LupoMove Puppy
Scientific details of the puppy study
Scientific study on gait analysis in puppies
Early detection of orthopaedic abnormalities through precise analysis of puppy movement
The LupoMove Puppy Study examines the development of puppies in order to detect orthopaedic abnormalities at an early stage.
A puppy’s motor development is crucial for its long-term health. Subtle movement abnormalities that occur in the first few months of life can be the first signs of orthopaedic conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED) or other joint abnormalities. Many of these changes go unnoticed in the early growth phase as they are difficult to recognize visually.
The LupoMove Puppy study, which is carried out by the orthoVET practice, examines these developmental processes with the aim of identifying early indicators of orthopaedic abnormalities. LupoGait is used here as a scientifically validated measuring system and enables precise, objective recording of movement parameters over the entire growth process.
Parallel to this scientific study, 4Dvets is working on the development of a puppy program that integrates the findings directly into the LupoGait software. The aim is to create a practical application for vets and clinics that enables a standardized assessment of the motor development of puppies.
Methodology of the LupoMove Puppy study
The study is based on a long-term analysis of puppies with and without orthopaedic abnormalities. In order to objectively record the development of movement patterns, six high-precision inertial measurement units (IMU sensors) are used to enable detailed kinematic analysis.
Findings & clinical relevance
The results of the study to date show that 13 specific movement parameters that correlate with HD can already be identified during early growth. These changes often occur unnoticed and can be detected early on using objective gait analysis before clinical symptoms become apparent.
Central areas of investigation
- Stride lengths, joint angle changes and load shifts during growth
- Movement symmetries between the left and right side of the body
- Biomechanical deviations that can serve as indicators for later diseases
The scientific findings provide:
- A screening method for early detection of orthopaedic risk factors
- New diagnostic approaches for veterinarians to detect lameness during the growth phase
- Opportunities to develop targeted preventative measures for puppies at orthopaedic risk
The measurements are standardized from the 10th week of life and accompany the puppies for several months. The comparison between healthy animals and puppies with an orthopaedic disposition enables a differentiated assessment of risk factors.
By using this objective movement analysis, therapeutic measures can be controlled in a more targeted manner and long-term joint problems can possibly be prevented or mitigated.
LupoMove Puppy – significance for practice
Prevention instead of late effects
For veterinarians and clinics, the LupoMove Puppy study opens up new possibilities for the early detection and individual care of young dogs.
- Early diagnostics: The first signs of orthopaedic abnormalities can be detected from as early as 10 weeks of age
- Preventive therapy planning: Based on objective data, vets can make targeted individual training and therapy recommendations
- Long-term follow-up: Repeated measurements allow motor development to be monitored and treatment strategies to be adapted at an early stage
With the development of the LupoMove Puppy program, this knowledge will be integrated directly into LupoGait in the future to provide veterinarians with an evidence-based basis for decision-making.