Page 110 - Canine Lameness

82 5 The Rehabilitation Examination

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

Figure 5.8 Canine Muscle Test (C-MT): to test strength, the contralateral limb is lifted off the ground and
the patient is observed for signs of breaking the isometric hold for approximately 30 seconds. This is first
performed on a flat surface, and if the patient can maintain the isometric standing position, the front or
pelvic limbs are placed on a box and the test is then repeated. For example, for thoracic limb strength testing,
the tester lifts (A) the contralateral thoracic limb while the patient is standing on a flat surface; or (B) the
pelvic limbs are placed on a box. Similarly, for testing of pelvic limb strength, the patient is first observed
while (C) lifting the contralateral hind limb on a flat surface before (D) placing the thoracic limbs on a box.

manual forces are applied), which are difficult to duplicate in dogs. The Canine Muscle Test (C‐
MT; Figure 5.8) developed by the author evaluates strength by observing the ability of a limb to
maintain a static standing position, when the contralateral limb is lifted off the ground (similar to
the first phase of testing postural reactions with the hopping test; Chapter 4). To differentiate dif-
ferent degrees of strength, the test is completed in two different standing positions, first on the
floor and then on an incline (i.e. the limbs that are not evaluated on an approximately elbow height
box) whereby both are scored on a 0–5 scale (Box 5.2).

5.5.2 How to Interpret Strength Testing

The results of strength testing provide the tester with general information about the degree of
muscle weakness and with specific information about which areas are most affected. Generalized
weakness (from systemic causes) is expected to affect all limbs equally, while osteoarthritis would
only affect the diseased limb. Weakness in the absence of decreased PROM or flexibility is more