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Introduction
Gait is a manner of coordinated limb movement, with the canine walk and trot described as symmetrical gaits. 1 Although incompletely studied, the gait of short-legged dogs, including the pug, has been described. 2 Abnormal gait can be the result of orthopaedic and/or neurological conditions. The pug breed is predisposed for specific orthopaedic conditions 3 4 and neurological problems in the breed have become increasingly recognised in the last few years. 5-14
In a British study, lameness, as the result of orthopaedic problems, and spinal cord disorders, characterised by paresis and ataxia, were reported in 2.4 per cent versus 1.4 per cent of the pugs attending primary veterinary care. 15 The prevalence of spinal cord disorders presented from the UK 15 corresponds poorly to a Swedish report, i which suggested a sevenfold increase in mortality rate for ataxia, paresis and collapse in pugs compared with other breeds. Adding the attention 'wobbly pugs' are given on the internet suggests a need to systematically determine the prevalence of gait abnormalities in the breed.
The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence of gait abnormalities in a cohort of Swedish pugs by using an owner-based questionnaire targeting signs of gait abnormality. Specialist evaluation of the gait using video footage of parts of the patient population, to compare with the owners' responses, was an additional aim. The study also evaluated associated conditions of abnormal gait, including other health disorders prevalent in the breed.
Materials and methods
Data collection
An invitation to participate in the study was sent by mail to all owners of pugs registered in the Swedish Kennel Club that had dogs aged one, five or eight years in 2015. The following data were obtained from the Swedish Kennel Club register: pedigree number, the dog's name and date of birth, name and address of the owner. An online standardised questionnaire ii was sent to all owners who accepted the invitation. To increase the number of dogs included in the study, a second paper-based questionnaire including the same questions as in the online version, but with one additional question ( Fig 1 ), was sent by post to all owners of pugs that turned one, five or eight years of age in 2016 and were...