Carpal Extension Angles in Agility Dogs Exiting the A-Frame and Hurdle Jumps

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the mean carpal extension angles in dogs participating in the A-frame and hurdle jumps, and to determine if the use of a carpal brace changed the carpal extension angle. Study Design Data from 13 healthy agility dogs were included. Approximately 1 cm square adhesive tape markers placed on both forelimbs served as anatomic landmarks for carpal angle measurement. Each dog was filmed landing after jumping over a bar and exiting the A-frame. Five valid trials on each obstacle were collected. The carpal braces were then applied and the dogs were allowed to navigate obstacles for 10 minutes. Once acclimated to the brace, an additional five valid trials were collected. Carpal extension was measured from the videos collected using a video analysis software. Results Without the carpal brace, the mean carpal extension angles ± standard deviations in dogs participating in the A-frame and hurdle jumps were 124.7 ± 11.9 degrees and 123.3 ± 6.3 degrees, respectively. With the carpal brace, the mean carpal extension angles ± standard deviations were 129.1 ± 11.4 degrees and 125.3 ± 7.3 for the A-frame and hurdle jumps, respectively. There was no clinically significant reduction as defined (>10 degrees) in carpal extension measurements with and without the brace. Clinical Significance The brace used in this study did not show a clinically significant reduction in carpal extension. However, multiple avenues for future research have been identified using these data.

Part II of Finnish Agility Dog Survey: Agility-Related Injuries and Risk Factors for Injury in Competition-Level Agility Dogs

“…During jumping higher peak vertical forces are applied to the front limbs than to the hind limbs; peak vertical forces are on average 2.5 times the body weight for each front limb in advanced agility dogs [21]. Excessive carpal extension, outside the reported passive range of motion values, has been described at first contact with the A-frame and when landing from a jump [22][23][24][25]. Additionally, jumping and performing A-frame requires marked activation of front limb muscles in the shoulder region [26,27].…”

High-Resolution Ultrasonographic Anatomy of the Carpal Tendons of Sporting Border Collies

“…In human gymnasts, the wrist is a highly overused and injury-prone region that requires repetitive extension and flexion, often coupled with weight-bearing [ 3 ]. Similarly, in canine athletes, weight-bearing during high-energy non-steady-state activities is considered to be one of the most important causes of carpal injuries [ 22 , 23 ].…”

“…Since jumps are considered to be one of the most physiologically demanding tasks for agility dogs, the impact of this action on the forelimb should be considered [ 23 ]. Jumping has been defined as a demanding activity for dogs, leading to a high rate of injury [ 22 ]. Thus, the need to better understand the biomechanical principles of agility and athletic gesture becomes increasingly evident.…”

Adverse health events and recommended health research priorities in agility dogs as reported by dog owners

“…The number of scientific studies focused on agility dog health, exercise science, training, and behavior is increasing ( 2 – 19 ). Recent publications have primarily focused on identification of risk factors for injuries in agility dogs ( 7 – 9 , 13 , 14 , 18 – 20 ) and kinematics of obstacle performance ( 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 12 , 16 , 17 ). Almost all of the publications related to types of injuries incurred by agility dogs and risk factors for those injuries are based on data provided by agility dog handlers through internet-based questionnaires rather than from review of veterinary medical records ( 9 , 13 – 15 , 19 – 25 ).…”

“…This type of data is useful but may be affected by distribution, selection, and response biases ( 26 , 27 ). Kinematic analyses have investigated performance of specific obstacles to understand movement patterns ( 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 12 , 16 ), correlate movement patterns with obstacle performance ( 6 ), and evaluate differences between novice and experienced dogs ( 17 ). These kinematic studies are generally not correlated or analyzed with the primary goal of understanding injuries or injury prevention.…”