BackgroundUnderstanding normal gait requires allowing for variations in normal patterns by the sex, age, and species in question. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate kinetic and temporospatial parameters in clinically healthy sheep from three different age groups with a pressure-sensing walkway. The sheep were judged to be healthy based on the results of complete physical and orthopaedic examinations and had no history of lameness. Twenty-one clinically healthy female Santa Ines sheep were divided into three groups: G1 – seven animals, aged from 8 to 12 months and weighing 19.5-33 kg; G2 - seven individuals, aged from 2 to 4 years and weighing 26.5-42 kg; and G3 - seven sheep, aged more than 5 years and weighing 37.3-45 kg. The animals were examined from two directions: first on the left side and then on the right side of the handler. The data from the first five valid trials in each direction were collected for each sheep and analysed using the designated software. A trial was considered valid if the sheep walked within the correct velocity (1.1-1.3 m/s) and acceleration (from −0.15 to 0.15 m/s2) ranges. The peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), gait cycle time, stance time, swing time, stride length, and the percentage body weight distribution among the four limbs were determined.ResultsNo significant differences were observed, in either the forelimbs or the hind limbs, between the left and right sides or between the two directions for any of the variables. No significant temporospatial differences were found among the groups. Significant PVF (%BW) differences were observed in the forelimbs (G1 > G3) and hind limbs (G1 > G3), and significant VI differences were observed in the forelimbs (G1 > G3).ConclusionsYoung healthy sheep differ from older sheep in the vertical forces they create when walking at the same velocity on a pressure-sensing walkway.

In order to evaluate the hind limbs of caviomorph rodents a descriptive analysis of the Cuniculus paca (Linnaeus, 1766) and Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766) was performed using anatomical specimens, radiography, computed tomography (CT) and full-coloured prototype models to generate bone anatomy data. The appendicular skeleton of the two largest rodents of Neotropical America was compared with the previously reported anatomical features of Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769) and domestic Cavia porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758). The structures were analyzed macroscopically and particular findings of each species reported. Features including the presence of articular fibular projection and lunulae were observed in the stifle joint of all rodents. Imaging aided in anatomical description and, specifically in the identification of bone structures in Cuniculus paca and Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. The imaging findings were correlated with the anatomical structures observed. The data may be used in future studies comparing these animals to other rodents and mammalian species.

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The data may be used in future studies comparing the paca to other rodent species. In addition, the paca could be used as an animal model in orthopaedic research.

RESUMORealizaram-se avaliações radiográfica e clínica pós-cirúrgica tardia da substituição do ligamento cruzado cranial (LCCr) por fáscia lata autógena em casos de ruptura clínica em 14 cães, de ambos os sexos, com massa corporal média de 28,6kg e idade média de 68 meses. As articulações tratadas constituíram o grupo tratado e as contralaterais o grupo-controle, totalizando 28 articulações estudadas. O tempo médio entre o aparecimento dos sintomas e a cirurgia foi de cinco meses e 15 dias e o decorrido entre a cirurgia e a avaliação pós-cirúrgica, 14 meses. Deambulação normal foi vista em 57,1% e claudicação discreta em 32,9% dos casos tratados. Nestes foram observados crepitação, dor, redução da amplitude de movimento articular e do diâmetro da coxa. Ausência de claudicação foi vista em 92,8% dos casos-controle. Doença articular degenerativa foi verificada radiograficamente nos dois grupos. A técnica empregada para substituição do LCCr foi efetiva clinicamente. Os resultados radiográficos, as vezes, mostravam-se diferente dos clínicos. O resultado foi melhor nos pacientes cuja cirurgia foi realizada após curto período do inicio dos sintomas e o intervalo entre a lesão e o tratamento foi o fator que mais influenciou na recuperação pós-operatória.