Will using a brace to support your pet’s joint really be the answer to their lameness or pain?
Without wanting to sound controversial, I have seen and helped many people to fit braces and supports for their pets’ joint injuries over the last 20-odd years, and the answer is never simple.
It depends on the joint that needs support, the age of your pet, and whether the joint in question is the only one in trouble.
Braces, splints, and supports are always more successful if the joint that needs stabilizing is further down the leg.
Carpus (wrist) and hock (ankle) supports are easier to create and manage than elbow or stifle (knee) supports.
Ellie is all smiles with her new brace. She had radial nerve paralysis in her forelimb.
A custom brace created to stabilize both the elbow and carpus.
By definition, a brace is a rigid construction, often made from molded plastic tough enough to resist weight bearing and movement forces applied against it, although various other materials are also used.
Immobilising one joint increases the load on other joints on the same leg and other legs as well.
Using a soft support rather than a rigid brace may increase joint stability enough with less weight to carry and pressure on the area.
If your pet is elderly the load shifting associated with a rigid or heavy brace may increase pain in other joints and reduce their willingness to exercise even more.
If you have a young dog with a ruptured cruciate ligament bracing would not be the first place I would spend my money.
Stifle joints in dogs are difficult to brace successfully without strapping to the other leg and up the back to prevent the brace from moving down the leg and causing more pain or injury.
If you have a middle-aged dog with a sedentary lifestyle or vet diagnosed medical condition a brace or soft support may improve their quality of life into old age.
Jackson with his hock braces.
If you would like more information about the range of joint supports available and whether they might be suitable for your pet book a free phone call with us.