Dog Brace and Orthotic Devices - Things to Know Before You Buy

What is the difference between a orthotic dog brace and prosthetic? It's important to know what your are looking for and the individual needs of your dog. Dr. James St. Clair outlines the main differences below...

Before we dive deeper into braces for dogs, it's important to note the difference between dog orthotic devices and dog prosthetic devices.

• Orthotic devices are meant to stabilize an injury and provide support for existing structures.
• Prosthetic devices actually replace an existing structure after amputation, such as a partial limb segment.

This article focuses on orthoses, although both orthotic and prosthetic devices can help enhance mobility and your pets overall quality of life.

Different Types of Dog Braces

A variety of dog braces are available to help with a variety of injuries, pain, or instabilities.

Dog Leg Brace, Knee Brace

Also referred to as a knee brace or stifle brace, leg braces provide support and comfort for your dog's leg in a variety of situations, such as dog ACL injuries. Those designed specifically as dog ACL braces feature hinges that mimic the natural movement of the knee joint.

The Balto Agile Knee Brace here

Dog Ankle Brace, Hock Brace

Dog ankle braces may help with injuries and instability in the hock area or the lower back leg below the knee joint. They offer support and comfort for the Achilles and other tendons and can also be used following arthrodesis, or joint fusion surgery.

Find Dog Hock Splint here

Dog Wrist Brace

Designed to support the lower front legs, dog wrist braces may help with issues related to the area above the paw. These can range from instability to nerve and tendon problems. Pet parents have also used them following their dogs€™ digit amputation or bone cancer.

Dog Elbow Brace

Issues with the front legs may benefit from a dog elbow brace. These include things like arthritis and instability in the tendons or ligaments. It's also been known to help with hygroma, or the swelling at the elbow joint often found in older dogs from repeatedly resting on hard surfaces.

Dog Hip Brace

Dog hip braces fit around the dog's hips, just above the tail. They've been helpful for arthritis, pain in the hips and lower back, back leg limping, and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Additional conditions include lower back weakness and back leg fatigue.

Find Balto® Life Hip Dysplasia Brace here

Dog Back Brace

With a comfortable fit around the torso, dog back braces alleviate pressure in injured areas and support the spine. They can be helpful for back pain, paralysis, difficulty walking or jumping, neck stiffness, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

Find Lil Back Bracer here

When to Consider a Dog Brace

Before opting for a dog brace or any type of treatment it's wise to consult with your veterinarian, canine rehab specialist or other trusted expert. When it comes to orthopedic issues, different tests and examinations can help pinpoint the underlying problem. Depending on the issue and the age, breed, and medical history of your dog, experts may recommend any number of possible remedies. A brace may be one of them. Surgery may be another