When is a Splint Right for Your Dog?
Splints provide semi-rigid (moderate) or rigid (strong) support by totally immobilising a limb or joint. They are used to stabilise a joint, so splint use is appropriate if your dog is recovering from a bone fracture, has a severe tendon injury, or fully ruptured joint ligament - basically, any time the strongest level of support is called for. They are also often used pre- or post-surgery to aid healing.
If your dog isn’t a suitable candidate for an operation, then a splint may be used instead, as part of a conservative management treatment plan.
Splints are available for carpal (front legs) and hock and tarsal joints (rear legs).
How will a Splint Help Your Dog?
Splints stabilise a bone or joint to prevent further injury and to aid healing. Tendons need some loading to heal, so a splint allows this while, at the same time, restricting movements that may worsen the injury. If a ligament has fully ruptured, a splint will hold the joint in correct alignment, preventing unnecessary pressure on the joint. Splints can help with pain management by limiting joint movement.
How to Pick a Dog Leg Splint?
If your dog is limping and a tendon or ligament tear has been confirmed, moderate, semi-rigid support may give adequate support to the joint until the injury heals. Some products have removable splints so they can also be used as fabric supports, which gives you flexibility about the level of support as healing progresses. Fully rigid splints are used for the most serious level of ligament or tendon injury, longer term conditions or bone fractures.