Canine and feline goniometry

Objective: To describe the anatomic landmarks and demonstrate the method used to collect goniometric measurements of dog and cat joints. Animals: Dogs and cats evaluated for joint and bone problems, as shown in the video. A goniometer is used to measure flexion and extension to detect joint disease and monitor response to therapy and disease progression. Methods: The dog or cat is placed in lateral recumbency. A hinged plastic goniometer with 2 arms adapted to the pet size is used. The proximal arm is stationary. The distal arm moves with the limb segment. To place the goniometer consistently, the long axis of the stationary and moving arms of the goniometer are aligned with specific anatomic landmarks palpable from the skin surface. For the forelimb, the landmarks include the spine of the scapula, greater tubercle, caudal aspect of the humeral head, lateral epicondyle, craniocaudal midpoint of the distal aspect of the antebrachium, and dorsal aspect of the metacarpals. For the hind limb, the landmarks include the tuber sacrale and ischiadicum, greater trochanter, patella, lateral fabella, tibial tubercle, fibular head, lateral malleolus, and dorsal aspect of the metatarsals. Measurements are collected in full flexion and extension. Results: Goniometry enables the collection of objective and repeatable measurements of joint motion in dog limbs. Clinical Relevance: Goniometry is a safe and convenient method to measure flexion and extension of normal and abnormal joints that has been validated in healthy Labrador Retrievers and cats.