Selected highlights from other journals: Use of GPS collars to assess activity in dogs
- Autores: E.A. Bruno, J.W. Guthrie, S.A. Ellwood, R. J. Mellanby, D.N. Clements
- Localización: Veterinary Record, ISSN-e 2042-7670, Vol. 176, Nº. 12, 2015, págs. 311-311
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
THE measurement of physical activity in dogs is usually done via owner questionnaires, accelerometers or calorimetry, although each of these methods has drawbacks. This study aimed to assess the use of global positioning system (GPS) collars in dogs for measuring the effects of clinical treatment on physical activity and differentiating between different kinds of physical activity.
Ten healthy dogs belonging to students and members of staff at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School were recruited to the study. Seven dogs with osteoarthritis of the elbow that had been brought to the veterinary school's hospital for small animals were also recruited. A GPS monitor was attached to each dog's collar at the start of the study. The healthy dogs completed three different activities – an on-lead walk of approximately one kilometre; an off-lead walk of approximately one kilometre; and a play session in which a tennis ball was thrown for the dog to chase after. This was repeated for five days for each dog. The dogs with osteoarthritis were taken on the same off-lead walk both at the beginning of the study and after 14 days treatment with carprofen.
