Canine Gait Analysis

Lameness is an epidemic problem in dogs.  This problem stems from several root causes. 

Some breeders have been so focused on breeding aesthetically pleasing dogs for the past 50 years that they have neglected to breed for soundness and functionality.  This has lead to a substantial increase in congenital defects such as hip dysplasia and OCD. 

Dogs today are spending much of their time on hard slippery surfaces-- linoleum, concrete, hardwood.  These are all hard on joints. 

Dogs are often inadequately muscled and overweight and so their joints are forced to bear a greater burden than is reasonable.

One of the biggest problems is that people are too often unaware that their dog is uncomfortable.  Many times people can be found at the park flinging frisbees high into the air while pained dogs sprint and leap to try to catch them.  These people are generally unaware that they may be creating an unhappy arthritic senior or that cruciate ligaments may soon tear.