Locomotion can be investigated using visual locomotion scoring or computer-assisted techniques such as force plates or pressure plates. Although visual locomotion scoring is inexpensive, it is subjective and depends on observers. Conversely, computer-assisted techniques are objective and more sensitive than visual assessment. Many studies of gait in large breed dogs have been conducted using these techniques; however, there have been few investigations of small to toy breed dogs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to conduct gait analysis in small to toy breed dogs and to suggest normal reference ranges for clinical application. Twenty healthy dogs with no lameness or orthopedic pain weighing from 2 kg to 12 kg were used. The dogs were divided into two groups according to their weight, after which gait analysis was conducted using a pressure plate. The pressure force ratio between the forelimb and hindlimb was significantly lower in group 2 (mean 4.2 kg) than group 1 (mean 10.4 kg), while the stance time ratio between the forelimb and hindlimb tended to increase in group 2, but there was no significant difference. Other numerical values in group 2 tended to decrease, with some significant differences being observed. Overall, the results suggest that there are different gait features in small to toy breed dogs when compared with middle and large breed dogs.

This study investigated the potential associations of dog characteristics with serum serotonin (5HT) concentration in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). Client-owned dogs were prospectively recruited at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Chungnam National University between 2010 and 2011. Forty-two dogs (22 females and 20 males) were enrolled in this study. DMVD dogs included Maltese (n=12), followed by Shih-tzu (n=10), mixed breed (n=5), Chihuahua (n=4), Miniature schnauzer (n=3), Miniature poodle (n=3), Miniature pinscher (n=1), Pomeranian (n=1), Yorkshire terrier (n=2), and Spitz (n=1). As inclusion criteria for the study, dogs had to show either direct or echocardiographic evidence of DMVD. Platelet count significantly differed among the three groups, as the moderate (P<0.05) and severe groups (P<0.05) showed significantly higher platelet counts than the mild DMVD group. Additionally, significantly higher LVIDd, LVIDs, fractional shortening (FS), and LA:Ao ratios were observed in dogs with moderate (P<0.05) and severe (P<0.05) DMVD compared to the mild group, respectively. Significant positive correlations between serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) concentration and platelet count (r=0.273, P=0.03), LA:Ao ratio (r=0.459, P=0.001), and LVIDd (r=0.319, P=0.013) were observed in DMVD dogs. Therefore, serum 5HT concentration may be a potential cause of DMVD progression.

Inter-breed and individual variations in thoracic conformation often resulted in incorrect diagnosis during interpretation of canine thoracic radiographs. Therefore, it may be helpful to build a collection of normal thoracic radiographs of different breeds for useful reference. The aim of this study is to establish a normal canine thoracic radiograph database according to breed, age, and body weight. Medical records and thoracic radiographs of Veterinary Medical Center, Chungbuk National University were reviewed retrospectively. Normal thoracic radiographs of 170 dogs out of 640 patients who had thoracic radiographs were obtained. In 170 normal dogs, Maltese, Shih-tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, and Miniature Poodle were the most prevalent breeds, with 90 dogs. In this study, the normal canine thoracic radiograph database was established in the four breeds; it can be used as normal references for interpretation of canine thoracic radiographs.

This study investigated the frequency and distribution of canine patellar luxation (PL) in Bucheon city during January 2003 to December 2006. The 144 dogs with PL were analyzed according to grade, breeds, sex, age, body weight, and existence of concurrent cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Small breed including Yorkshire Terrier (31.65%), Maltese (33.09%) and Poodle (12.23%) had higher distribution of PL. Especially Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese had higher population of PL compared with other breeds. Most of them were diagnosed as II-III grade PL, and only a few dogs had grade I and grade IV PL. Small breed of body weight 2-3 kg (38.88%) had higher population of PL, and most of them were intact female (46.52%) and castrated male (38.19%) dogs. This study showed that clients recognized the necessity of the operation for dogs with PL well when the dogs are 6 months and 3 year-old, and have II-III grade PL. The reason that body weight of 2-3 kg had higher percentage of PL is related to the breeds. In analysis, intact female and castrated male dog had higher distribution of PL. The occurrence of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture was 11%. Patellar luxation is therefore considered having an influence on cranial cruciate ligament rupture.