Kinematic analysis of the gait of 10 labrador retrievers during treadmill locomotion

The trotting gait of 10 sound, adult labrador retrievers was analysed using kinematic gait analysis on a purpose-built treadmill using video-based motion analysis software. The maximal angular displacement, minimal angular displacement, average angular displacement, and the maximal positive and negative angular velocities of the right elbow and right stifle were measured over five gait cycles at defined time points during each of five two-minute sessions. The dogs' trotting gait was not repeatable, either for individual dogs during the first session or between sessions, or between dogs at the same time points during a session.