University of Surrey Dachshund Gait Research - an update

The object of the survey was to examine adult Dachshunds with healthy spines, to make comparisons with a dog with a bad back. I took two dogs along with me, one longer in the back than the other. They were examined individually. Firstly they were placed on a table and each disc was examined and then they were measured from the point of the shoulder to the end of spine and then measured for height from shoulder to floor.This was followed by a walk across the hall twice, being photographed and monitored by the veterinary team, to assess movement. The dog was then placed on a pressure mat and had to stand still, to enable readings to be taken of the dog's balance. The four paws and their positioning was actually being shown on a screen in the room. This exercise was done probably five or six times.Finally, one of the dogs was fitted with ‘sensor pads’ along the spine and along each leg; the dog then had to walk across the pressure pad twice.The whole survey took approximately one hour. The Veterinary team are hoping to continue with this survey in July 2014.More information on how to volunteer.