THE STANCE ANALYZER
Stance Analysis – A Tool for Early Lameness Detection
What is Stance Analysis?
Stance analysis is a diagnostic procedure that shows how an animal’s weight is distributed across each of their limbs. By rapidly capturing multiple snapshots of weight bearing in each limb, and comparing the readings to standard weight-bearing data, the clinician can quickly see if a patient is exhibiting lameness and isolate any issue to specific limb/limbs.
A tool called a “Stance Analyzer” can be used to quickly and easily perform the stance analysis. To perform a stance analysis, the operator places the patient on the special mat, with one paw in each quadrant, and then uses a remote to capture multiple weight bearing measurements that are averaged for a final reading. The results can then be saved and reviewed as part of a wellness, and or lameness assessment.
What Are the Benefits of Stance Analysis?
Stance analysis offers several benefits, for both rehabilitation-focused and general veterinary practice.
1. Earlier Lameness Detection
Musculoskeletal conditions are often difficult to detect until an animal starts showing outward signs, such as limping. By using a Stance Analyzer, veterinary professionals can objectively see when there’s a problem before it manifests as modified behavior. It can also help pinpoint the location of the problem (i.e. left rear limb), enabling faster diagnosis, and development of tailored treatment plans. Additionally, a Stance Analyzer provides early lameness detection comparable to a pressure sensitive walkway1, but has a smaller footprint and lower capital outlay.
2. Better Client Communication
While some pet owners take their veterinarian’s treatment recommendations without hesitation, many need a bit more convincing – especially when they haven’t noticed anything strange in their pet’s behavior. Having objective data allows the clinician to show the owner that a problem exists. Their pet may be in pain, and early intervention will save future suffering and expense. Using objective data also promotes a willingness to begin a recommended treatment regimen right away, and drives greater compliance.
3. Clearer Progress Tracking
For patients who present unable to walk or with a pronounced limp, improvement may be easy for both the veterinarian and the pet owner to see as treatment progresses. For less subtle changes, however, objective data is critical to ongoing compliance. By repeating stance analysis, and comparing the results over time, it is easy to see improvement as the weight-bearing percentages normalize.
When Should Stance Analysis Be Used?
For maximum benefit, stance analysis should be performed during wellness exams, problem appointments/diagnostic visits, and treatment re-checks.
Using the Stance Analyzer as a part of a standard wellness exam allows veterinary professionals to identify lameness that may not yet be obvious. It can also be used as a scale for routine weight measurement.
When used during a problem appointment, stance analysis helps to pinpoint where a problem is originating. It additionally provides objective pain/lameness data that may be viewed, stored, or printed and given to the pet owner.
During the course of treatment, stance analysis should be used to measure progress. Pet owners appreciate being able to see objective data of progress, both for the relief it provides to see their pet is improving, but also to justify the investment they’ve made in the specific treatment.
Prices
Stance Analysis can be performed on dogs who are not coming for hydrotherapy for £20.00 and booking can be done through our online booking system either on Facebook or this website. The report will then be sent to you by email following the session.
Stance Analysis can be performed for patients of Loyalwill Canine Hydrotherapy Centre for £15.00 per session, again the report will be sent to yourselves and your vet following completion of this.