Seeing your beloved pet begin to limp or show signs of pain is stressful. It’s time to go to your vet if you notice your dog favoring one of his front legs over the other or awkwardly lifting one of his front legs. There can be many causes for your dog to limp on his front legs. A proper diagnosis will help you determine the next steps to help cure them.
Choosing the Right Front Splint
Once your vet explains the root cause of your dog’s foreleg weakness, you’ll be better prepared to find the right brace for your pup’s injury. Depending on your dog’s problem, your veterinarian or rehabilitation specialist will advise you on different options and potential medical equipment to help them with treatment. As with the hind legs, there are many other support options for your dog’s front legs and even higher up the leg. Once you’ve been told where your dog’s pain is coming from, you can get the brace or splint that best suits his needs.
What do you want to know:
Before you buy a canine splint, there are a few questions you need to know the answers to!
- Where is the wound on my dog’s front leg?
- Which joint should be supported?
- Does my dog’s front leg need support?
- How long will my dog need to wear a front leg brace?
Not sure? Always ask your veterinarian. It is essential that your dog receives the correct leg support. Choosing the right dog brace means stabilizing the right joint to minimize your dog’s pain and help him heal.
Slipper brace for foreleg and ankle injuries
A Bootie splint is a great option for dogs with an underlying issue causing them pain or weakness in their wrist and leg. This style of brace sits much lower on the leg than other braces. A bootie splint will not ride high on the leg and will simply wrap around the foot and partially above it. This brace does not hinder mobility and since it is smaller than most other leg braces, it is also much lighter. A shoe splint is often recommended for dogs with the following injuries:
- Toe injuries
- When the front leg needs support
- Dogs that hinge or drag their front legs
- Wrist injuries
If your dog has a broken foot or paw injury, the Bootie Splint is the best option. They are also great for dogs that have joint or drag issues, as they will help hold the paw in a proper position without impinging on the flexibility of the carpal joint.
carpal splint
A carpal splint is the best option because the dog’s front leg pain is centralized in the carpal or wrist joint and does not affect the foot. These splints allow the leg to be free but lock above and below the carpal joint or wrist in the front leg to provide support and help stabilization.
If your dog’s problem has nothing to do with the paw, this is a great option as it allows full range of motion in the paw itself. This stylish leg brace leaves the paw free and is beneficial for dogs that don’t like having their paws touched, have sensory issues, or tend to chew. Additionally, a carpal splint or tarsal splint may work with some hoofed animals, such as goats and sheep.
Front splint for lower limb injuries
For dogs whose problem stems from the lower leg and front paw, the front splint is a great option. These splints come in a wide variety of sizes but do just as well. For example, you can find pre-made, adjustable and fully custom-made front braces. Common reasons a pet needs a forehead brace include:
- Ligament and tendon problems
- Arthritis
- Skeletal injuries
A front splint helps heal and stabilize a dog’s injury so they can walk. A front splint encases the leg in a boot and will go over the carpal joint to stabilize the entire lower leg. A full carpal splint will provide the highest level of front leg support.
elbow brace
Of all the braces you might need for a dog with an injured front leg, the most specialized brace they might need is an elbow brace. These splints are most often custom made per dog to properly fit each dog and allow for proper movement towards the elbow. Some elbow injuries may require stabilizing the elbow and making it stiffer, and others require more flexibility while providing support. Elbow braces contain a joint to allow natural movement. Wearing an elbow pad will not affect a dog’s range of motion.
An elbow brace supports upper leg and elbow injuries. A custom-made elbow pad does not fit all dogs. Custom braces can be expensive and time-consuming to manufacture. A fully assisted wheelchair can be a good alternative. The wheelchair support reduces the weight placed on an injured front leg to make walking easier for the dog. Always consult your veterinarian to choose the best mobility aid for your dog.
Splint fit is important
It is essential that your dog’s front leg splint is comfortable for him. A properly fitted brace will gently hug the leg to securely support the front leg without chafing or irritating your dog’s sensitive skin. Always measure your dog’s front leg before ordering a brace. Watch the video below to see the correct way to measure your dog’s front limb.
Conclusion
There are tons of different options available to you and your pet if you are looking for a front leg support brace. There are paw to elbow supports to help. Understanding the benefits of each brace and your dog’s injury will help you choose the right brace for your dog. Remember, if you are unsure of what is right for your pet, your veterinarian or healthcare professional should be happy to help you find the best solution for your pet’s needs.
