exercise therapy

method

• 29 overweight dogs with osteoarthritis confirmes by clinical and radiographic exam
• dogs allocated to two groups
  • both groups given calorie deficit
  • both groups given massage and daily lead walks
  • one group given bi weekly physio

results

• arthritis improved more in the physio group

critique

• all dogs given same feed
• group 1- 11 hindlimb, 3 forelimb, group 2- 7 hindlimb, 8 forelimb

method

• 8 dogs with no clinical abnormalities. dogs assessed using treadmill on uphill and downhill walking, low obstacles and flat surface in one session

results

• uphill
  • greater flexion in hip joint. less extension in stifle joint
• downhill
  • significant decrease in hip joint flexion. increased flexion in elbow and tarsal joints. increased extension in carpal and stifle joints
• obstacle
  • considerable increase in extension in carpal and stifle joints. considerable increase in flexion in elbow, carpal, stifle and tarsal joints

critique- tube bandage used to prevent concealment of markers by hair (could affect locomotion). treatments in same order. not much data due to low sample size and single session.

method

• 63 sports horses presumed to be sound
• asymmetry in spine measured by flexible curve ruler
• thoracolumbar shape measured before tacking up and after 30 minutes of  horses normal exercise

results

• biggest difference found in t48
• back changes associated with poor fitting saddles and good riders

critique

• convenience sample
• repeated in 5 horses

review article

all current data on muscles use in horses collected in horses without pain

• results may not be relevant to pathological horses undergoing treatment
• caution should be used when using pathological horses

currently no info on how horses muscles activate when turning