Vital Feed

We've seen shoes and boots for feet, paws, and hooves.  But can you believe that there are also special “boots” for webbed feet?  Yup, companies like Thera-Paw, Inc. make booties for our feathered friends who are in desperate need of special footwear.  Meet "Enrique"! Photo courtesy Kimberly Washington Enrique is a Southern Rockhopper Penguin who lives at the St Louis Zoo with 19 other...

There are many reasons why a dog might benefit from a leg brace.  Some of the more common 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, valgus (inward bowing) of the wrist Leg injuries...

This awesome article was sent to us by Jeff VerHoef of Canine Mobility who worked with "Leda" the Bouvier. He was interviewed by Kate Poss, the founder and writer for This is Whidbey.  We've talked about how physical therapy, massage, braces, and anti-knuckling devices can help dogs regain mobility.  Now read Leda's story about overcoming severe arthritis and spinal stroke (FCE).  It may "take a...

In veterinary medicine, custom splints and braces are becoming standard practice.  Why is it important to provide custom supports for dogs? First, let's take a look at us - humans.  There are hundreds of different types of splints and braces made for humans.  They come in various ready-made, off-the-shelf sizes (usually from XS to XXL sizes) and are made for practically every part...

The excerpt below is from an article by Drs. Gayle Jaeger and Sherman Canapp on carpal and tarsal injuries in dogs first seen in Clean Run Magazine in 2008.  Though it's an older article, it is well-organized and still relevant.  Carpal (front leg wrist) and tarsal (back leg ankle) injuries are common in larger and more active dogs but can occur in any...