Episode #10
To Brace or Not to Brace: Orthoses in Veterinary Rehabilitation – Part 2: The Pelvic Limb with Dr. Caroline Adrian
How do you know when a dog will truly benefit from a brace? Can a CCL brace for dogs replace surgery? What role does a dog hock brace play after an Achilles tendon injury? In Part 2 of our conversation with canine physical therapist Caroline (Carrie) Adrian, BS, MSPT, PhD, tCPT , we turn our attention to hind limb injuries and conditions and the growing role of canine orthotics in veterinary rehabilitation for the pelvic limb. We begin with a brief review of orthoses for the front limb, trunk stabilization and pelvic/hip support devices before diving into some of the most common indications for hind limb orthoses. Carrie shares how custom orthotic devices can protect healing tissues, improve function, reduce pain, and support mobility in dogs recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or requiring long-term assistance. Just as importantly, we discuss why quality matters. Not all braces are created equal, and poorly designed, poorly fitted, or copycat products may fail to provide appropriate support—or even interfere with healing. Orthoses should always be selected based on a sound diagnosis, patient-specific goals, and careful follow-up. In This Episode: Review of trunk support and hip stabilization options When is a brace the right choice—and when is it not? What can orthoses realistically accomplish? Conservative management with orthoses versus surgery The importance of custom design, fit, and follow-up care Potential complications from poorly fitted devices Why rehabilitation exercises remain essential alongside bracing The risks of knockoffs, copycat devices, and inadequate support Skin management and monitoring during orthosis use Pelvic Limb Topics Covered Trunk, Pelvis & Hip (or coxofemoral joint) Review of trunk stabilization devices Support for hip dysplasia, weakness, and neurologic conditions The role of pelvic support in dogs with mobility deficits How garments facilitate posture and why posture matters for function Stifle (Knee) Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCL/ACL injuries) Three basic choices of care Functional bracing following injury or surgery Why bracing won't help medial patellar luxation (MPL) Meniscal considerations Matching the orthosis to the individual patient Setting realistic expectations for outcomes Tarsus (Hock or ankle) Achilles tendon injuries Graduated Flexion Orthoses (GFO) the balance between allowing appropriate tissue stress to augment healing while protecting healing tissue from reinjury Orthosis Management Skin care and pressure point monitoring Importance of proper fit and ongoing adjustments Gradual acclimation to brace use - the schedule Regular reassessment as healing progresses Key Takeaways Braces are medical devices—not one-size-fits-all solutions. Proper diagnosis and custom fitting are critical for successful outcomes. High-quality canine orthotics can improve mobility, comfort, and healing. Poorly designed or improperly fitted braces may delay recovery or cause additional problems. Rehabilitation remains an essential part of every bracing program. Find Dr. Adrian at CanineIQ.net. Her email is Info@CanineIQ.net Companies and products mentioned during this episode: DogLeggs Hero Braces Thera-Paw WiggleLess® HipLign Whether you're a veterinary rehabilitation professional, veterinarian, technician, student, or devoted pet owner, this episode offers practical guidance on how orthotic devices can help improve mobility, function, and quality of life for canine patients. Thanks for listening to PetAbility Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues and fellow animal rehabilitation enthusiasts. Disclaimer VitalVet.org , a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22 to receive discounts from our affiliates! Jope - science-backed supplements Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework Dr. Buzby’s - Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...
