Data acquisition
which could solve the puzzle. Sniffing out anSwerS
larynx and oesophagus. The propensity for increased intraocular pressure due to excess compression on the jugular vein is also present. Harnesses, though considered kinder
The study used a modified coat with sensors and markers on the dogs’ feet to collect data to judge how their gait changed
for animals, have limited evidence available about injuries caused to areas such as front limbs, chest or across back, due to the amount of force applied. It has also been anecdotally suggested that a harness changes the natural gait of a dog. As a result of that, it is equally
important for dog owners to be aware of the potential for any problems that the dogs might face such as facing undue pressure and force on their bodies and joints, injuries, and even chaffing from ill-fitting harnesses. With these important warnings in
mind, and no concrete information available on how these restraints affect the gait of a dog or the force exerted when in motion, and most importantly which type of restraint is better, HBM supplied the key piece of equipment
To gather this information, the study used a modified coat with sensors, and markers on the dogs’ feet to collect data to judge how their gait changed, and to calculate the force that dogs felt required a sensitive strain gauge. HBM offered the use of its U9C strain gauge series, comprised of a stainless steel miniature force transducer for tensile and compressive forces accuracy, with a class 0.2 strain gauge measurement and integrated 1.5m long cable. It had a force 10kN Nominal (rated) sensitivity 1mV/V. The strain gauge was biaxal and measured the force exerted by both the handler and the dog. The strain gauge’s specifications were: 50Hz, sensor SG full-bridge, sensor T-ID: 11052004121105, amplifier type DQ430, transducer type full-bridge, measuring range 4, nominal range 4mV/V, catman scaling external hardware, 2.5V excitaton, Bessel lowpass filter with filter frequency 8Hz 2x knuckle eye for force transducer for nominal forces 2kN up to 20kN allowed for the gauge to be attached to the lead for measurement for both dog and handler. To make the design robust, the
transducer was sewn into a 1m fleece lined lead, enabling the gauge to be fixed to the D ring of the collar or harness. The gauge was then connected to an HBM data acquisition system which connected via USB to the laptop. The software for analysis, also
supplied by HBM, provided the data from both the handler and the dog in numeric data (Hz) pull from each of the trials as well as in graph form. With the strain gauge and lead
attached to the collar, the handlers walked and trotted dogs, and the process was then repeated with dogs wearing a harness instead.
the reSult
The results collated from the study proved that using the particular types of collars and harnesses that the study used, there is no difference in gait when the dog is walking or trotting in a harness. It also proved that the force exerted to the neck and throat via the collar is more localised, having the potential to cause damage or exacerbate existing injuries, whilst the force exerted when wearing the harness is distributed over a larger area, hence reducing the impact of the force. The data collected can be used by concerned pet owners to make a more educated decision regarding their dogs.
26 September 2018 Instrumentation Monthly
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