Does My Dog Need a Leg Brace – What I Need to Know

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There are many reasons why dogs may benefit from a leg brace.  Some of these include:

  • Wrist or ankle arthritis or pain (lameness, limping)
  • Injury, sprain, or strain
  • Deviation or deformity of the joint
  • Protection against injury
  • Support for the remaining limb after leg amputation

varus (outward bowing), hyperextension (dropped wrists), valgus (inward bowing) of the wrist

Leg injuries or conditions that are mild or moderate can be effectively managed with braces.  Surgery may be the best option for dogs with severe injuries but some may not be candidates, and braces provide a good alternative.  

When choosing a brace for your dog, there are a few things to consider.  A brace should:

  1. Provide the right amount of support: People might think that “more is better” but that’s not true when it comes to leg braces.  A brace that provides a lot of support or immobilizes the joint can lead to muscle wasting. A stabilizing brace might be needed for a few weeks following a recent injury say, but it is important to switch to a lighter and more flexible one as the dog recovers.  Conversely, a brace that is too flexible might not stabilize the joint well enough for healing to take place. It’s all a matter of trying to find the right balance, and your veterinary professional can help you make the best decision for your pet.
  2. Support the leg well. In general, a front leg brace should cover between 1/2 to 3/4 of the leg, from floor to elbow (see image right). Covering 1/2 the leg provides light support and covering 3/4 of the leg provides heavier support. Leg braces should sit below the elbow so that the elbow can flex completely without interference.
  3. Fit snugly all around the leg – A plastic pipe, like PVC, is very strong but if you slide it over a dog’s leg, it won’t support the leg because it’s not shaped to fit properly. So, a brace that fits the leg well is the most important criteria for providing the right support.
    • The more intimately-shaped (close-fitting) the brace is to your dog’s leg, the better it will support the leg and healing structures.
    • If a brace is not fitted well to the leg, it will slide or spin around the leg and cause rubs or sores. So, when ordering a brace, it’s important to carefully measure your dog.

Let’s take a look at this brace below.  It is a short brace for this particular dog, meaning it doesn’t cover a lot of the leg. So for this dog it provides only a little support, but it might be a good option for short-legged dogs like basset hounds. Regardless of the breed, note that the brace is applied too high up the leg; it does not cover the wrist joint fully and will not help to support this joint. So a brace must be the right size and be applied correctly in order to provide the best support/stability for the dog.

Options for Braces

“Wraps” are lightly-supportive braces made of neoprene or other flexible materials and are useful for:

  • smaller dogs and tiny breeds because they are lighter in weight and less bulky
  • dogs with mild injuries, mild arthritis or pain
  • dogs that have recovered from injury – wraps can be used to prevent re-injury
  • dogs that only need support for a short time (e.g., when participating in high-intensity activities)

Recommendations for off-the-shelf wraps include:

Moderately-supportive braces are also made of neoprene or other flexible materials but have additional supports and are useful for:

  • larger or heavier dogs
  • dogs with mild to moderate wrist injuries or pain
  • dogs that need braces for longer periods, say for chronic issues like degenerative joint disease

Recommendations for off-the-shelf braces include:

Leg splints

Splints are hard plastic braces lined inside with foam padding. Splints are held on the dog’s leg using Velcro straps. Most splints include a paw segment but some newer versions do not. Splints immobilize the joint – the wrist or ankle joints are not able to move inside a splint.  These devices are useful:

  • for dogs that have suffered a recent injury and need time to rest the joint and heal
  • when the dog’s paw is also affected (e.g., digits are splayed or deviated – see image right)
  • when the dog needs a sturdier, stronger device than one made of flexible materials (e.g., for bigger or heavier dogs)

Recommendations for off-the-shelf splints include Orthovet splints.

With splints, it’s really important to measure your dog very carefully since these devices cannot be altered or modified.

Off-the-shelf wraps, braces, and splints can be made to fit better or be more comfortable with self-adhesive padding. Self-adhesive foam padding can be used inside all for added comfort and support. Self-adhesive fleece padding inside a brace helps reduce rubbing and protects thin skin. Lubricating powder is a necessity when splints and braces need to be worn for more than an hour per day. This anti-chafing powder can be sprinkled on the leg before applying the brace; it helps to wick away moisture, reduce redness, and adds a layer of protection to the leg.

The above are off-the-shelf devices that provide an immediate fix.  If your dog does not fit into any of the above braces or needs more specialized help, a custom wrap or brace is recommended.

Custom-made wraps, braces, and splints

Dogs have more variability in their shape and size than ANY other mammal in the world! Yup, it’s true. That’s why a leg brace that fits a 60-lb Basset Hound will never fit a 60-lb Greyhound. For this reason, most off-the-shelf wraps and braces do not fit perfectly or provide the right amount of support. Custom-made leg supports are often recommended for:

  • tiny dogs (where fragile, gentle care is needed)
  • large and giant breeds (where more heavy-duty support is required)
  • dogs with moderate-to-severe injuries or pain
  • long-term use (8 weeks and up)
  • dogs with severe deviations, deformities, skin issues, or other special considerations
German shepherd wearing a custom-made carpal brace, made by Thera-Paw
Custom-made carpal brace by Thera-Paw

Custom-made braces:

  • provide individual fit and support since they are made using the pet’s specific measurements and requirements
  • are lined with memory foam or sheepskin to protect the leg
  • offer the right amount of support, protection, and/or stability
  • have components that allow you to increase or decrease the support as needed
  • Custom-made carpal brace by Thera-Paw

If interested in a custom-made wrist or ankle brace, contact your veterinary professional for assistance.

Custom-made orthotics (hard plastic splints with or without hinges) should also be considered for dogs with moderate-to-severe injuries and those that need long-term care.  Custom orthotics companies can be found here.

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