Canine Gait Summit

Prof. Dr. Martin Fischer is a zoologist, evolutionary biologist, and movement researcher. He has been teaching at Friedrich Schiller University Jena since 1993 and leads the institute. Since 2005, he has dedicated himself to the study of dog locomotion and has significantly influenced veterinary research through the 'Jena Study on Dog Locomotion.' His goal is to resolve common misconceptions and gain deeper insights into gait development.

Dr. Daniel Koch specializes in joint surgery, osteosynthesis, airway obstructions, and dental treatments. He also conducts intensive research on brachycephalic syndromes and the canine knee joint. In 2015, his orthopedic examination course, developed in collaboration with Prof. Martin Fischer, was published as a book

PD Dr. Barbara Bockstahler studied veterinary medicine in Vienna and has led the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Vienna since 1999. She is a certified veterinarian in physical therapy and rehabilitation and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Bockstahler specializes in canine biomechanics, became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2016, and is a founding member of the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Kirsten Häusler studied agricultural biology with a focus on ethology at the University of Hohenheim and earned her doctorate in this field. She obtained her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner degree from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Häusler is passionate about rehabilitating animals after surgeries or joint diseases. With her extensive knowledge of behavioral research and veterinary medicine, she achieves excellent outcomes in animal physiotherapy.

Dr. Birgit Lidolt studied at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, where she wrote her dissertation on biomechanics and movement analysis in horses. She later earned her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner credential from the University of Tennessee. Currently, she heads a small animal practice with an orthopedic focus in Salzburg. Her passion lies in analyzing canine movements and optimally adapting therapeutic approaches.

Prof. Dr Susanne Lauer received her doctorate from LMU Munich and specialised in small animal surgery at Iowa State University. In 2002, she established the physical therapy programme for small animals at Louisiana State University. She has been a professor at the Small Animal Clinic at LMU since 2017. She specialises in physical medicine and rehabilitation in dogs and cats, kinematic and kinetic gait analysis, balance analysis and shock wave and radiofrequency therapy.