Dog Leg Supports for Strains and Tendon Injuries

It is common for our dogs to sustain injury while exercising. Sprains are common, with more severe injury such as tendon and ligament damage. A sprain is an injury caused by sudden stretching or tearing of the ligaments in and around the joint, or the joint capsule itself. Signs are pain over the joint, swelling of the tissues, and temporary lameness. If the dog is unable to put weight on the leg, seek veterinary consultation to rule out a fracture or dislocation.

Tendons can be stretched, partly torn, or ruptured. Strained tendons follow sudden wrenching or twisting injuries. The tendons of the forepaws (front and back) are strained most often. The signs of tendon injury are lameness, pain on bearing weight, and painful swelling over the course of the tendon.

Rupture of the Achilles tendon at the hock joint can be caused by sudden and extreme flexion of the hock. This injury tends to occur in Greyhounds and sporting and performance breeds. The Achilles tendon is the one most often severed in dog fights and car accidents. Rupture of the Achilles tendon causes a dropped hock.

You can assist you dog with these types of injuries by supporting the dogs leg with a wrap. There are several products available like the Carpo Flex Sports Wrap, the Carpo Flex X Wrap and the orthodog Wrist Wrap and Hock Holder. All of these dog leg supports offer different degrees of support, from light to moderate. You dog will still have the full range of motion in the leg, as these are designed to be worn when exercising.