Everyday accidents can have unexpected consequences on our pets’ mobility. Fortunately, the combination of targeted physiotherapy and electronic gait analysis now makes it possible to detect and monitor these issues in an objective and effective way.
A perfect example comes from a clinical case managed at Laser Til Dyr in Denmark, where a dog suffered mobility problems after falling down a staircase.
Physiotherapy: a key response to locomotor disorders in dogs
Based in Denmark, Laser Til Dyr specializes in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and laser therapy.
Their services include massage and electronic gait analysis, which complement a wide range of supportive treatments.
The clinic provides care for dogs, cats, and horses, with a clear mission: to improve mobility, relieve pain, and support the overall well-being of animals.
Fall on the Stairs – Everyday Household Accidents in Dogs
Upon admission after falling down a staircase, the dog was evaluated at Laser Til Dyr using an electronic gait analysis (Tendiboots™ Canine) to establish a baseline of its locomotion during the first consultation.
In addition to electronic gait analysis, visual gait assessment and palpation were also performed. The results provided by the Tendiboots™ system were consistent with manual evaluations of shoulder mobility, confirming the same findings.
This objective assessment revealed a 34% reduction in mobility in the right shoulder compared to the left.
Such an asymmetry between the two shoulders carries significant risks: pain, compensatory movement patterns, and ultimately a reduction in the dog’s quality of life.
The treatment plan developed by the clinic began with an initial physiotherapy session. This session included passive range of motion exercises for the shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints. In addition, massage and joint glide techniques were applied to both shoulders, complemented by active range of motion exercises for the forelimbs.
In addition to the physiotherapy session, a program of daily home exercises was prescribed and tailored to the patient’s needs. The training program extended over six weeks with gradual progression. Exercises included weight-bearing activities, active stretches, and targeted movements of the forelimbs and neck, as well as strengthening exercises for the shoulders.
Dynamic gait analysis for objective rehabilitation
After six weeks of a personalized home training program, dynamic gait analysis with Tendiboots™ showed a full recovery of mobility between the two shoulders. The previous -34% asymmetry in the right shoulder was now fully corrected, with equal range of motion on both sides.
This result was achieved solely through physiotherapy and a targeted training program, diligently followed by the owner at home. A follow-up maintenance session is planned in three months to ensure continued progress.
Want to know more about Tendiboots™ Canine?
The benefits of objective dynamic gait analysis
Electronic gait analysis allows early detection of issues and precise measurement of training effectiveness. It helps visualize the problem for the client and clearly demonstrates progress and results.
“Tendiboots canine help visualize for the client and the therapist what results have been achieved and what still needs to be worked on. Tendiboots also helps convince the client that their dog needs training or treatment.
The collected data is useful because it is easy to explain to the client and can be easily compared to a human perspective. Many clients are incredibly surprised because Tendiboots can show everything that the eye cannot see.” Laser Til Dyr Clinic
Find all the information about Laser Til Dyr clinic and their electronic gait analysis services with Tendiboots™ Canine directly on their website.
https://www.lasertilditdyr.dk/vi-tilbyder/ganganalyse
