Effect of different variables on gait scores in canine orthopaedic patients

Twenty seven dogs with fractures of the radius-ulna or tibia-fibula, were used as the subject of the study. Surgical fixation of the fractured radius-ulna or tibia was done under general anaesthesia with acrylic or epoxy-pin external skeletal fixation. Postoperatively, gait analysis was done 3 days after surgery up to 45^th day, at regular intervals. During the postoperative period, the mean gait scores increased gradually in all animals. Standing scores were highest, followed by walking and running, at any particular time interval. Early presented cases with less soft tissue trauma showed better gait scores. Young animals with less body weight showed better gait scores.