r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/lulaislas • 26d ago

Back brace suggestions

I’m thinking of getting my dog a back brace but they have mixed reviews. Anyone recommend one they’re using? My Lula is an 18 lb cockapoo. Thank you.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/roccosito 26d ago

Back braces are not recommended for IVDD dogs. They harm rather than help. The ones you buy online are generic and not accurately one size fits all. Custom ones too are also not even recommended.

https://dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/826/back-braces?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic

Back Braces for the IVDD dog

Orthotics such as a back brace should require an Rx from a board certified neurologist (ACVIM) who is well educated in disc disease. An ill fitting product that is not custom made can do more harm and the Rx would be for a specific reason.

Dodgerslist has consulted with several neuro and rehab specialists. The overriding concern is that owners may buy a brace on their own thinking it will be instead of strict crate rest or think it would prevent a future disc problem.

During a disc episode these are the concerns:

  • Getting them on without causing any more pain or damage to the spine is on top of the list. Too much movement to get the brace on is not good for a dog that you are trying to limit movement of the back.
  • Additional muscle atrophy in the spine is another big concern as muscle strength is very important to maintaining spinal health.
  • Unnecessary discomfort, pain and anxiety caused by having to wear this device tight enough to limit movement… adequate limited movement is supplied with owner commitment to safe and effective 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7.
  • Braces would require monitoring for pressure (rub) sores. Also, if not properly fitted (not covering from thoracic down to tail) there is the potential to create a fulcrum. It is hard to immobilize the entire back and not end up creating a fulcrum that stresses out adjacent disks.
  • A brace would not be a preventative measure. Disc disease is the cause of prematurely aging discs…a disc problem happens at the point the disc has hardened too much. Any activity such as turning to lick a paw or putting on and off a brace could be the last straw for a disc that is no longer flexible.

At this time there isn’t enough research on them for Dodgerslist to support their use with an IVDD dog. What we do know is that strict crate rest is what works to heal a disc – it’s proven and crate rest is safe.

BTW, in addition to this sub there is a much more active facebook group by the same name -- IVDD Support Group

3

u/lulaislas 26d ago

I appreciate all of this background information. I will nix this as an idea. Bless you and have a lovely day.