Manipulatory forelimb movements in normal and pyramidotomized dogs

Abstract

Normal and unilaterally pyramidotomized dogs were trained to retrieve food from various test devices to allow an estimation of the importance of the pyramidal tract for forelimb movements. The effects of pyramidotomy were relatively weak on movements which to a least extent required use of distal muscles. They were strongest on movements in which wrist flexion and toes flexion and adduction were necessary to get hold of the food. The latter tasks, however, were also among the most difficult ones for normal dogs. The deficits of movements performed after pyramidotomy were similar as previously found in cats if allowance is made for generally weaker components of distal limb muscles in the dog than in the cat.