It can be heartbreaking to watch your dog limp, struggle to walk, or have difficulty in standing due to an injury. While surgery might be necessary in some cases, conservative management can heal several such injuries.
Dog orthopaedic bracing is now increasingly recommended by veterinary professionals to treat a host of common dog problems related to their legs or hips. Take a look at how the bracing works and the different types of products you can consider-
What is Orthopaedic Dog Bracing?
Braces are temporary medical devices that are now often used along with therapy for the treatment of common orthopaedic conditions in dogs. Even in case if a dog has been through surgery, bracing can help accelerate recovery during the post-op period.
The braces are made from high-quality breathable materials and feature an adjustable and removable splint, generally made from aluminium.
What are the Benefits of Using Dog Braces?
Some of the top benefits of using dog braces are as follows-
- Improving gait and joint position
- Reduced fatigue
- Promotes healing by allowing the injured part to relax
- Mechanical protection against impact
What are the Different Types of Dog Braces?
Some of the most popular types of dog braces are-
- Knee Brace
If your dog has knee pain, arthritis, ACL or CCL tears, or is limping, a dog knee brace is what can help. The brace can help accelerate recovery by enabling scar tissue formation and minimise the chances of future injuries, which are very common in conditions like ACL tears.
- Hip Brace
Mobility issues, hip pain, hip dysplasia, lameness, arthritis, and lower-back pain are some of the conditions in which a hip brace can be very useful. The brace is designed as such to provide support to your dog’s hip and low-back region to enable pain-free bodily movements.
- Wrist and Hock Brace
If your dog is suffering from pain in the wrist or has injured this area, a wrist brace can help accelerate recovery. The wrist brace will support the tendons and muscles in and around the wrist to make it easier for your dog to carry on with his/her daily activities.
Similarly, there are also hock braces available for the back legs. Sprains, strains, hyperextension, and other injuries can be effectively treated with hock braces.
Which Orthopaedic Bracing is Right for Your Dog?
It is generally better to let a veterinary professional decide the type of bracing that is right for your dog’s condition. Based on the vet’s recommendation, you can then consider a top dog orthopaedic bracing brand for your purchase.