Evaluation of joint range of motion in Anatolian shepherd dogs: inter-observer reliability and radiographic validation

The aim of the study was to determine reference values for joint range of motion (ROM) in Anatolian Shepherd dogs, assess the validity of manual goniometric measurements and validate these findings against radiographic measurements. Seventeen healthy adult Anatolian Shepherd dogs were included. Goniometric measurements of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsus were performed in triplicate by three blinded observers. Standing joint angles were measured with minimal restraint, while full flexion and extension were assessed under sedation. Radiographic measurements of the same joints served as the reference method for validation. Inter-observer reliability was moderate to excellent (ICC = 0.56–0.98) for the elbow, carpus, stifle, hip, and tarsus. However, the shoulder joint showed poor reliability (ICC = 0.465) for flexion. Comparison with radiography revealed no statistically significant differences for the shoulder, elbow, carpus, stifle, and tarsal joints (p > 0.05). Conversely, significant differences were found in the hip joint for both flexion and extension (p < 0.001), with goniometry underestimating flexion and overestimating extension. Plastic goniometry is a valid and reliable tool for assessing distal joints in Anatolian Shepherd dogs. However, measurements of proximal joints require caution. While the mean goniometric values for the shoulder were accurate, the low inter-observer reliability indicates operator dependency. For the hip joint, the large gluteal muscle mass possibly creates a systematic error, rendering goniometry less accurate. Therefore, radiographic validation is recommended for precise ROM assessment of proximal joints in giant breeds. Deep sedation or anaesthesia appears essential for obtaining valid data by using the full ROM and ensuring the reliability of measurements in this breed, especially in aggressive animals.