For research · Completed study
LupoMove Puppy: a study on gait analysis in puppies.
A long-term study by orthoVET, carried out from around 2019 to 2023. It examined how the gait develops in the first months of life and how orthopaedic abnormalities can be identified early. Measurements were taken with LupoGait.
Scientific study on gait analysis in puppies
Early detection of orthopaedic abnormalities through precise analysis of puppy movement
The LupoMove Puppy study examined the development of puppies in order to identify orthopaedic abnormalities early.
A puppy’s motor development is crucial for its long-term health. Subtle movement deviations that appear in the first months of life can be early signs of orthopaedic conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED) or other joint malformations. Many of these changes go unnoticed during the early growth phase because they are difficult to see.
The LupoMove Puppy study, carried out by the orthoVET practice, examined these developmental processes with the aim of identifying early indicators of orthopaedic abnormalities. LupoGait was used as a scientifically validated measurement system, enabling precise, objective recording of movement parameters throughout growth.
Based on the findings of this study, 4Dvets developed the LupoGait Puppy add-on, which integrates the knowledge gained directly into the LupoGait software. It gives vets and clinics a practical tool for a standardised assessment of motor development in puppies.
What it was about
More knowledge for a healthy dog’s life
Looking back
How the study was conducted
LupoMove Puppy was a long-term study by 4Dvets AG that examined how the gait of puppies develops in the first months of life. The data from 2019 to 2023 were collected at the orthoVET practice in Switzerland, which specialises in dogs and lameness.
- From week 10 of life, the puppies wore a lightweight sensor jacket at every measurement (it has since been replaced by the LupoMove® Holder).
- Stride lengths, joint angles, symmetry and weight shifting were recorded
- The measurements were repeated regularly over several months
What the data are used for
- Comparing healthy puppies with puppies showing abnormalities, to find early signs of HD and ED
- Reference values for healthy growth
- A basis for preventive care in puppyhood
Blättler P. et al. (2024): Serial kinematic analysis using inertial measurement units in growing dogs at risk of hip dysplasia. Veterinary and Animal Science 25, 100385.
LupoMove Puppy: relevance for practice
Prevention instead of long-term damage
For vets and clinics, the LupoMove Puppy study opens up new possibilities for early detection and individual care of young dogs.
- Early diagnostics: first signs of orthopaedic abnormalities can be detected from as early as week 10 of life
- Preventive treatment planning: based on objective data, vets can make targeted, individual training and therapy recommendations
- Long-term monitoring: repeated measurements make it possible to monitor motor development and adjust treatment strategies early
With the LupoGait Puppy add-on, this knowledge is now integrated directly into LupoGait, giving vets an evidence-based basis for decision-making.