A vest-based sling provides greater hip flexion and abduction than a traditional Ehmer sling, with limited tolerability in healthy dogs.

The vest-based sling achieves superior hip flexion and abduction but shows poor tolerability in healthy dogs.

This prospective study evaluated hip joint positioning achieved by two sling devices in 12 healthy client-owned dogs: a traditional Ehmer sling (TES) and a commercially available vest-based sling (VBS). Goniometric measurements of hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation were taken in a static standing position with each device applied sequentially to the same hindlimb. The VBS produced significantly greater hip flexion (mean 53° ± 13° vs 66° ± 11°) and greater hip abduction (15° ± 5° vs 8° ± 6°) compared to the TES. Internal rotation did not differ significantly between devices. These findings suggest the VBS may theoretically provide superior joint positioning for maintaining hip reduction following luxation. However, tolerability of the VBS was notably poor: only 1 of 12 dogs completed the intended 14-day monitoring period. Five dogs were withdrawn due to poor tolerability, four due to device-related complications, and two due to owner noncompliance. The study establishes baseline goniometric reference values for hip positioning with a TES, which may assist clinicians in evaluating sling adequacy post-reduction. While the biomechanical advantages of the VBS are demonstrated, its limited real-world tolerability raises significant concerns about clinical applicability. Further investigation in dogs with actual hip luxation and refinements to the VBS design may be warranted before widespread clinical adoption.

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