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OBJECTIVE To compare the kinematics of the thoracic limb of healthy dogs during descent of stairs and a ramp with those during a trot across a flat surface (control). ANIMALS 8 privately owned dogs. PROCEDURES For each dog, the left thoracic limb was instrumented with 5 anatomic markers to facilitate collection of 2-D kinematic data during each of 3 exercises (descending stairs, descending a ramp, and trotting over a flat surface). The stair exercise consisted of 4 steps with a 35° slope. For the ramp exercise, a solid plank was placed over the steps to create a ramp with a 35° slope. For the flat exercise, dogs were trotted across a flat surface for 2 m. Mean peak extension, peak flexion, and range of movement (ROM) of the shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints were compared among the 3 exercises. RESULTS Mean ROM for the shoulder and elbow joints during the stair exercise were significantly greater than during the flat exercise. Mean peak extension of the elbow joint during the flat exercise was significantly greater than that during both the stair and ramp exercises. Mean peak flexion of the elbow joint during the stair exercise was significantly greater than that during the flat exercise. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that descending stairs may be beneficial for increasing the ROM of the shoulder and elbow joints of dogs. Descending stair exercises may increase elbow joint flexion, whereas flat exercises may be better for targeting elbow joint extension.

Background: The ideal goal of equine rehabilitation following injury or surgery is to return the horse to a level of function that either meets or exceeds the previous performance level, and monitoring progress is important within rehabilitation. Outcome measures (OM) are used extensively in human practice and research, especially patient reported outcomes (PRO). PROs generally consist of a series of questions and observation of functional tasks, use of which may be challenging in equine practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of OMs by physiotherapists in equine musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Methods: A questionnaire was used to investigate how those involved with the treatment and training of horses measure progress and outcomes during rehabilitation. Results: 71 physiotherapists responded, comprising 51 chartered physiotherapists and 20 physiotherapists without prior human training, with an average of 9.25 years in equine practice; 82.2% reported OM use. When asked to define an OM, 72.5% of chartered physiotherapists and 40% of physiotherapists without prior human training, matched a pre-set definition correctly. The benefits of OM use were reported consistently as a method of objectively monitoring progress and used to adapt treatment plans. The barriers to OM use were lack of OM validation and reliability and time constraints. However, OMs were mainly subjective, such as visual assessment of lameness, palpation and muscle symmetry. Conclusion: In conclusion, confusion exists regarding what an OM is, and OM use is reported but often refers to subjective assessment method. A validated equine musculoskeletal rehabilitation score is required to support clinical practice.