Evaluation of Factors Influencing Thigh Circumference Measurement in Dogs

Bascuñán, Ana Luisa; Kieves, Nina R.; Goh, C.; Hart, Juliette; Regier, Penny J.; Rao, Sangeeta; Foster, Sasha A.; Palmer, Ross H.; Duerr, Felix M.

doi:10.18849/ve.v1i2.33

Cited by 6 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Smith et al found significant inter- and intra-observer variability when measuring thigh circumference midway between the hip and stifle in Labrador Retrievers (13). Similar findings were found by Bascuñán et al in a two phase cadaveric and clinical study measuring thigh circumference at the 50% TL (8). This contrasts with our findings, where there was significant reliability between observers following training at both the 50 and 70% TL in the extended stifle position groups.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…Placing the hind limb in an extended stifle position may have less variability and result in more consistent measurements of thigh girth. Measurements made in standing dogs in one study resulted in low agreement among investigators and may be due to the variations in the standing stifle angle and differences in muscle tension while standing (8). There is evidence from previous studies that maintaining the stifle in a standing position may result in unacceptable variability (8, 13).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Measurements made in standing dogs in one study resulted in low agreement among investigators and may be due to the variations in the standing stifle angle and differences in muscle tension while standing (8). There is evidence from previous studies that maintaining the stifle in a standing position may result in unacceptable variability (8, 13). Subjectively, it seemed easier to measure thigh girth with the stifle fully extended by a handler, and with the dogs in lateral recumbency in our study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A standard protocol is vital in decreasing observer variability. A recent study in dogs used a laser device to ensure precise location of landmarks to standardize the location of thigh girth measurement (8). Although these dogs were placed in relative standing angles, alterations in the flexion or extension angle of the stifle joint may have altered thigh girth, resulting in a low agreement of measurements between observers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although thigh girth measurement has been studied in veterinary patients, differences between observers have been problematic (8, 13). Standard technique and limb positioning may result in improved agreement among observers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Variables Affecting Thigh Girth Measurement and Observer Reliability in Dogs

et al. 2018

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Objective: The purpose of the study reported here was to describe variables affecting thigh girth measurements preoperatively and 2 weeks after surgical stabilization of the stifle and to examine inter- and intra-observer reliability.Animals: Ten hound-type dogs with experimental, unilateral, cranial cruciate ligament transection, and surgical stabilization.Procedures: Dogs were placed in lateral recumbency for measurements of thigh circumference after the stifle was placed in flexed (F), estimated standing (S), and extended (E) positions. Measurements were made at 50 and 70% of thigh length (TL), with hair unclipped and then clipped prior to surgery, before and 2 weeks after cruciate ligament transection and stifle stabilization, and with and without sedation. A spring tension measuring tape was used to determine thigh girth that allowed a consistent amount of end-tension to be applied to the tape. All measurements were made by two blinded individuals in triplicate, data were recorded for each set of measurements and the mean of the three measurements for each condition was used for analysis.Results: Thigh girth was significantly greater at the more proximal site of 50% TL (36.7 ± 2.6 cm) when compared to the 70% TL (31.7 ± 2.7 cm) (P = 0.001). Sedation did not significantly affect thigh girth at any stifle position at the 70% and 50% TL. Although there were no differences in thigh circumference between the flexion and standing positions at 50% TL (F 38.2 ± 2.8 cm, S 38.1 ± 2.9 cm) and 70% TL (F 33.6 ± 1.6 cm; S 33.6 ± 1.8 cm), full extension of the stifle resulted in significantly less thigh girth (50% TL 36.6 ± 2.6 cm, P = 0.006; 70% TL 31.7 ± 2.6 cm, P = 0.006). Significant decreases in thigh girth were seen after surgery in all limb positions at both measurement sites. The highest correlations between Observer 1 (OB1) and Observer 2 (OB2) with least differences in measurements were with the stifle in the extended position. Agreement between two observers using standard measuring technique was significant at both the 50% (OB1: 34.10 ± 2.93 cm, OB2: 34.08 ± 2.65 cm, P = 0.007, ICC = 0.984) and 70% (OB1: 29.89 ± 2.43 cm, OB2: 30.04 ± 2.30 cm, P = 0.004, ICC = 0.981) TL positions with the stifle placed in extended position.Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Thigh girth measurement may be useful as an outcome measure when appropriate measuring technique is used. It is recommended that thigh girth be obtained at a distance of 70% thigh length, with the leg in an extended position while in lateral recumbency, and the dog relaxed or under sedation. Further studies should be performed in a variety of clinical situations.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Variables Affecting Thigh Girth Measurement and Observer Reliability in Dogs

et al. 2018

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Diagnostic Ultrasound Detection of Changes in Femoral Muscle Mass Recovery after Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy in Dogs

Frank

Duerr

Zanghi³

et al. 2019

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol

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Objective The goal of this study was to develop a clinically feasible ultrasound (US) protocol that can detect changes in thigh muscle mass in dogs after stifle surgery. The primary aim of this study was to compare previously described US measurement locations of the canine thigh for detecting changes in muscle mass in dogs recovering from tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Study Design This was a prospective, exploratory pilot study. Adult dogs (n = 7) undergoing pet-owner elected TPLO were enrolled. Twelve different US measurements were performed in triplicate by a single experienced observer. Measurements were performed at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery at a proximal and distal location along the femur. Data from all available time points and locations were analysed for the main effect of time within modalities. Results A total of 1,008 US measurements were performed. Measurements of the transverse sectional area of the rectus femoris muscle detected significant (p ≤ 0.05) muscle loss between weeks 0 and 2 at the lateral and medial aspects of the distal location (19% and 15% respectively). Measurements of the thigh muscle thickness were significantly (p < 0.01) increased between 2nd- and 8th- week time points at the lateral aspect of the proximal location (26%). Conclusion The proximal femoral location, measured from the lateral aspect, appears to be the most suitable US measurement for detecting increases in femoral muscle mass in dogs recovering from TPLO. The provided pilot data suggest that further research evaluating this outcome measure is indicated.

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Systematic review of postoperative rehabilitation interventions after cranial cruciate ligament surgery in dogs

et al. 2022

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Objective To critically evaluate the evidence for rehabilitation interventions following surgery for cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) in dogs. Study design Systematic review. Methods Google Scholar and Pubmed databases were searched for studies evaluating postoperative CCLD rehabilitation interventions from 1990 until March 2020 per the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Each study was assigned a level of evidence score from I to IV and a risk of bias (RoB) score by 2 reviewers, and by a third reviewer, when consensus was not reached. Results Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve comprised randomized, controlled trials (Level II), 6 were nonrandomized or nonblinded (Level III), and one was retrospective (Level IV). Nine studies had high RoB scores. Sixteen studies yielded positive results. Therapeutic exercise had the most studies with positive results but all had high RoB. Cold compression therapy had 3 supporting studies (2 Level II, low RoB). Extracorporeal shockwave yielded 2 positive Level II studies (low‐moderate and high‐moderate RoB) and photobiomodulation had 1 positive study (Level II, low RoB) with objective outcomes. A negative outcome was noted in 1 photobiomodulation study. There was 1 supporting study on electrical stimulation and there was none on low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound. Conclusion This systematic review supports the use of rehabilitation interventions in recovery of postoperative CCLD in dogs; however, many studies had a high risk of bias. Clinical significance There is a lack of class I level evidence in veterinary rehabilitation. This study supports therapeutic exercise and cold compression therapy for postoperative CCLD rehabilitation. Existing studies on other modalities are limited and demonstrate conflicting results.

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Evaluation of Factors Influencing Thigh Circumference Measurement in Dogs

Cited by 6 publications

References 26 publications

Variables Affecting Thigh Girth Measurement and Observer Reliability in Dogs

Variables Affecting Thigh Girth Measurement and Observer Reliability in Dogs

Diagnostic Ultrasound Detection of Changes in Femoral Muscle Mass Recovery after Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy in Dogs

Systematic review of postoperative rehabilitation interventions after cranial cruciate ligament surgery in dogs

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