Sit Down Dog Wheelchairs
Do Back Braces Help Dogs with IVDD?
A herniated disc or IVDD diagnosis can cause canine paralysis, mobility loss, and severe back pain. The support of a dog back brace can help to relieve IVDD back pain and allow pets to stay active longer.
Combining orthopedic support braces with rehab exercises is a conservative way to manage a spinal condition in dogs. It can be an alternative to costly surgery or used to provide additional support during post-operative recovery.
There are numerous reasons why a dog may require a back brace, but it is crucial to comprehend how they function to determine whether your dog would benefit from using one. Only a veterinarian should be recommending a back brace. Back support is not always the best option for a pet.
How Do Dog Back Braces Work?
A dog back brace supports a dog’s spine and surrounding muscles to provide spinal stability and relieve back pain. Although a back brace will not cure IVDD or a disc condition, it can provide comfort and protection to help alleviate your pet’s back pain.
When a pet is healing a disc rupture, they may need a brace that will support the spine and relieve IVDD back pain.
Benefits of a Dog Back Brace
A dog back brace is essential for pets diagnosed with IVDD. Here are a few ways how support can help your dog heal:
- Provide spinal support above and below
- Ease dog back pain
- Stabilize the spine
- Allows you to safely restrict a pet's range of motion
- Alleviate pressure on the spine
IVDD Occurs in Small Dogs, Large Breed Dogs, and Cats!
Although IVDD heavily impacts small breed dogs such as dachshunds, Shih Tzu, and corgis, they are not the only pets at risk for IVDD. Intervertebral Disc Disease also affects large dog breeds and even cats.
Unlike a hard cast, a back brace is flexible. A neoprene brace promotes an active lifestyle by allowing pets to run and play while back muscles remain engaged and working. Because they can still move naturally while wearing the brace, a dog's muscles will not weaken or atrophy. Canine back braces keep a pet’s back fully supported, relieving back pain and aiding dogs dealing with intervertebral disc disease as they heal.
Dog Wheelchairs for IVDD
IVDD paralysis can leave a formerly active dog with only strength in it's upper body, which means dragging or scooting is often the only way for them to get around. In many instances, a dog wheelchair is a better alternative for mobility after a disc herniation. Hind leg weakness and even paralysis are quite common amongst dogs with IVDD. Dog wheelchairs are designed to support a pet's hind legs and help a dog move around when their back leg strength is impacted.
