Evaluation of agreement between numerical rating scales, visual analogue scoring scales, and force plate gait analysis in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy of numerical rating (NRS) and visual analogue (VAS) scoring scales compared with force plate gait analysis and agreement between observers for each scoring scale.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Mixed breed dogs (n=21) with a right limb tibial osteotomy repaired with an external fixator.


METHODS
Three small-animal veterinarians with orthopedic training scored lameness using NRS and VAS before surgery, and at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Peak force and impulse were determined at the same time points using a force plate. Agreement between observers and with force plate data was assessed. Significance was set at P< or =.05.


RESULTS
Agreement was generally low among observers for both NRS and VAS scores. When evaluated at each time point, an acceptable level of agreement was present only at 4 weeks after surgery. Only impulse had a significant relationship with some of the observers' subjective scores. No significant relationships between any observer's scores and force plate data existed if very lame dogs were omitted.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjective scoring scales do not replace force plate gait analysis. Agreement is low unless lameness is severe, and each observer uses an individually unique scale. Subjective scoring scales most accurately reflect force plate gait analysis when lameness is severe.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjective lameness scoring scales may not accurately reflect lameness and do not replace force plate gait analysis. Observers must stay the same during the duration of a study for accurate analyses.
Quinn
Margaret M
MM
Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Keuler
Nicholas S
NS
Lu
Yan
Y
Faria
Maria L E
ML
Muir
Peter
P
Markel
Mark D
MD
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D015588:Observer Variation; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors