Post date: Feb 18, 2014 7:10:34 PM
Request from Dr. Constanza Gómez Álvarez
We are looking for miniature Dachshunds (all coat types, any age or sex) to participate in a study of our Veterinary Biomechanics Laboratory at the new School of Veterinary Medicine in the University of Surrey.
The goal of our study is to gather data of healthy miniature Dachshunds to help establishing a quantitative method to study their core stability while standing and the way their back and limbs move during walking. This data will serve as a reference to compare with patients suffering from diseases causing decrease of stability and motor abilities like intervertebral disc disease and further to investigate new forms of rehabilitation to improve recovery time in these patients.
During the study the dogs will be examined by a veterinary surgeon to check for lameness, and to establish the body condition score. Dog owners will be asked complete a questionnaire about the dog’s clinical history and daily physical activity. Dogs will be asked to stand on a flat surface (force plate) for about 30 seconds duration, 3 times, and to walk in a straight line for about 4 metres, again 3 times. If the owner agrees, some dogs will be randomly selected for the second part of the study. Here the dogs will wear tiny reflective markers: 4 on their backs and 5 on each leg. All markers will be taped with easily-removable tape and no mark or damage to the hair/coat will be caused. Dogs will walk again as described above while motion cameras will capture their movement.
Petrol expenses will be refunded.
Many many thanks for your collaboration!
Dr. Constanza Gómez Álvarez
Lecturer in Musculoskeletal Biology.
Contact and enquiries: C.gomezalvarez@surrey.ac.uk