This study investigates the kinetic compensatory gait changes in a small-sized dog (4.2 kg, 2-year-old spayed female poodle) with experimentally induced lameness. Reversible lameness was induced by applying silicone pads to the dog's forelimbs and hindlimbs. A force plate analysis system was used to measure Peak Vertical Force (PVF) and Symmetry Index (SI) during normal and induced lameness conditions. The results showed significant reductions in PVF in the induced limbs. Specifically, the left forelimb’s PVF decreased from 139.00 ± 9.85% in normal gait to 88.00 ± 19.05% after lameness induction, and the right forelimb’s PVF decreased from 130.33 ± 5.51% to 78.00 ± 18.52%. In contrast, compensatory increases were observed in the contralateral limbs, with the PVF of the contralateral forelimb increasing to 125.33 ± 1.15%. Similar patterns were observed in the hindlimbs, although the changes were less pronounced. The Symmetry Index (SI) values also increased in the induced limbs, particularly in the forelimbs (ILF: 53.10 ± 22.85%, IRF: 72.17 ± 15.08%), indicating greater asymmetry. These results suggest that forelimb lameness in small dogs results in more significant compensatory gait changes than hindlimb lameness.

A 2-year-old intact female pomeranian dog presented dyspnea, labored breathing, cough, exercise intolerance, machinery heart murmur, and precordial thrill. A left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed based on two-dimensional echocardiography, thoracic radiography, electrocardiography, and blood work. An angiography was performed to accurately evaluate the size and shape of the duct. An interventional approach for transcatheterial occlusion of the PDA was achieved using an Amplatz® Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO), which is a commercially available ductal occluding device. Due to the limited size of the dog’s femoral artery, a device smaller [125% of minimal ductal diameter (MDD); recommended size: 150~200% of MDD] than recommended was mounted. After placement of the ACDO, precordial thrill and continuous heart murmur disappeared, and the patient was discharged the next day after stabilization with O2 supply. Upon follow up examination, dyspnea, labored breathing, cough, exercise intolerance, and cardiomegaly were improved with no complications after the procedure. The ACDO was well maintained in position. This case represents successful clinical application of the Amplatz® Canine Duct Occluder to achieve closure of a PDA using a slightly smaller device than the recommended size.