Clean Run - April 2017 - 18

While further studies would be needed to define the relationship between restrictive harnesses and
injury, harness function and the effects on canine gait should be taken into consideration when choosing
a harness and performing objective gait analysis.
While further studies would be needed
to define the relationship between restrictive harnesses and injury, harness
function and the effects on canine gait
should be taken into consideration
when choosing a harness and performing objective gait analysis. Further research is also needed determine the
extent to which these gait characteristics differ with different harnesses, in

different breeds, and dogs with orthopedic disorders. Future research should also
be performed to objectively evaluate if there is a way to mitigate the effects of
wearing a harness.

In Conclusion
In conclusion, harnesses that limit shoulder extension and restrict forelimb excursion
could contribute to long-term repetitive strain and potentially predispose dogs to
shoulder tendinopathies. In addition, harnesses with a large surface area in contact
with the dog's body should be avoided. These considerations should taken into account not only in working and sporting dogs but also in active companion dogs. D

Dr. Brittany Jean Carr earned her BS in biology from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. She then attended the Virginia-Maryland Regional
College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Dr. Carr's special interest is rehabilitation and sports medicine. Dr. Carr is a Certified
Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She is currently completing a residency program through the American College
of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, MD. Dr. Carr's research studies
include regenerative medicine, objective gait analysis, and return to sport following CCL injury. For more information on Dr. Carr, please visit www.VOSM.com.
Dr. Chris Zink is the VOSM sports medicine consultant, evaluating canine structure and designing individualized retraining and conditioning programs for canine
athletes. She is the award-winning author of Peak Performance: Coaching the Canine Athlete, Dog Health and Nutrition for Dummies, and The Agility Advantage,
and co-author of Jumping From A to Z: Teach Your Dog to Soar, and the DVD Building the Canine Athlete. Her books have been translated into numerous languages
worldwide. Dr. Zink has obtained more than 80 agility, obedience, retrieving, tracking, and conformation titles on dogs from the sporting, herding, working, terrier, and
hound group. Dr. Zink was also voted Outstanding Woman Veterinarian in 2009. Dr. Zink presents Coaching the Canine Athlete® seminars worldwide, and her veterinary
training and experience in canine athletics provide a unique perspective on canine sports medicine. For more information on Dr. Zink, please visit www.VOSM.com.

Clean Run | April 17

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - April 2017