Page 100 - Canine Lameness

72 5 The Rehabilitation Examination

Table 5.3 PROM and flexibility testing for the thoracic limb.

Joint Normal PROM Muscle(s) inhibiting Flexibility testing

Shoulder Flexion (47–57°) Supraspinatus Shoulder flexion
Biceps brachii Shoulder flexion and elbow
extension
Extension Deltoids Shoulder extension, adduction, and
(159–165°) internal rotation
a
Infraspinatus Shoulder flexion or extension ,
adduction, and internal rotation
Latissimus dorsi/teres Shoulder extension, abduction, and
major/deep pectoralis external rotation
Triceps long head Shoulder extension and elbow flexion
Abduction Subscapularis Shoulder abduction or shoulder
(30–32°) flexion with external rotation
Superficial pectoralis Shoulder abduction
Elbow Flexion (25–36°) Triceps long head Shoulder extension and elbow
flexion
Extension Biceps brachii Shoulder flexion and elbow
(155–165°) extension
Carpus Flexion (32–34°) Common and lateral Elbow extension, carpus flexion,
digital extensor digit flexion
Extensor carpi radialis Elbow extension and carpus flexion
Extension Flexor carpi radialis Carpus extension
(196–198°) Flexor carpi ulnaris Elbow flexion and carpus extension
(humeral head)
Digits (thoracic) Flexion (N/A) Common and lateral Elbow extension, carpus flexion,
digital extensor and digit flexion
Extension (N/A) Superficial digital flexor Elbow flexion, carpus extension,
and proximal interphalangeal joint
extension
Deep digital flexor Elbow flexion, carpus extension,
and distal interphalangeal joint
extension
Normal goniometric measurements for each joint are outlined in the second column, the “inhibiting” muscle (i.e.
muscle that could decrease the PROM measurements) in the third column, and the joint positions to stretch the
muscle are outlined in the fourth column. If the observer detects decreased PROM, an elastic end‐feel and/or pain
while performing goniometric measurements, flexibility testing of the “inhibiting” muscles should be performed.
The normal PROM measurements are the mean measurements described for German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador
Retrievers. Source: Adapted from Thomas et al. (2006).
a Depending on the position of the shoulder joint, this muscle can be an extensor or flexor and as such flexibility
testing should also include both.