Postural stability and kinematics of dachshunds
Project aims
This study aims to help vets to get an objective picture of what healthy dog core stability looks like so they can make evidence-based decisions about the rehabilitation of dogs with certain neurological problems and also aims to improve the understanding of how this breed of dogs move.
We are studying several biomechanical aspects of smooth, long and wire haired miniature Dachshunds – a breed prone to spinal problems. The study consists in studying:
- The core stability of normal dogs and use it as a control to compare it against patients under physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatments
- The paws pressure distribution and full body kinematics during gait including spinal 3-D motion.
The study is taking place in Surrey’s Gait Analysis Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, University of Surrey, School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, using a 3D motion capture camera system, foot pressure analysis and force plates.
Team
Project team
Professor Clare Rusbridge MBE
Professor in Veterinary Neurology
Biography
Clare Rusbridge is Professor of Veterinary Neurology at the University of Surrey and Senior Neurologist at Wear Referrals. For over 25 years, her research has focused on Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and neuropathic pain, resulting in more than 160 scientific publications and a textbook on human syringomyelia. A Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology and RCVS Specialist, she earned her PhD from Utrecht University in 2007. Clare is Patron of Cavalier Matters and Degenerative Myelopathy charities, a trustee of the Dog Breeding Reform Group, and produces educational content via YouTube@clare-neurovet, neurovet.co.uk, and caninechiari.com.
Clare graduated from Glasgow University in 1991 and became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 1996 after a residency at the Royal Veterinary College. She became a RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology in 1997 and was awarded a PhD from Utrecht University in 2007. She was honoured to receive the JA Wight Memorial award in 2011, made Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (meritorious contribution to knowledge) in 2016, an RCVS Impact award in 2022, the Pet Plan Charitable Trust Scientific Award in 2023 and an APGAW unsung hero in 2023. She was honoured to receive an MBE for services to Animal Welfare and the Veterinary Profession in 2026
Research groups and centres
Our research is supported by research groups and centres of excellence.