title: Effectiveness of slow motion video compared to real time video in improving the accuracy and consistency of subjective gait analysis in dogs.
abstract: Objective measures of canine gait quality via force plates, pressure mats or kinematic analysis are considered superior to subjective gait assessment (SGA). Despite research demonstrating that SGA does not accurately detect subtle lameness, it remains the most commonly performed diagnostic test for detecting lameness in dogs. This is largely because the financial, temporal and spatial requirements for existing objective gait analysis equipment makes this technology impractical for use in general practice. The utility of slow motion video as a potential tool to augment SGA is currently untested. To evaluate a more accessible way to overcome the limitations of SGA, a slow motion video study was undertaken. Three experienced veterinarians reviewed video footage of 30 dogs, 15 with a diagnosis of primary limb lameness based on history and physical examination, and 15 with no indication of limb lameness based on history and physical examination. Four different videos were made for each dog, demonstrating each dog walking and trotting in real time, and then again walking and trotting in 50% slow motion. For each video, the veterinary raters assessed both the degree of lameness, and which limb(s) they felt represented the source of the lameness. Spearman's rho, Cramer's V, and t-tests were performed to determine if slow motion video increased either the accuracy or consistency of raters' SGA relative to real time video. Raters demonstrated no significant increase in consistency or accuracy in their SGA of slow motion video relative to real time video. Based on these findings, slow motion video does not increase the consistency or accuracy of SGA values. Further research is required to determine if slow motion video will benefit SGA in other ways.
authors.affiliation: Points East West Veterinary Services, Box 2696, Garibaldi Highlands, BC, VON 1T0, Canada.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Department of Military Psychology and Leadership, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ont, K7K 7B4, Canada.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Essex Animal Hospital, 355 Talbot St N, Essex, Ontario Canada N8M2W3.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Huntingford
authors.affiliation: Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lafuente
authors.affiliation: Center for Veterinary Pain Management and Rehabilitation, 10807 Kuykendahl Road, Suite 406, The Woodlands, TX 77382, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.affiliation: TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation, 1440 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Jones
keywords: Canine; Diagnosis; Lameness; Subjective; Video