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How Does a Hock or Carpal Brace for Dogs Work?


Derrick Campana

 

Just like you, your dog has a pretty complex anatomy. When he is injured, it's important for you to learn a little bit more about it so you can give him the right solutions. A pet that is limping or otherwise showing signs of a mobility issue may need a carpal brace for a dog

Braces are a fantastic way to support your pet's mobility, either before, after, or instead of surgery. First, let's take a deeper dive into your dog's unique body- especially his hock and carpal joints.

Your Dog's Hock and Carpal Joints

Think of twisting your ankle, and you'll know what it feels like for your dog to have a hock or carpal injury. The hock joint of a small mammal, like a pig, dog, or cat, is equivalent to a human's back ankle joint. The shin (tibia) bone is connected to the hock joint which then joins the talus bone, which is one of the bones of the paw. The fibula bone (splint bone) runs along the full length of the tibia bone. 

Your dog has four legs. The front two "ankles" are the carpal joints and the back two are the hock or tarsal joints. People may sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but technically they are different. Their basic makeup and anatomical functions remain the same. For all intents and purposes, they are an ankle joint.

Do Carpal Braces for a Dog Work?

Any carpal or hock joint instability is a very debilitating condition. This pain is often caused by trauma, like a fight with another dog or being hit by a car. Instability can be due to tearing of ligaments or a fracture of the fibula or bottom of the tibia bone. Osteoarthritis is another common condition affecting this region in dogs. If it is severe, your vet may feel that surgery is needed for the best outcome.

While waiting for surgery day, it is a good idea for your dog to wear a brace. After surgery, your pet will need a brace. Sometimes, in the event of a minor injury or when a pet is not a good candidate for surgery, a carpal brace for a dog is used instead of surgical intervention. A brace provides support. The brace fits the natural angle of the hock to prevent it from hyperextending. Once the joint is supported, your dog can move easily without any additional straining or tearing.

Trust Bionic Pets to Order a Carpal Brace for a Dog

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to ligament tears due to trauma or strenuous activity. The small hock or carpal joints can be particularly vulnerable to injury. Fortunately, there is a fantastic option for your dog. A carpal brace can help treat canine carpal and hock issues so your beloved pet has the best chance to make a full recovery.