Modern prosthetics give amputee dogs the ability to walk, run, and play again. This guide covers types of artificial limbs, fitting, care tips, and more.
In the past, injury or illness sometimes forced dogs to have limbs amputated, condemning them to a lifetime of immobility.
People often chose euthanasia instead. Nowadays, major technological and engineering advances make it possible to fit these dogs with prosthetics. The devices allow them to lead full, happy, and active lives. Let’s take a look at today’s prosthetics for amputee dogs, and the positive impact they’re having on canines everywhere.
How have prosthetics for dogs evolved?
Early versions of prosthetics for dogs were ungainly and awkward. They could be uncomfortable and heavy, and hampered full mobility. Today, manufacturers make prosthetics from lightweight but durable materials. They are no longer bulky and cumbersome, and are more precisely fitted to the dog.
Whether your dog needs a whole or p, there is a design to suit her needs. Custom-made prosthetics are designed to fit her individual needs, providing support and balance.
“Prosthetics are revolutionizing care for amputee pets,” says veterinarian Dr. Sabrina Kong. “Today’s solutions go far beyond simple peg legs. They encompass advanced partial-limb prosthetics designed for dogs with specific residual limb lengths, and even full-limb ‘body jacket’ systems for higher amputations. They’re crafted from lightweight yet durable polymer blends, and balance flexibility with strength.
“Utilizing data from CT or MRI scans, engineers can create precisely tailored digital models, unique to each pet’s body,” she adds. “The models are used to layer biocompatible thermoplastics into porous, breathable structures. This entire process once took weeks. Now it takes mere days and reduces reduces costs by 50% compared to traditional methods.”
Prosthetic designers create devices for full limb amputations as well as partial leg amputations from the knee or ankle. They come in many styles. Some mimic the blades human amputee athletes use in competitions. Others are 3D printed, while more mechanical “sci-fi” versions feature shock-absorbing capabilities and a flat surface for the foot.
Does my dog have to be specially fitted for a prosthetic?
The veterinarian must properly fit the prosthetic to the dog for optimal comfort and mobility. After her limb is amputated and the wound has healed, the process of building a personalized prosthetic begins with the help of a veterinarian. A plaster cast or digital scan is the first step to get the right proportions for both the dog and the prosthetic. The manufacturer creates and modifies a mold, then builds the prosthetic from it.
For active dogs, a prosthetic isn’t just a one and done proposition. She could have one style for indoor use and another for outdoors.
While not technically a prosthetic, wheelchairs are another way to give dogs back their mobility after amputation, or in cases of limb or hindquarter paralysis. As with prosthetics, though, a wheelchair should be correctly fitted to the dog in question.
Will my dog adapt to wearing her prosthetic?
At first, the dog wears the prosthetic for short periods to help her adjust physically. She also needs time to get used to the idea that this strange device makes walking and running easy again. The dog needs two to six weeks of therapy to rebuild muscle memory.
One way to help a dog adjust to a prosthetic is through the Feldenkrais Method. Practitioners of this modality use guided movements to improve flexibility and posture. This approach is especially helpful for dogs adapting to a prosthetic. The gentle touches stimulate the nervous system to encourage development of new neural pathways. For prosthetic wearers, Feldenkrais helps the brain adapt to new movement patterns. It also works to maximize recovery and long-term well-being.
How do I care for my dog’s prosthetic?
If your dog is young and still growing, you’ll need to schedule regular follow-ups to replace the prosthetic as her body changes. Whatever her age, keep the joint dry and clean the limb regularly, especially in warm weather. Change the socket liner every six to eight months. When your dog is ready for a nap, remove the prosthetic to give her body a chance to rest.
Some dogs will experience phantom limb pain (PLP). This phenomenon is not imaginary. When humans have a limb amputated, they can sometimes feel pain in the arm or leg that’s no longer there. There’s evidence dogs do too. Since they don’t understand or see the cause of the pain, it can cause anxiety. Talk to your vet if you think your dog is suffering from phantom pain. They can prescribe or recommend a supplement or remedy to help her feel better and calmer.
Don’t panic if your dog needs a limb amputation, for whatever reason. The days when euthanasia might have been the only option are gone. Talk to your vet about prosthetics for amputee dogs. A well-designed and properly fitted prosthetic will have your dog running, playing, and enjoying life again before you know it!
Max – a case report
Andrew Lokenauth’s German Shepherd mix, Max, was severely injured after getting tangled in old fencing. Amputation below the knee was the only option. After surgery, Max developed spinal issues from uneven walking, so his vet recommended a prosthetic. Now he tears around the dog park so fast that people often don’t notice anything different about him until Andrew points it out!
Your pet insurance company may cover prosthetics
Custom-made prosthetics aren’t cheap. However, many pet insurance companies will cover the cost of custom-made prosthetics if an accident or illness caused the dog’s amputation. Most often, the policy holder pays for the prosthetic and is then reimbursed.
Whether or not prosthetics are covered depends on the company and the policy, so you’ll need to do some homework. Also, as with humans, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered.
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The dog needs two to six weeks of therapy to rebuild muscle memory.
The veterinarian must properly fit the prosthetic to the dog for optimal comfort and mobility.
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Sandra Murphy
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