Elbow Support Brace: Designed to Help Your Dog Through a Broad Range of Conditions

What is an Elbow Brace For Dogs?

A custom elbow brace for dogs is a medical device that helps support and offload the elbow joint due to injury, elbow dysplasia, and osteoarthritis. The device is typically made from semi-rigid materials that maintain the suspension of your dog's limb without straps or harnesses. A custom brace provides a snug fit that reduces a tendency for rubbing or causing skin irritations.

When is it Time to Use an Elbow Brace?

The most common conditions for consideration of an elbow brace are dynamic luxation (dislocation) and osteoarthritis. It's essential to see your veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Symptoms that a dog might need an elbow brace include:

Lameness or an altered gait
Swelling of the area
Malalignment
Slow to get up from lying down
The site is painful to the touch
The dog appears uncomfortable walking or moving

How to Use a Dog Brace to Treat Elbow Ailments

Because the elbow brace controls your pet's range of motion, it supports the joint while allowing for healing. When using a brace, it's essential to consult with your veterinary professional about the use of a brace and how long your dog should wear it.

What are the Key Benefits of Using an Elbow Brace for Dogs?

A custom elbow brace can help alleviate pain and provide support. Take Lucy, for example, a 1-year-old hound mix from Massachusetts. Lucy was diagnosed with bilateral elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis. After Lucy's mom contacted OrthoPets, Lucy was outfitted with fabricated customized bilateral elbow devices to provide her with additional support to stabilize the front legs and the elbow joints.

The key benefits of a dog elbow brace are to:

1. Restrict rotation at the elbow. The elbow comprises three bones (humerus, radius, and ulna). When the radius and ulna rotate around the humerus, the motion can cause pain in an arthritic joint.

2. Restrict frontal plane movement. These movements are subtle, sideways movements and do not contribute to causing pain as much as rotational movements.

3. Limit the joint motion to the most comfortable range. An elbow brace will limit flexion and extension to the most comfortable range without causing further injury and pain. The device's design will allow controlled movement within specific parameters to inhibit the pain caused by end-range flexion.

What Are the Instructions for Wearing an Elbow Brace?

For your dog to heal, it's essential to follow the veterinarian-provided instructions when using a custom-made elbow brace for dogs.

Make sure that your dog wears the brace for the prescribed amount of time
Check the fit of the device to ensure that it isn't rubbing or causing a skin irritation
Follow up with regular appointments with your veterinary professional to see if adjustments are needed
Clean the device as needed and recommended by product guidelines

6 Important Considerations Before Using an Elbow Dog Brace

Only some dogs are good candidates for an elbow orthotic. Deep-chested breeds with a short humerus (upper arm) or obese dogs are not good candidates because the device can't properly be fitted.

If you're considering an elbow brace for your dog, there are things to consider beforehand:

Device design is critical to a successful treatment. Looking for specific components that allow your dog to use the limb as close to normal as possible is essential. A design featuring articulation or hinging is ideal for achieving this.
The device must be put on and removed daily. The apparatus stabilizes the elbow and should be worn following the provided schedule.
Expect that adjustments will be needed and are a normal part of the process. The elbow device is customized to fit your dog, and every effort is made to provide an accurate fit. It's essential to follow the provided instructions regarding monitoring the leg.
Make sure that you follow up with appointments as needed. Part of a successful rehabilitation will include a dedication to checking in with your veterinary professional to see if adjustments are required and to see if your dog is achieving healing and mobility goals.

Rehabilitation takes adaptation and dedication. Your dog will need to adjust to wearing an orthosis regularly. Teach them basic skills to assist in the process, such as sitting, lying down, and getting up. You might consider working with a certified canine rehabilitation professional (CCRT or CCRP.)

Take a proactive approach toward managing your pet's arthritis. Successful pain management is a crucial component to your pet's achieving healing and mobility goals. It's essential to consult with your doctor for an individualized and inclusive pain management plan. Osteoarthritis can develop if the joint is injured rather than just a ligament. Early prevention will go a long way toward your dog living an active life well into the senior years.

Do You Need to Restrict Your Dog's Activity?

When your dog wears the elbow brace, it's important to restrict activity levels for the first few weeks. You should limit walks to 10-15 minute intervals, two to three times daily, for the first 2-3 weeks.

Walks can be gradually increased as your dog learns to tolerate the brace. Since the brace is waterproof, it can be worn swimming, which is a great low-impact form of exercise. You should apply a sock over the brace to cut down on drag.

How to Keep the Brace Clean

The brace is easy to clean using a washcloth and mild soapy water. Ensure all soap residue is removed and the brace is thoroughly dry before putting it back on your dog. A wire brush can remove dirt and hair from the Velcro.

Fitting of the Brace

The fit must be correct when putting on your dog's brace. This is more easily accomplished with the dog standing or lying down during the fitting.

The inside of the brace must be powdered with cornstarch or baby powder daily.
Position the dog's leg in the brace with the paw flat on the brace with the limb back into the brace.
Straps should not be too tight.
Tighten the middle strap.
Make sure the pads are centered on your dog's leg.
Check the fit of the brace by ensuring that no part is rubbing on the bones of the leg.
Removing the Brace - simply unhook the velcro of the bottom, middle, and top strap.

Additional Adjustments and Modifications

During the fitting process, adjustments may be needed to obtain the most precise and comfortable fit. Sometimes, these become obvious once the brace has been worn for several weeks. Please contact your veterinary professional or the OrthoPets team if adjustments are needed.

Finding the Best Dog Elbow Brace

A one-size-fits-all approach might work with some things but not with dog elbow braces. When it comes to a custom-fitted elbow brace, it is essential to find a reputable company with staff experienced in veterinary orthotics. Seek a company that has a proven reputation.

Critical components of a dog elbow brace:

Constructed of quality materials that provide durability and performance
Scientifically backed technology that works effortlessly for the patient
Custom design based on your dog's specifications and measurements
Expert assistance and instruction were provided from start to finish with the process

OrthoPets Provide Pet Restorative Care Through Custom Bracing!

OrthoPets designs custom-made orthotics and prosthetics to help pets recover from injury, improve functionality, and enjoy an active life. Whether it's for a knee, elbow, or ankle injury, OrthoPets has a solution. With a team of veterinary specialists, 3D technologists, and engineers working together, you'll be able to find a custom brace to fit your pet's needs. Our products are made from durable, high-quality waterproof material so your furry friend can still get into the water.

Help Keep Your Pets Active with OrthoPets

Ensuring your pet's quality of life is part of being a responsible pet owner. Providing them with natural support to aid pain management or healing from an injury sometimes means investing in medical technology to achieve mobility goals.

If your dog is experiencing elbow pain from an injury, dysplasia, or arthritis, OrthoPets can guide you toward selecting the right elbow brace. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to help and get your pet fitted for the perfect brace. Contact us today, and get your dog moving in the right direction.