Lameness Localization in Dogs: An Exploratory Study of the Translation of the Equine Flexion Test to Canine Orthopaedics
Authors: Grosjean Diane, De Bakker Evelien, Mugnier Amélie, Verschooten Francis, Rytz Ulrich, Forterre Franck, Samoy Yves, Van Ryssen Bernadette
Journal: VCOT Open
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Flexion Testing in Canine Lameness Diagnosis Researchers adapted the equine flexion test—a well-established diagnostic technique familiar to many equine professionals—for use in canine orthopaedics, aiming to evaluate its feasibility as a practical tool for localising joint-related lameness in dogs. The methodology mirrored equine practice, involving sustained flexion of individual joints through their complete range of motion (1 minute in affected limbs, 3 minutes in healthy controls) followed by immediate gait assessment using a visual analogue scale; lameness increase post-flexion indicated a positive result. In eight sound dogs, the test proved safe and well-tolerated across all major joints with no false positives, whilst in 27 clinically lame dogs, 81.5% demonstrated increased lameness immediately after flexion of the suspected joint—all subsequently confirmed to have orthopaedic pathology—though 18.5% showed false negative results. Given its zero false-positive rate and excellent tolerability, the flexion test represents a practical addition to lameness evaluation protocols in canine practice; however, practitioners must recognise that a negative result does not exclude joint pathology, particularly in subtle or early-stage conditions. For equine professionals transitioning into multispecies practice, this test offers familiar methodology with proven diagnostic utility, though its complementary rather than definitive role in the diagnostic pathway warrants emphasis.
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Practical Takeaways
- •The flexion test is a safe, practical screening tool for canine lameness localization that can be easily integrated into clinical examination without special equipment
- •A negative flexion test result does not rule out joint pathology—further diagnostic imaging or advanced testing is warranted if clinical suspicion remains high
- •The test reliably identifies affected joints in most cases (81.5%) and has zero false positives, making it useful for narrowing differential diagnoses
Key Findings
- •Canine flexion test was feasible and well-tolerated in all joint evaluations with no adverse effects
- •Lameness increased in 81.5% of clinically lame dogs when flexion test was applied to affected joints
- •No false positive results were recorded; 18.5% false negative rate occurred in lame dogs
- •Flexion test successfully localized joint pathology in dogs using equine-based methodology