Spotlight on the Importance of Evaluating Structure and Gait in All Prospects

A working animal must be physically capable of performing its intended role comfortably, safely and sustainably over many years. Regardless of whether an animal originates from an ethical breeder, rescue organisation or private rehoming arrangement, every prospective working animal should undergo a thorough assessment of its physical structure, movement and overall musculoskeletal health before commencing formal training.

Orthopaedic disease, poor conformation and abnormal gait are among the most common reasons otherwise promising working dogs fail to qualify for work (“wash out”) or require premature retirement. These issues occur in both purpose-bred and rescue animals and may not become apparent until the physical demands of training increase. While many structural conditions are manageable in companion animals, they may significantly reduce a working animal’s comfort, endurance, ability to safely perform required tasks and overall quality of life.

For this reason, careful structural and gait assessment should be undertaken before investing substantial time, emotional commitment and financial resources into a working animal prospect. Early identification of orthopaedic or biomechanical concerns protects the welfare of the animal, assists in selecting the most appropriate working candidates and reduces the likelihood of unsuccessful training outcomes. In many cases, an animal that is unsuitable for a working role may still enjoy a long, healthy and fulfilling life as a companion animal.

Assessment should always be undertaken by an appropriately qualified veterinarian, with referral to a veterinary orthopaedic specialist, sports medicine veterinarian or rehabilitation veterinarian where indicated.

Physical Examination

The initial examination should include assessment of the animal’s overall body condition, posture, muscle development and symmetry. Particular attention should be paid to the limbs, spine and joints to identify pain, instability, restricted movement or abnormalities that may compromise long-term working ability.

The examining veterinarian should assess:

• body condition score and weight
• muscle mass and symmetry
• limb alignment
• spinal alignment
• neck mobility
• shoulder conformation
• elbow stability
• carpal joints
• hip conformation
• stifle (knee) stability
• patellar tracking
• hock alignment
• paw conformation
• nail condition
• range of motion of all major joints
• evidence of pain or discomfort during manipulation.

Any abnormalities should be investigated before the animal commences working animal training.

Gait Assessment

Observation of the animal in motion provides valuable information that cannot always be identified during a static examination.

The animal should be observed:

• standing
• walking
• trotting
• turning
• backing up
• sitting and standing
• lying down and rising
• negotiating different surfaces
• ascending and descending steps where appropriate.

The examiner should assess for:

• lameness
• shortened stride length
• stiffness
• asymmetrical movement
• head bobbing
• hip sway
• bunny hopping
• toe dragging
• crossing limbs
• altered weight bearing
• reluctance to move
• fatigue
• compensatory movement patterns.

Video gait analysis may also be beneficial, particularly where subtle abnormalities are suspected.

Joint Assessment

The major weight-bearing joints require careful evaluation because they are subjected to repetitive loading throughout a working animal’s career.

Shoulders

The shoulders should demonstrate normal range of motion without pain, instability or evidence of developmental orthopaedic disease. Shoulder conformation should allow smooth, unrestricted movement and efficient weight transfer during locomotion.

Elbows

The elbows should be examined for:

• elbow dysplasia
• pain
• reduced range of motion
• joint thickening
• instability
• crepitus
• lameness.

Radiographic assessment is recommended in breeds predisposed to elbow disease and should form part of routine health screening for many assistance dog breeds.

Hips

Hip health is particularly important in assistance animals expected to perform repetitive physical tasks over many years.

Hip evaluation should assess both:

• Hip joint conformation, including the shape and fit of the femoral head within the acetabulum.
• Hip laxity, which measures joint looseness and helps predict the future risk of hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease.

Recognised assessment methods include:

Where dogs are assessed before skeletal maturity, repeat evaluation should be performed once growth is complete. Ongoing reassessment should also be considered every two to three years during the dog’s working life, or sooner if changes in gait, reduced endurance, injury or musculoskeletal concerns develop.

Stifles (Knees)

The stifles should be evaluated for:

• patellar luxation
• cranial cruciate ligament integrity
• joint stability
• pain
• reduced range of motion
• swelling
• early degenerative joint disease.

These conditions may significantly reduce a dog’s ability to safely perform working tasks and should be investigated before formal training commences.

Hocks

The hocks should demonstrate good alignment, stability and normal range of motion without evidence of pain, instability or degenerative joint disease.

Suitability for Working Life

A working animal’s physical suitability is determined not only by the absence of disease, but also by its ability to perform the physical requirements of its intended role safely and comfortably over an extended career.

In addition to identifying injury or disease, the examining veterinarian should consider whether the animal’s overall structure, movement and biomechanics are appropriate for its proposed working duties.

Considerations include:

• overall structural soundness
• efficient and symmetrical movement
• joint stability
• endurance
• balance and coordination
• muscle development
• appropriate body condition
• weight distribution
• ability to repeatedly perform required tasks without pain or excessive fatigue
• projected longevity in work.

An animal may be perfectly capable of living a normal companion life while still being unsuitable for the additional physical demands associated with assistance, detection, therapy or other working roles.

The objective is not to identify “perfect” animals, but rather to ensure that prospective working animals can perform their duties without compromising their long-term health or welfare. Selecting structurally sound animals at the outset helps maximise working longevity, reduces the risk of injury and supports earlier, more ethical retirement when age, injury or physical changes eventually occur.

Ongoing Monitoring

Structural health should not be viewed as a once-only assessment.

Working animals should undergo regular musculoskeletal examinations throughout their careers. Reassessment should also be performed following injury, changes in gait, reduced endurance, altered performance, weight gain or any indication of pain or discomfort.

Early identification of developing orthopaedic disease allows timely intervention, workload modification or retirement before significant welfare compromise occurs. Maintaining structural health throughout the animal’s career is an essential component of responsible working animal practice and supports both animal welfare and long-term working success.