Despite their many differences, custom made and soft dog leg braces both apply for many dog leg injuries such as ACL tear, hip dysplasia, joint instability, and tendon rupture.
Custom made braces for dogs can be used for long or permanent leg injuries. Thankfully, they can also be hinged for better mobility. However, they are expensive, take time to make, and too rigid for minor injuries. Soft leg braces for dogs are usually not recommended by vets as their level of rigidity and support is null but they are affordable and useful to keep the dog leg warm and to protect wounds. Soft dog leg braces with splints are an ideal compromise. They are recommended by veterinarians as the splints grant then enough rigidity to provide strong support when needed. At the same time they remain affordable and easily become suitable for minor injury as well when the splints are removed from the brace.
COMPARE
| CUSTOM MADE DOG LEG BRACE | SOFT DOG LEG BRACE WITH SPLINTS | SOFT DOG LEG BRACE |
| BUDGET: USD 500-1000 Custom made with a rigid hard shell Expensive | BUDGET: USD 80-200 Standard leg proportion in many sizes | BUDGET: Less USD 100 Standard leg proportion in many sizes |
| POSITIVES - Hinged or Not Hinged. - Vet recommended | POSITIVES - Affordable - Adaptable when removing splints. From strong rigid brace to mild support and protection -Easy Maintenance hand wash - Vet recommended | POSITIVES - Affordable - Easy Maintenance hand wash |
| NEGATIVES - Initial Vet fees to do fiberglass cast - Maintenance required foam refurbishment - Not adaptable, only for strong rigid support - Weeks delay to make the brace | NEGATIVES - Hinged absent - unusual leg proportion such as bulldogs do not fit | NEGATIVES -Not Vet recommended -Not adaptable, only for mild support and protection - Hinged absent - unusual leg proportion such as bulldogs do not fit |
| APPLICATIONS For permanent injury - Limb deformity | APPLICATIONS Tendons and ligaments injury - Nerve damage - Joint arthritis- Post-surgery protection | APPLICATIONS Protection wound/skin Keep joints warm |
WHERE TO BUY
Soft leg braces with splints
BALTO dog leg brace is an Italian brand. It can be purchased at Alpha Mobility Online store. Stock available in Italy, the UK, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand
Soft leg braces - No splints
Many brands are available in pet shops and Amazon
Custom made dog leg braces
Many shop available all around the world
