Vest-based sling improves hip positioning, but dogs tolerated it poorly

A new American Journal of Veterinary Research study suggests a commercially available vest-based sling may position the canine hip differently than a traditional Ehmer sling, producing greater hip flexion and abduction in static standing measurements, but with poor short-term tolerability in healthy dogs. In the prospective study, 12 healthy client-owned dogs had both a traditional Ehmer sling and a vest-based sling applied to the same hindlimb for comparison. The vest-based sling achieved greater flexion and abduction, while the traditional Ehmer sling produced more internal rotation. Tolerability was limited: only 1 of 12 dogs completed the full 14-day wear period, with slippage and soiling reported across cases. The paper was published May 4, 2026, and builds on earlier Kansas State work presented in 2025 that had suggested similar positioning tradeoffs and practical fit challenges. (myvetcandy.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals managing craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation, the findings matter because the Ehmer sling is intended to maintain flexion, abduction, and internal rotation to help keep the femoral head seated while periarticular fibrosis develops. The new data suggest a vest-based system may improve some positioning parameters, especially abduction, but not solve the bigger clinical problem of keeping a sling on the dog safely and consistently. That’s especially relevant given prior multicenter data showing low success and high complication rates with Ehmer sling use after closed reduction, including reluxation in 43.5% of dogs and soft tissue injuries in 50%. (ivis.org)

What to watch: Watch for follow-up studies in dogs with actual hip luxation, where the balance between joint positioning, reluxation risk, skin complications, and pet parent compliance will matter more than static goniometry alone. (myvetcandy.com)