Hip dysplasia (HD)

During growth, the ball and the cup of the pelvis must grow at the same rate. If your dog is healthy, the shape of the ball and socket will match perfectly the and ligaments hold the two bones together. However, in hip dysplasia, the structure of the joint may be abnormal and the muscles and ligaments may be underdeveloped. This causes the two bones to lose contact and separate. Essentially, the head of the femur cannot be positioned correctly in the acetabulum and in some cases it may actually pop out. The result is joint laxity, followed by degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis, which is the body’s attempt to stabilize the loose hip joint.

The causes of hip dysplasia are thought to be hereditary, but new research definitely suggests that the environment also plays a role. Injury at a young age, obesity and overexertion at a young age are some environmental causes. Neutering a dog, especially before the dog has reached the age of full developmental maturity, has been shown to almost double the chance that he or she will develop hip dysplasia compared to intact dogs or dogs that were neutered after reaching adulthood.

Common symptoms

  • Decreased activity
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Difficulty or reluctance to get up, jump, run or climb stairs
  • Lameness of the back end
  • Looseness in the joints
  • Narrow posture
  • Decreased muscle mass in the thighs
  • Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles
  • Pain
  • Stiffness or soreness after rising from rest
  • Subluxation or luxation of the hip joint

Methods of treating hip dysplasia

  • Maintenance of minimal body weight
  • Adapted training
  • Physiotherapy
  • Medication
  • Surgery
  • Pain relief with low energy laser PowerCure Pro

PowerCure Pro is an effective treatment method that helps to treat inflammation and reduces pain and swelling.

Laser therapy with PowerCure Pro

PowerCure Pro provides cutting-edge laser therapy, offering the power of professional lasers used in clinics, in a lightweight portable device that can be used from the comfort of your home. With no medication required, the treatment is safe, effective and provides lasting pain relief.

PowerCure Pro’s restorative power is provided by advanced laser technology.

PowerCure Pro is placed in contact with the skin so that the photon energy can penetrate the tissues. This stimulates the body to produce adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP, which carries energy into the cells. ATP interacts with various biomolecules inside the cells, promoting normal cell function and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.

Low energy laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment method that is gaining in popularity. Using lasers, we can manage pain, swelling and inflammation throughout the body. By focusing on affected tissues at the cellular level, these Class 3B medical lasers trigger beneficial physiological activities to promote healing and repair – where and when it is needed most. This results in:

  • Increased production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
  • Increased cell metabolism
  • Increased collagen production
  • Increased enzyme production
  • Increased protein synthesis
  • Improved blood circulation
  • Improved lymphatic flow and drainage
  • Reduced inflammation

The benefits of these therapeutic effects on dogs and cats are numerous, including a reduction in chronic pain. LLLT has been shown to be safe and effective with no known side effects.

Treatment protocol

Please read the PowerCure Pro user manual carefully before performing a treatment. Always wear safety glasses when using your PowerCure Pro. Do not expose others in your environment to the laser beams when treating with PowerCure Pro.

Most dogs with hip dysplasia can follow the following protocols. A general guideline is as follows:

  1. Behind the hip joint for 30 seconds
  2. In front of the hip joint for 30 seconds
  3. Above the hip joint for 30 seconds
  4. Walk over each point 3 times and work up to holding the laser steady over each point for 60 seconds.

For optimal results, repeat the treatment at least twice a day. The treatment time is approx. 5-15min.

The effect varies, so keep using your PowerCure Pro. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.