Glossary
Gait
The pattern of movement of animals during (terrestrial) locomotion.
Gaits used by cats and dogs include the walk, the amble, the pace, the trot, the canter and the gallop.
Gaits used by cats and dogs include the walk, the amble, the pace, the trot, the canter and the gallop.
Limb
An appendage to the main body of an organism.
For example, an arm, leg, flipper or wing.
For example, an arm, leg, flipper or wing.
Forelimb
Either of the cranial (anterior or front) limbs.
Hind Limb
Either of the caudal (posterior or rear) limbs.
Contralateral
Relating to the opposite side of the body.
For example, diagonally contralateral limbs are limbs on diagonally opposite sides of the body.
For example, diagonally contralateral limbs are limbs on diagonally opposite sides of the body.
Ipsilateral
Relating to the same side of the body.
For example, ipsilateral limbs are limbs that are on the same side of the body.
For example, ipsilateral limbs are limbs that are on the same side of the body.
Walk
The slowest of all gaits used by cats and dogs, in which minimum energy is expended.
Three limbs remain on the ground while the fourth is raised and moved forwards.
Three limbs remain on the ground while the fourth is raised and moved forwards.
Trot
A symmetrical, two-beat gait in which diagonally contralateral limbs move in unison.
This is an endurance gait, which allows coverage of ground at a reasonable speed but without expending maximum energy. The trot may, therefore, be maintained for hours.
This is an endurance gait, which allows coverage of ground at a reasonable speed but without expending maximum energy. The trot may, therefore, be maintained for hours.
Pace
A symmetrical, relaxed gait between the walk and the trot, in which ipsilateral limbs move in unison.
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Amble
A symmetrical, relaxed gait between the walk and the trot, in which ipsilateral limbs move (almost, but not quite) in unison. The hind limb is raised and falls very slightly earlier than the forelimb.
Weight is transferred from one side to the other, usually resulting in a rolling motion of the body. It offers faster speed than the walk, but expends less energy than a trot.
Cf. pace
