POSTURAL STABILITY IN GROWING DOGS DEVELOPING HIP DYSPLASIA
Barbara Bockstahler, Yvonne Virag
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
During the first year of life, the Center of Pressure (COP) parameters in Labrador and Golden Retrievers showed clear developmental changes. In general, COP values decreased with age, reflecting improved postural stability as the dogs matured. Healthy dogs exhibited a progressive reduction in COP area, COP displacement, and COP speed between 4, 8, and 12 months of age. This pattern indicates increasing control over balance and movement.
In contrast, dogs affected by hip dysplasia (HD) displayed higher COP values compared to healthy peers, especially at 8 months of age. Specifically, COP area, cranio-caudal displacement (COP-Cran-caud), COP radius, and COP speed were significantly greater in dysplastic dogs during walking. These findings suggest reduced stability and greater postural sway. Interestingly, the differences between healthy and dysplastic dogs were most pronounced at 8 months, while at 12 months the differences became smaller, possibly due to compensatory adaptations or musculoskeletal changes.
Trotting revealed fewer differences between groups, likely because trot is a more mechanically stable gait than walking. Overall, COP analysis revealed that HD-affected dogs had delayed or altered development of postural stability during their first year. Monitoring COP parameters provides a sensitive and non-invasive way to detect early biomechanical signs of hip dysplasia, even before clinical symptoms become obvious.(1)
- Virag Y, Gumpenberger M, Tichy A, Lutonsky C, Peham C, Bockstahler B. Center of pressure and ground reaction forces in Labrador and Golden Retrievers with and without hip dysplasia at 4, 8, and 12 months of age. Front Vet Sci. 2022 Dec 22;9:1087693. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1087693
REHABILITATION IN YOUNG DOGS WITH HD
Barbara Bockstahler, Christiane Lutonsky
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
The physiotherapeutic management of young dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) is crucial for supporting musculoskeletal development and minimizing the progression of the condition. Hip dysplasia, a common orthopedic disorder in dogs, is influenced by genetics, diet, and exercise. A tailored approach to physical therapy, emphasizing controlled and age-appropriate activities, is essential to promote joint health and reduce risks associated with HD.
Balance training plays a pivotal role in physiotherapy for young dogs with HD. Exercises that improve proprioception and core stability, such as walking on uneven surfaces, using balance boards, or performing weight-shifting activities, help strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint. This enhanced muscular support can reduce joint instability and alleviate stress on developing joints. Additionally, off-leash exercise in natural terrains during the early developmental phase (weaning to 3 months) has been shown to decrease the risk of hip dysplasia (1), while high-impact activities like jumping or climbing stairs should be avoided to prevent excessive strain.
Activities such as underwater treadmill therapy or controlled walking on soft surfaces can improve muscle tone while minimizing joint stress. Furthermore, dietary management, including maintaining a lean body condition and limiting caloric intake to 75% of ad libitum feeding, has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, a common consequence of HD (2,3).
In conclusion, a comprehensive physiotherapy program that prioritizes balance training, controlled exercise, and dietary management is essential for managing young dogs with hip dysplasia. This approach not only supports healthy joint development but also enhances long-term mobility and quality of life.
1 Krontveit RI, Nødtvedt A, Sævik BK, Ropstad E, Trangerud C. Housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia as determined by radiographic evaluation in a prospective cohort of Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway. Am J Vet Res. 2012 Jun;73(6):838-46.
2 Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, Lust G, Biery DN, Smith GK, Mantz SL. Evaluation of the effect of limited food consumption on radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2000) 217, 1678-1680
3 Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, Mantz SL, Biery DN, Greely EH, Lust G, Segre M, Smith GK, Stowe HD. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2002) 220, 1315-1320
