Development of a simple method to measure static body weight distribution in neurologically and orthopedically normal mature small breed dogs

Abstract Background Objective outcome measures capable of tracking different aspects functional recovery in dogs with acute intervertebral disc herniation are needed to optimize physical rehabilitation protocols. Normal, pre-injury distribution body weight this population is unknown. The aims study were quantify static (SWD) using digital scales and establish the feasibility scale methods neurologically normal, mature, chondrodystrophic small breed predisposed herniation. Results Twenty-five healthy, mature enrolled a mean age 4.6 years (SD 2.7) total 11.5 kg 3.6). SWD for thoracic pelvic limbs between individual was acquired triplicate expressed as percentage commercially available four combinations: two bathroom, kitchen (with combined), bathroom measured individually). also obtained pressure sensing walkway comparison data. Feasibility each method determined coefficients variation used calculate inter-trial variability. Mean values compared an ANOVA. had highest lowest variability resulted limb 63 % 3 %) 37 %), respectively. Thoracic higher PSW any ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions healthy simple obtain inexpensive readily scales. This generated data subsequent recovering from