where significant
differences (p<0.05) were found, certain trends were followed and represent differences
in conformation. This paper presents a complete description of the angles defining
the position of the joints in a standing dog. This information is important for biomechanical
studies, for clinical assessment of dogs, and for the design of surgical procedures
such as arthrodesis.
Keywords
Dogs - radiographic - joint angles