Shoulder Stabilization

DogLeggs have proven to be a successful part of treatment for shoulder stabilization for both post surgical and non-surgical patients. Standard Length Adjustable DogLeggs are used as "part" of the DogLeggs' Shoulder Stabilization System. Before placing your order, please follow measurement instructions for Standard Length Adjustable DogLeggs.

The DogLeggs' Shoulder Stabilization System is only available by veterinary prescription. DogLeggs MUST have either a fax'd, e-mailed or phoned prescription directly from the clinic/veterinary professional, for the Shoulder Stabilization System and cannot be ordered on-line. Standard and Full Length Adjustable DogLeggs do not require a prescription and can be ordered on line.

We require that the first time the Shoulder Stabilization System is placed on the patient it is done by a veterinary professional. This is to ensure that the hobble strap is adjusted to the right length for each patient and is providing the right amount of support without over restricting gait.

DogLeggs' Shoulder Stabilization System includes:

• 1 pair - Standard or Full Length Adjustable DogLeggs - $107.50
• 1 - Shoulder Stabilization System...Hobbles - $28.50
• Plus Shipping

Please feel free to call DogLeggs for details: 800-313-1218

Why do we require a prescription?

Because the product will affect the movement, gait and joint mobility of the animal, a veterinarian must be an active partner with DogLeggs and the animal's caretaker, in the animal's healing.

A prescription, can be as simple as a phone call from the veterinarian or physical therapist, a fax or an email detailing patient's first and last name, breed, age, diagnosis (specific), requirement for specific product.

Prescription Form

Why do we ask the health questions?

Each of the conditions we ask about create an environment where the skin of the animal breaks down quickly if rubbed by a product. The answers affect our choice of appropriate product design and size of product.

Cuddles The Ferret
click to play video

DogLeggs Video

View several videos of DogLeggs as part of treatment for shoulder stabilization.  Click here to view the videos on YouTube.

Article

Rotator Cuff Injury in Performance Dogs,
By Sherman O. Canapp, Jr., DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS and Ria Acciani, MPT
Click Here For Report (PDF)

Photos courtesy of
Dr. Sherman Canapp Jr., DVM, MS
Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Application immediately following RF surgery.  Patient is still under general anesthesia.

Post-op RF treatment for MSI

Small Breed post-op RF treatment for MSI

Rocky - Magnolia Setter

Rocky is available for adoption!

Magnolia Setter Rescue
http://www.setterrescue.org/

Hershey

"It has now been about two months since Hershey has had his dogleggs.  I can't imagine what he/us would have done without them. Attached are a couple of photos taken today (Dec. 17th) that will show you how well he is doing.

One of the photos is quite blurry.  But, I send it to you because of how well you can see the dogleggs are working.   Without the dogleggs, Hershey's right elbow sticks out like a chicken leg. You can see in this photo that his right leg is straight...just the way it is suppose to be! He has much greater confidence with them on than without. And, we really can't imagine what we would do without these and what quality of life Hershey would have had. Given that he is 14 1/3 year old Springer, a cancer survivor, and has spondylosis in his back end as a result of 14 years of springing...he is doing just great.

We put them on every morning when he first wakes up and take them off after he climbs into bed at night.  Other than wearing off some of the feathers on his front legs where they attach with velcro...he doesn't mind them at all.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

Catherine and Hershey

SugarBear Las Vegas, NV

Preliminary Evaluation of Shoulder Abduction Restraints (DogLeggs).
Randall Fitch, Don Piermattei. Veterinary Specialists of  Northern Colorado
201 W 67th Ct. , Loveland, CO 80538
(970)-278-0668 Fax: (970) 663-6273 e-mail: rbfitch@msn.com

Letter From Randall Fitch, Don Piermattei at Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado

We are in the development phase of a new neoprene-polyester shoulder restraint device that has been very successful in our patients over the last year. These restraints are currently being used in patients with medial shoulder instability. Three subgroups of patients with medial shoulder instability have been treated successfully at this time: 1) patients managed conservatively 2) patients treated through arthroscopic radiofrequency medial capsular shrinkage and 3) patients treated with medial surgical reconstruction and stabilization. T

he restraint device consists of removable neoprene/polyester sleeves that attach over the shoulders of the patient and Velcro securely to each forelimb. An additional chest strap can then be applied to secure the device to the patient. Presently we are using 1-2 inch double-sided Velcro strips as a hobble strap to attach to the limbs together. Two Velcro strips are used to form the hobble strap, the first is in a circumferential manner around both elbows (which have Velcro attachment) followed by a perpendicular wrap securing the strap. We are limiting the elbow to elbow distance to 6-8 inches dependent on the size of the patient.

Most patients are able to bear weight immediately and adapt rapidly to the restraints. The restraints limit abduction, flexion and extension of the shoulder, but allow weight-bearing. The patient’s gait is altered with a short limited stride, but they can be worn continuously for several weeks to months with minimal irritation (much less complication than previous slings and hobbles that we have tried). In patients that have undergone arthroscopy, the restraints can be worn immediately. In patients that have undergone surgical reconstruction, we place these patients in a Velpeau for 2-4 weeks followed by the abduction restraints for another six weeks of continuous wear.

Many notable advantages are evident with this restraint as follow: 1) less bandage irritation, 2) can be worn for longer periods, 3) requires less frequent bandage changes and adjustments, 4) owners can adjust or remove and replace, 5) allows easy removal for physical therapy, 6) feasible to use with patients who live great distances from your clinic, 7) washable, 8) less technical difficult than other bandages, 9) less muscle atrophy with the ability to provide rehabilitation with controlled use of the limb. The abduction restraints can be used for several months, however it does alter gait and it is not intended to be worn permanently.

Our follow-up evaluation at this point indicates that patients can wear these “continuously” for ten weeks (we haven’t had a reason to maintain them any longer than that). It appears that removal of the restraints every two weeks for washing, repositioning and grooming of the limbs is beneficial in maintaining the restraints for longer periods. With the present design, removal is most easily achieved by removal of the device at the Velcro connection dorsally over the back. However, design changes to be incorporated include a more permanent connecting hobble strap, since in some patients it is difficult to thread their feet back through the leg sleeves.

Presently additional modifications are being planned including a more permanent hobble strap between the elbows and an additional available strap through the axilla. The hobble strap can easily have some elasticity incorporated and length can be altered through recovery, although it has been very essential to this point. The limb conformation appears acceptable for most breeds. The neoprene-polyester material provides good comfort, wear and adaptability especially in fit. We are seeking you input and advice. We can provide client questionnaires.

Leggs are available from Jorgensen Laboratories 970-669-2500 Toll Free: 800-525-5614

Annie, 9 year-old Toy Poodle

Hi!  Attached are photos of Annie in her Dogleggs.  We followed-up with a phone call today.  Her owner says "It's a miracle!"  Annie is now walking and trying to run.  She has decreased pain medications and is still able to keep her on a low dose of prednisone.  So far so good.  She's walking both in the DogLeggs and without them without a problem since last Monday.  I'll keep you updated!  Maybe a few more cases such as this will show that your product is helpful for more than just hygromas.  Thanks for all of your help!

Amie, Mid-Atlantic Animal Specialty Hospital, Huntingtown, MD

Kasey Eckholm, Lafayette, Ca

Kasey has shoulder instability and weakness, DogLeggs are used to help stailize her shoulders as well as treating a hygroma Kasey developed on one of her elbows. Casey also has Cushings Disease. Kasey has both a Full Length and Standard Length pair of DogLeggs.

Chili Minash, Madison WI.

Ollie Kipp, Eagle WI