Canine and feline goniometry.

Goniometry provides objective, validated joint measurements for disease detection and monitoring.

This article describes goniometry, a validated technique for measuring joint flexion and extension in dogs and cats. The procedure involves using a hinged plastic goniometer with two arms adapted to the animal's size, with the proximal arm remaining stationary while the distal arm moves with the limb segment. Anatomic landmarks serve as reference points for consistent goniometer placement. For forelimbs, landmarks include the scapular spine, greater tubercle, humeral head, lateral epicondyle, antebrachial midpoint, and metacarpal dorsal surface. Hind limb landmarks include the tuber sacrale, tuber ischiadicum, greater trochanter, patella, lateral fabella, tibial tubercle, fibular head, lateral malleolus, and metatarsal dorsal surface. Animals are positioned in lateral recumbency during measurement collection in both full flexion and extension. Goniometry provides objective, repeatable, and safe measurements of joint motion in normal and abnormal joints, enabling detection of joint disease, monitoring of therapeutic response, and assessment of disease progression. The technique has been validated in healthy Labrador Retrievers and cats.

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