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A brace instead of hip surgery for dogs
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Purdue University students are developing a brace that could be used as an alternative to pain medication for dogs with hip problems, according to the Associated Press.
Students and researchers from the university's School of Veterinary Medicine are testing the brace on Stella, a dog that has hip dysplasia and needs pain medication just to walk.
A computer will generate a video that shows how well Stella's joints are working with and without the brace.
The brace was designed by a mechanical engineering senior design class last year, is being updated by a new class that is working to make it stronger and more comfortable for dogs, the Associated Press reported.
Canine Hip Dysplasia affects millions of dogs every year, according to the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program .
According to the Animal Orthocare Web site, prosthetics and other devices are an emerging technology in veterinarian medicine.
The devices can be used to correct or accommodate limbs that no longer function properly due to trauma, old age, or illness.
In some cases, they can be used as an alternative to amputation.
The Doctors Foster & Smith Web site has a comprehensive article about hip dysplasia that includes its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
A video of a dog wearing braces:
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