Custom Orthotics for Dogs and Cats
An orthotic is a brace: a device worn on the outside of the leg or back to support, align or protect a joint that isn't working properly. We cast, build and fit custom braces for pets across Southern California, working alongside your veterinarian.
Braces We Make
Knee (Stifle) Brace
Designed to stop the shin bone sliding forward when the knee ligament is torn — the AP (anteroposterior) instability behind most dog knee injuries.
Common reasons:
- CCL (ACL) tears
- Kneecap (patellar) luxation
- Support before or after surgery
Ankle (Hock) Brace
Props the heel back up when the Achilles tendon or ankle ligaments can no longer hold it.
Common reasons:
- Achilles tendon injuries
- A dropped hock
- Hind-paw knuckling
Wrist (Carpal) Brace
Holds the wrist and toes in a supported position so the front paw lands the right way up.
Common reasons:
- Front-paw knuckling from nerve injury
- Carpal hyperextension
- Three-legged dogs
Elbow Brace
Limits painful twisting and wobble of the elbow while still letting the leg fold.
Common reasons:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Hygroma protection
Back (Spinal) Brace
Supports the spine to limit painful movement while your dog recovers.
Common reasons:
- IVDD management
- Spinal injury
- Support after back surgery
Orthotics or Prosthetics?
The two get mixed up. An orthotic supports a leg your pet still has, one that is injured, weak or unstable. A knee brace for a torn ligament is an orthotic. A prosthetic replaces part of a leg that is missing, after an amputation or from birth.
Pet orthotics has to work with four-legged movement and a huge range of sizes, from a five-pound Chihuahua to a 150-pound Great Dane, which is why each device is built from a mold of the individual animal.
Problems a Custom Brace May Help With
Torn knee ligament (CCL, the dog's ACL)
One of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Surgery is often recommended; a custom knee brace is an option when surgery isn't, and can support the knee before or after an operation. If surgery is off the table, see how dogs recover from an ACL tear without surgery.
Nerve injury and knuckling
When a nerve stops working, the paw can fold under and drag. A brace holds the paw in position and protects it from wear, in the front leg or the back leg.
Degenerative myelopathy
A slowly progressing spinal cord disease that weakens the hind legs, common in German Shepherds, Corgis and Boxers. There is no cure; bracing is designed to support the legs and limit paw dragging so dogs stay mobile for longer.
Arthritis and worn-out joints
In older pets, a brace can steady a stiff or unstable joint during walks. It doesn't reverse arthritis, but support may make staying active more comfortable.
Recovery after surgery
A brace can protect a surgical repair and limit harmful movement while your pet returns to activity.
Custom Brace or Off-the-Shelf?
Custom orthotic
Built from a cast of your pet's leg, designed for the specific problem, and fitted and adjusted in person. The choice for torn ligaments, collapsing joints and nerve injuries.
Off-the-shelf brace
Standard sizes from pet stores and online. May be fine for mild soreness, but a generic fit can slip or rub and usually can't stabilize a serious injury.
Weighing up cost? Our guide to what dog braces cost covers typical industry ranges for both.
How Getting a Brace Works
- Diagnosis from your veterinarian. A brace is designed around a specific diagnosis, so it starts with your vet.
- Evaluation. We assess your pet in person and tell you whether a brace is likely to help.
- Casting. A mold is taken of the leg at home or at your vet's clinic.
- Fabrication and fitting. The brace is built from the mold, then fitted in person, with adjustments while we watch your pet walk.
- Follow-up. We adjust the brace as your pet heals or their needs change.
Good candidates have a clear diagnosis, healthy skin where the brace sits, and a temperament that will accept wearing it. Veterinarians can also partner with us and handle casting and fitting themselves.
Not Sure Which Brace Your Pet Needs?
Tell us about the diagnosis and we'll point you to the right option. Contact us for pricing and partnership information.
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