7 Conditions that Can Benefit from Custom Braces Without Surgery
Mobility plays a large part in your pet’s happiness and health. When your pet loses its mobility, either gradually or suddenly, it can be detrimental to their outlook on life. It use to be that these cases required surgery to correct these issues, but the evolution of 3D technology and numerous advances in the animal orthotics field have allowed for our cutting edge team to create various tools and technologies to help pets regain their mobility without the need for invasive and costly surgery.
There are numerous reasons why some pets can’t have surgery. When it comes to surgery one needs to weigh the benefits gained against the risks to perform the procedure to analyze whether an animal should undergo the procedure or not. Some animals are not surgical candidates due to preexisting medical conditions or age. Others may find that expensive surgeries are not obtainable on their budget, for those who fit into either of these categories finding alternatives to surgery that are effective can be difficult.
Common Conditions That Used To Require Surgery
20 years ago, most accidents and illnesses that affected your pet’s mobility required surgery but today Animal Ortho Care is creating custom brace solutions to help pets and their owners avoid the stress of surgery. The following conditions are some of the most common conditions that pet owners can treat with Animal Ortho Care braces. Here are just a few of the many conditions that can be helped with the use of Custom Braces.
1. Angular Limb Deformity
Angular Limb Deformities are a pathological abnormality which means that it is a disorder it is an aggressive and excessive warping of the spatial alignment of any limb. Some breeds that are shorter in stature are more prone to developing Angular Limb Deformity such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, and the Lhasa Apso; but Angular Limb Deformities can affect any breed of dog or species of animal. A custom brace can be used to realign the bones in your pet’s legs and increase joint flexibility.
2. Carpal Hyperextension
If you enjoy playing sports or are an avid gym goer you’ve probably heard a coach or instructor warn you about hyperextending your knees; did you know that animals need to worry about the same thing? A carpal hyperextension occurs when a joint or muscle in the wrist has been extended beyond its normal range of motion. Unlike human hyperextension, animals will commonly overextend their carpus - more commonly known as their wrist. Typically, carpal hyperextension presents itself in young animals, after a trauma, or in elderly animals. Custom Dog Wrist Braces can be used to reign in the range of motion that an animal can use, leading to a stronger and more supported range of motion.
3. Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is the most common cause of forelimb lameness in large and giant-breed dogs including Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chow Chows, Collies, and Newfoundlands. But it should be noted that elbow dysplasia can affect any four-legged pet. Elbow dysplasia usually has a very sudden onset and can be present in animals starting at a very young age. Animal Ortho Care's Custom Dog Elbow Braces are the perfect solution to your pet’s elbow dysplasia issues.
4. Partial Ligament Tears
If your pet suddenly starts limping, one of the most common causes is a partial ligament tear. The most commonly torn ligament is the CCL, or the dog version of the ACL. Some pets are more at risk than others for partial ligament tears; if your pet is overweight, has been spayed or neutered too young, is a large or giant breed dog, or is a breed or species that has longer legs, than it is at an exaggerated risk for partial ligament tears. Partial ligament tears, such as a CCL tear, can be treated by using a Custom Dog Knee Brace to limit your pet’s range of motion.
5. Luxating Patella
A patellar luxation, put simply, is when an animal dislocates their kneecap (patella). A luxating patella can be the result of either a genetic predisposition or a sudden trauma. Females are more likely to dislocate their kneecaps than males. In some cases, a patellar luxation can be a one-time occurrence, whereas other animals can suffer from chronic patellar luxation. Animals suffering from a luxating patella will commonly skip or exhibit hindlimb or sudden lameness. By using a Custom Dog Knee Brace, you can keep your pet’s kneecap where it belongs.
6. Arthritis
Custom braces can be used to ease the pain and further degeneration associated with chronic arthritis. While typically displayed in older animals, some younger pets can show signs of arthritis including lameness, lessened mobility, and activity, or stiffness in his/her gait. Large breeds and species are more likely to develop arthritis. Custom Braces can be used to lessen the effects of arthritis for your pet by offloading the joint and padding the area.
7. Hip Dysplasia
Animals young or old can be affected by Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia typically occurs when the hip joint has failed to develop normally, but can be caused by chronic degeneration of the hip socket. This condition may be present when no other conditions are present, or it can accompany degenerative conditions such as Osteoarthritis. Custom Dog Hip Braces can be used to manage your pet’s hip dysplasia.
Avoid Surgery One Step at A Time
Whether your pet is not a surgical candidate or you are looking for a more natural way to help address their health concerns, Animal Ortho Care has a brace for you. When working with Animal Ortho Care, you’ll receive individualized care and treatment. Our innovative team is continually pushing the limits of what’s possible when it comes to the orthotics field. With over 10 years of experience our team has seen just about everything; we’re ready to help your furry family member regain their mobility and avoid the scalpel.
