Prosthetic limbs have been used for human rehabilitation for centuries—with some evidence dating back millennia—allowing people with severe injuries to stand, walk, and function comfortably. Though recent, this same technology is being used in veterinary medicine to help differently abled dogs run and play again.

From prosthetic limbs to full wheelchairs, the technology for animal prosthetics is evolving rapidly. Learn more about the interesting history of dog prosthetics, their uses, and how they help dogs regain their mobility.

History of Leg Prosthetics for Dogs

Some conditions require limb amputation, such as serious injuries or bone cancer. Typically, dogs do well on just three legs, so the affected leg was just amputated, and the dog adapted to their new way of living and moving around.

However, better options slowly emerged in veterinary medicine. Dogs with partial paralysis, for example, couldn’t get by without dragging their lower body around. Wheeled carts—essentially canine wheelchairs—were used to give dogs better mobility, but they can’t replace the function of a real limb.

As the technology evolved, prosthetics became a viable option to replace incomplete limbs and enable better mobility and quality of life. Though dogs can learn to move around with just three legs, they have to support their body differently. The imbalance can put stress on the healthy legs, leading to chronic limb pain, joint degeneration, strains, reduced mobility, and phantom pain—all of which a prosthetic can reduce.

Canine exoprostheses, or prosthetic devices, have been around for about 40 years, but new technology options like 3D printing are greatly expanding the use cases and access for pet owners. Compared to traditional prosthetics, printed prosthetics are lightweight, affordable, and customizable.

How Does It Work?

Dog prosthetics work similarly to human prosthetics to replace missing limbs and help dogs stand, walk, run, and play normally. Each prosthetic is custom-fitted to each dog’s body to come as close to the missing limb as possible.

Like human prosthetics, dogs will need to undergo rehabilitation or physical therapy to ensure the limb fits properly and comfortably. The owner must also learn how to train the dog and show patience as they adjust to the new limb.

What Are the Different Types of Dog Leg Prosthetics?

Dog prosthetics are generally classified into two types: exoprosthetics and endo-exoprosthetics. The former is designed to replace part or all of a missing front leg, while the latter helps with mobility if the dog is missing all or part of a hind leg. Endo-exoprosthetics are more involved and incorporate the prosthesis into the remaining bone (osseointegration), but it’s much less common.

Various materials may be used for dog prosthetics, including plastic polymers, thermoplastics, metal, acrylic resin, carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, and silicone. The combination of materials depends on the prosthetic design and use, customized to the dog’s needs.

Considerations for Dog Leg Prosthetics

The process for dog prosthetics is similar to that for humans. Each prosthetic is tailored to the dog’s build, considering size, weight, height, conformation, and gait. Orthopedists study the dog’s movements and mold a limb that will move like the others to simulate natural mobility as best as possible.

The techniques for prosthetics vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it generally involves making a plaster cast and designing the prosthetic based on images and videos of the dog. The prosthetic can then be built using plastic, metal, or other materials and refined until it’s ideal for the dog.

Not every dog is a suitable candidate for a prosthetic device, however. Age and size are important considerations, as older dogs or very small and very large dogs can encounter more challenges. If there are orthopedic problems in the limb or gait issues, the dog may not benefit from prosthetics. How much of the limb remains and the condition of the remaining joint are important considerations.

Both the dog’s personality and the owner’s commitment are factors as well. If the dog lost the limb a long time ago and has adapted fine to three legs, it may be better to leave them be. They may not accept a new device. In addition, the owner’s commitment to this dog and any other pets, their ability to work with their dog to accept the device, and their patience in following through with rehabilitation should be considered.

Advantages of Dog Leg Prosthetics

Fitting a dog leg prosthetic with a missing limb has numerous advantages, including:

Disadvantages of Dog Leg Prosthetics

While the technology is promising, there are drawbacks to dog leg prosthetics, including:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a dog prosthetic cost?

The costs of a dog prosthetic can vary widely depending on the dog’s size, the limb, the manufacturer, the materials, and the design process. Many devices cost between $600 and $3,000, though they can be much more. There may also be additional costs for surgery and rehabilitation.

Do 3-legged dogs always need prosthetics?

No, not necessarily. Some dogs live long, healthy, and happy lives with just three legs, and not all dogs are ideal candidates for prosthetics. However, the right candidates can see an improvement in mobility, comfort, and quality of life.

How long does it take to get a dog leg prosthetic?

The timeframe for a prosthetic can vary depending on the type of prosthetic, the affected limb, the dog’s size, and the rehabilitation process. The design process itself can take weeks or months; it may take months to adapt to the new limb and learn to move comfortably. If surgery is involved, the process can be much longer.

Conclusion

Dog leg prosthetics are a relatively new development in veterinary medicine and help dogs with missing limbs regain their mobility. While this can be promising for dogs after amputation, not all dogs are a good candidate for a prosthetic leg. There are many factors to consider, so it’s important to work with your vet to determine the best course of action for your dog’s quality of life and well-being.

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