DogBackLegBraceArthritis:WhyThey AreBeneficial?
Custom dog leg braces can be crucial to helping your dog regain mobility and lead a happy, pain-free life, whether they are recovering from surgery or suffer from a chronic condition. Throughout this blog, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how custom dog leg braces can heal injuries and how to get a dog back leg brace arthritis
Injuries to the legs and knees of dogs
Dog owners know a dog's life is full of adventures, but excessive play can also result in injuries.
There are a number of reasons why dogs can sustain injuries, including:
The most common causes of trauma are falls, car accidents, or excessive activity, especially for dogs that are not used to it.
Medical conditions underlying knee and leg injuries include osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, for instance.
Dogs that need knee braces most often suffer from:
Injury to the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)
Damage to the cartilage
The osteoarthritis
Symptoms of leg injuries in dogs can vary depending on the severity and type. Dogs with leg injuries may also experience muscle loss, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Some signs to look out for include limping, swelling, and reluctance to move. In order to treat your dog correctly, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.
A Custom Dog Leg Brace's Importance
Custom dog knee braces and leg braces can help your furry friend start the healing process. These braces provide extra support and stability to the affected area, alleviating pain and discomfort. They can also be used to prevent further damage and provide support after surgery. Dogs can often be adjusted or modified in a custom dog knee brace or leg brace as their condition improves, or until they have fully recovered.
Applied Biomechanics offers the following custom brace options, along with ACL/CCL braces: Ankle braces for dogs (rear legs)
Tarsal braces for dogs (rear legs)
Braces for dog elbows (front leg)
Wrist braces for dogs (front legs)
What are the differences between custom dog knee braces and off-the-shelf leg braces?
Custom legs braces are made to measure and are designed to fit the particular contours of a dog's leg, taking into account his specific injury or condition.
Custom-made leg braces provide a greater level of comfort and support than pre-manufactured leg braces.
Dog Knee Braces and Leg Braces: How to Get One
Choosing the correct brace for your dog depends on the type and severity of their injury. Your veterinarian can determine which brace is best for your pet based on its specific needs, such as an ACL brace for dogs and a carpal brace for cats.
Performing measurements and fittings
We at Applied Biomechanics have a Canine Bracing Specialist, Carla Michelin-Clarke who does our entire dog bracing. First, Carla asks about your dog's injuries, as well as any information you may be able to provide about your dog. Then, she assesses your dog's knee range of motion and stability. If your dog qualifies, Carla takes a cast of his or her knee and makes the braces. In order to create a positive (duplicate) mold of your dog’s knee after it has been removed, she fills the cast with plaster and modifies it so that it provides the proper forces to the knee. The thermoplastic is then heat molded and vacuum molded to the cast after it has been set up with joints and padding. After cooling, the cast mold is removed and the plastic brace is cut out, trimmed and sanded to fit the desired tramlines, and assembled with joints, straps, and pads. When your dog returns to the clinic for the brace fitting, the entire process takes two weeks. Know more
Taking Care of Your Dog's Leg Brace
Upon receiving your dog's custom leg brace, please follow the instructions provided. This may include adjusting the Velcro straps and padding to ensure a snug and secure fit, and adjusting the brace when your dog's condition improves.
Keep the brace clean and dry to ensure your dog receives long-term, effective support. As your dog's condition improves, the brace may need to be adjusted or replaced. Our veterinarian will be able to assess your dog's condition.
If you are considering a custom leg brace for your dog, please contact Applied Biomechanics today so we can help you make the right choice for your pet.