Age:   3.5 yrs

Breed: Border Collie

Gender:  Male (neutered)

Health History: About a year ago, while at an agility class, someone mentioned to his owner that Denim looked like he was moving a little “off” in his hind end, and that he was not extending his hips well while jumping.  His owner took him to her family veterinarian for a consultation, and Denim was diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia in his right hind limb.

Treatment:  His owner then took Denim to an orthopedic specialty veterinary to see what treatment options were available.  The orthopedic veterinarian agreed that Denim’s dysplasia was mild, and that if he were not showing any symptoms while running agility, that they could continue with the sport.  The orthopedic specialist recommended joint supplements and getting a consult with a rehabilitation therapist, to help with conditioning .  Denim’s owner was instructed in a targeted therapeutic exercise program to help improve Denim’s painfree hip extension range of motion and build more muscle in his right hind limb.  One tool that Denim’s owner uses as part of her at-home exercise program with Denim is the K9 HipLign™  3-4 days a week.

Results:  With this program, Denim started showing better extension over jumps, and has been able to continue to compete successfully in agility.

Age:   2.5 yrs

Breed: Briard

Gender:  Female (intact)

Health History: Poison Ivy’s owner is a professional dog trainer and noticed that Ivy was having some reluctance to jump up into the car and not being quite as energetic as usual.  Her owner wanted to rule out any physical pain causing these behavioral changes, so she got an appointment with a rehabilitation professional.  During the exam, the rehabilitation therapist noted Ivy had some discomfort with hip extension on both sides and that Ivy was weight shifting off of one of her hind limbs a little.  She suspected hip dysplasia, so recommended Ivy’s owner arrange for a set of x-rays to be done, and this confirmed the diagnosis.

Treatment: Ivy’s owner continued working with the rehab professional to learn about activity and environmental modifications to minimize Ivy’s symptoms as well as be educated in a home strengthening program for Ivy.  In addition, Ivy’s owner decided to add the K9 HipLign™ into Ivy’s home program, by incorporating it into  their daily walks, to also help build more strength in the dog’s hind limbs.

Results:  After 3 weeks, Ivy’s owner stated she has seen a big improvement in Ivy’s playfulness, mobility level, and ability to get in and out of the car without problems.