Three-dimensional motion pattern of the caudal lumbar and lumbosacral portions of the vertebral column of dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the 3-dimensional motion pattern including main and coupled motions of the caudal lumbar and lumbosacral portions of the vertebral column of dogs.


METHODS
Vertebral columns of 9 German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) and 16 dogs of other breeds with similar body weights and body conditions.


METHODS
Main and coupled motions of the caudal lumbar and lumbosacral portions of the vertebral column (L4 to S1) were determined by use of a testing apparatus that permitted precise application of known pure moments to the vertebral column. Motion was compared between GSDs and dogs of other breeds.


RESULTS
All specimens had a similar motion pattern consisting of main motion and a certain amount of coupled motion including translation. Vertebral columns of GSDs had significantly less main motion in all directions than that of dogs of other breeds. Translation was similar in GSDs and dogs of other breeds and was smallest at the lumbosacral motion segment.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that motion in the caudal lumbar and lumbosacral portions of the vertebral column of dogs is complex and provided a basis for further studies evaluating abnormal vertebral columns.
Benninger
Monika I
MI
Division of Radiology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 128, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
Seiler
Gabriela S
GS
Robinson
Leanne E
LE
Ferguson
Stephen J
SJ
Bonél
Harald M
HM
Busato
André R
AR
Lang
Johann
J
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009068:Movement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation