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) limbs.
Hind Limb
Either of the caudal (posterior) 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.
Stride
The period of a gait from the initial ground contact of a limb to next ground contact of the same limb.
This is also known as the gait cycle.
This is also known as the gait cycle.
Suspension Phase
A phase of a gait when all four feet are off the ground.
Supported Trot
The trotting gait in which at least one foot is always on the ground.
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Flying Trot
The trotting gait in which the animal leaves the ground during each stride.
This increases the amount of ground that can be covered with a minimum increase in expenditure of energy to that used in a supported trot.
The brief suspension phases of the suspended trot, when momentarily no feet touch the ground, is also known as spring.
Also known as suspended trot.
Cf. supported trot
