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This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of cats with pelvic fractures treated conservatively using objective and subjective methods. Twenty client-owned cats were assessed: Group 1 (G1)--ten cats with pelvic fractures treated conservatively, and group 2 (G2)--ten healthy cats. The time point of the evaluation of G1 cats was a mean of 45.6 months after the trauma. The visual lameness scoring revealed that 70% of the cats in G1 had no lameness and 30% had low-grade lameness. Pain on palpation of the pelvis was observed in 80% of these cats. The owner's answers to the questionnaire for the assessment of the quality of life were classified as an excellent outcome in 80% of the cats and a good outcome in two cats. Regarding the objective data collected using a pressure-sensitive walkway, seven cats had a symmetry index of the peak vertical force above the cutoff value, based on G2. The pain degree on palpation of the pelvis revealed a strong correlation with lameness degree and a moderate correlation with symmetry index for peak vertical force of the hind limbs. The questionnaire pain answered by the owner did not correlate with lameness degree, pain degree on palpation, or symmetry index for peak vertical force of the hind limbs. Cats with pelvic fractures treated conservatively had an excellent outcome in 80% of the cases by subjective analysis of the owners' questionnaire; however, 70% showed changes by the objective analysis based on the symmetry index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess joint angle values in the forelimbs and hind limbs of crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) using a conventional manual goniometer. Nine captive crab-eating foxes, aged over 1 yr old, weighing from 5.9 to 7.5 kg were used. The maximum flexion and maximum extension of the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were measured. The range of motion was determined through the difference between the maximum flexion and the maximum extension. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides in the goniometric measurements. The mean values of the range of motion for shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were respectively 1088, 998, 1318, 798, 1038, and 868. The goniometric values of the crab-eating foxes can be used as means of comparison with other animals from the same species for diagnostic purposes, research documentation, and evaluation of therapeutic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate dogs with pelvic fractures and treated conservatively during locomotion on a pressure-sensing walkway. The hypothesis was that dogs may present changes in kinetic and temporospatial parameters because of the fractures, which may interfere with the symmetry index. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1–healthy group (n = 15) and Group 2–conservatively treated group (n = 15). The dogs were of similar body size. The body weight distribution percentages and symmetry indices of the peak vertical force, vertical impulse, stance time, swing time, percentage of stance time, and percentage of swing time of the hind limbs were evaluated. Results: In Group 2, the time interval between fracture occurrence and patient evaluation was between 4 and 87 months (mean of 20 months). Four dogs had lower percentage of body weight distribution on one of the hind limbs while three dogs had greater weight distributed toward both hind limbs. Four of these dogs had alterations in the temporospatial and/or kinetic symmetry indices. Conclusions: Dogs with pelvic fractures treated conservatively may present changes in percentage of body weight distribution and symmetry indices of the kinetic and temporospatial parameters. The conservative treatment can cause persistent abnormal gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]