The HaB Direct team recently worked with Minster Vets to install the zebris CanidGait, helping the practice introduce a more objective and proactive approach to canine mobility assessment, pain identification, and performance monitoring.
Led by veterinary surgeon Drew Tootal, Minster Vets has developed a strong focus on musculoskeletal care, mobility management, and working dog support. Following installation of the zebris CanidGait treadmill system, the practice is now able to quantify gait and mobility changes with far greater consistency and confidence.
A Background in Working Dog Health and Mobility Management
Drew Tootal graduated as a veterinary surgeon 22 years ago and spent the first 17 years of his career serving as a Veterinary Officer in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. This background created a strong foundation in working dog health, performance, and early disease detection.
Since leaving the Army in 2022, Drew has worked exclusively within the musculoskeletal field, focusing primarily on mobility management and the treatment of osteoarthritis using orthobiologic approaches. Alongside clinical work, he continues to support working dog agencies through procurement and veterinary guidance, while also assisting with pain identification in behavioural cases where traditional clinical examination may not be possible.
The Challenge: Moving Beyond Subjective Gait Assessment
One of the key challenges faced by the practice was the difficulty of objectively measuring mobility and tracking changes over time.
Visual gait assessment alone can often be subjective and dependent on the experience of the observer. This can make it difficult to consistently monitor subtle improvements, identify early-stage issues, or accurately assess treatment outcomes.
By introducing the zebris CanidGait treadmill, Minster Vets aimed to create a repeatable and data-driven assessment process that would allow the team to establish baseline mobility profiles and monitor progression under controlled conditions.
Why zebris CanidGait Was the Right Fit: Bringing Objective Gait Analysis into Modern Veterinary Practice
According to Drew, the zebris CanidGait system has been a “real game changer” for the practice.
The treadmill allows every patient to be baselined to establish their individual normal gait pattern. Because treadmill speed can be precisely replicated during future assessments, clinicians can recreate identical testing conditions and objectively evaluate progression or improvement over time.
This has become particularly valuable for:
- Monitoring treatment response in osteoarthritis and mobility management cases
- Assessing outcomes following orthobiologic and stem cell therapies
- Proactive screening of working and sporting dogs
- Identifying subtle mobility changes before larger clinical issues develop
- Supporting behavioural cases where pain may be influencing behaviour
Drew explained that the system acts almost like an annual “MOT” for working and sporting dogs, helping identify subtle deviations from normal canine mobility patterns before they become more serious concerns.
Supporting Low-Stress Assessments in Behavioural Cases
The practice has also found significant value in the treadmill’s role within behavioural assessments.
Using a low-stress and hands-off approach, even anxious dogs can often be encouraged to move naturally on the treadmill. This allows clinicians to gather subtle but valuable information that may indicate pain-related contributors to behavioural changes, while also helping to localise potential problem areas.
This approach has helped Minster Vets further develop patient-friendly assessment pathways for dogs that may not tolerate traditional physical examinations.
Improved Client Confidence Through Measurable Data
For pet owners, the ability to visualise measurable physical improvements alongside changes observed at home has also provided additional reassurance throughout treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
Objective gait data helps strengthen communication between clinician and owner, while providing clear evidence of progress over time.
Overall, the introduction of zebris CanidGait has enabled Minster Vets to deliver a more proactive, measurable, and patient-focused approach to canine mobility assessment and pain management.
Feedback on HaB Direct and Installation Experience
When asked whether he would recommend the system and the installation process, Drew was extremely positive:
“Absolutely! The treadmill itself is easy to use and integrates into a fairly small footprint in the clinic, and the data it provides is really clear and dependable. Our interactions with HaB Direct have been seamless with clear communication and easy installation. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!”
To learn more about the zebris CanidGait and how objective gait analysis can support veterinary mobility assessment, rehabilitation, and performance monitoring, contact us using the form below:
