What is Orthotics?

Orthotics is the medical field concerned with the application and manufacture of devices which support or correct the function of a limb or the torso for the conditions listed in the chart. I have found Animal Ortho Care, a company based in the USA who makes joint/limb braces, prosthetics and trolleys.

Braces

They can supply either custom fit braces to support whichever limb/joint needs it or the back. There are also 2 types of generic designs as described below intended for more temporary use for certain joints and conditions only, and depending on severity.

I have been accepted as an affiliate for the company because I can see benefits for my patients alongside Scenar treatment and the StemEnhance Ultra supplement which will support and speed the healing process. With an injury that has created a joint instability, there is always a risk as the injury heals and starts to feel better that the dog will try to do too much too quickly and undo all the work, and potentially make the injury worse than when it started. Bracing the joint to enable exercise will considerably reduce this risk and safeguard the time and expense invested in treatment.

Custom Fit

With a custom fit option, it is made according to your dog's specific size, measurement and needs. As such I think it better supports the functionality of the limb, will be more comfortable and will be less likely to cause any issues. If you have chosen not to go down the surgical route for a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear/rupture then the CCL brace for the affected stifle will stabilise the joint either while a partial tear heals with less risk of aggravating and worsening the injury, or if there is a total rupture it will stabilise the stifle joint for the exercise required to strengthen the muscles which will help stabilise the joint.

There are braces for other joints too. A custom fit will always be preferable for long term use if you can afford it.

Custom joint braces can be made for horses too.

Generic Fit

A generic fit brace isn't made to measure. It might therefore provide less support than a custom fitted brace and might restrict the natural movement slightly. Although not necessarily 100% perfect, It will be better than no joint support as a short term solution to stabilise a joint whilst an injury heals.

Prosthetics

Some dogs will cope well with losing a limb but others won't. Those that cope do so by altering their spinal alignment so that the single leg is placed more centrally. This will have longer term implications for the spine and single leg. A prosthesis enables the spine alignment and weight distribution to be as normal as possible. These are custom made to your dog and can be used for other animals such as sheep, goats etc too.

Trolley

Spinal injury or disease, such as Chronic Degenerative RadiculoMyopathy (CDRM) as is not uncommon in German Shepherd Dogs, weakens the whole hind end to the point where the dog struggles to support itself but is otherwise healthy and happy. A trolley can be used in these cases to take over the role of the back legs.

Links

The products in this category are not stocked and shipped by me. There is a link within each product description to the Animal Ortho Care website where you can order whichever brace is most suitable. Contact me so I can advise you in this decision if you need it.

Braces will be shipped from the USA and may incur import duty. Payments can be spread out to help with affordability.