Abstract

Goniometry is a low-cost, user-friendly and widely available technique used by veterinarians to determine joint range of motion (ROM). Studies providing breed-specific reference ranges for goniometric measurements are scarce, and there is a lack of information regarding the hind limb joint angles in Nigerian local dogs (NLDs). The study was conducted on 20 apparently healthy NLDs (10 males and 10 females), aged between 1 and 8 years, and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. Measurements of the hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were taken in a normal standing (zero) position using a universal goniometer. The static and movable arms of the goniometer were positioned according to established anatomical landmarks. The hip joint angle in the male and female dogs was 70.2 ° ± 1.48 and 71o ± 7.43, respectively, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). The stifle joint angle in the male and female dogs was 47.0o ± 5.09 and 46.4o ± 6.09, respectively, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). However, the tarsal joint angle in the male and female dogs was 48.6o ± 6.99 and 41.4o ± 7.72, respectively, with a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that there might be sex-specific variations in the anatomy of the tarsal joint in NLDs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the normal anatomical variation in NLDs and may have implications for veterinary orthopaedic practice and breed standards.

Key words: Goniometry, Hind limb, joint angles, Nigerian local dogs