Carts, Orthotics, and Prosthetics in Veterinary Medicine: Improving Quality of Life for Our Animal Companions

Dr. Cara McNamee

Our pets are members of our families, and we want to ensure that they live long and healthy lives. Unfortunately, sometimes our furry friends may suffer from injuries or illnesses that limit their mobility, causing them to experience pain and discomfort. In such cases, veterinary medicine has a range of tools available to improve the quality of life of our animal companions, including carts, orthotics, and prosthetics. 

Carts 

Carts, also known as wheelchairs or mobility aids, are devices designed to help animals with mobility impairments due to spinal cord injuries, arthritis, or other conditions that affect their ability to move. These devices come in different sizes and configurations to accommodate animals of different breeds and sizes, and can be customized to meet the individual needs of each patient. 

Carts can have multiple benefits. They help to reduce pain and discomfort by allowing the animal to move freely and they can prevent muscle atrophy. Moreover, carts can improve the overall quality of life of animals by enabling them to engage in activities they enjoy, such as walking, running, and playing. Animals must get accustomed to using a cart, and they can only use the cart under supervision. 

Conditions that can benefit from the use of a cart include Degenerative Myelopathy, Intervertebral Disc Disease, or similar conditions that can cause weakness of the hind and/or forelimbs. 

A cart can help pets with injuries or other diseases that may cause weakness or difficulty walking gain some independence.

Orthotics 

Orthotics, also known as braces, are devices designed to support and protect the limbs of animals with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions such as arthritis. Orthotics can be used to correct limb deformities, provide stability to injured joints, and reduce pain and inflammation. They come in different sizes and shapes to fit different body parts, and can be custom-made to meet the specific needs of each patient. 

The benefits of orthotics for animals are significant. They help to improve mobility and reduce pain, and they can prevent further injury or deterioration of affected limbs. Additionally, orthotics can improve the overall quality of life of animals by allowing them to be more active without further injuring themselves. 

Orthotics work best if created by custom measurements for each patient, and pets must get accustomed to the device over time to help prevent further injury or bandage sores. Physical rehabilitation can help a pet get the most out of their use of an orthotic. 

Conditions most amenable to use of an orthotic include soft tissue injuries such as tendon or ligament strains/tears and hyperextension injuries. 

A special device can take precise measurements of the pet’s limb so that we can create a custom made orthotic or prosthetic to help increase mobility after an injury.

Prosthetics 

Prosthetics, also known as artificial limbs, are devices designed to replace missing or damaged limbs of animals. Prosthetics can be used to restore mobility and function to animals that have lost limbs due to injury or disease. They come in different sizes and configurations to fit different body parts, and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each patient. 

The benefits of prosthetics for animals are significant. They help to improve mobility and function, and they can prevent further complications such as muscle atrophy and joint deformities in the other limbs. Prosthetics can be challenging to fit, and require custom measurements. Animals need time to get used to prosthetics, and rehab can help them develop an appropriate gait in their new limb. 

Conditions that benefit most from prosthetics are amputations and limb deformities.  

Prosthetics can help dogs and cats that have had limb amputations or limb deformities maintain better mobility and suffer from less compensatory injuries over time.

Learn more about assistive devices here!

Conclusion 

Carts, orthotics, and prosthetics are valuable tools in veterinary medicine that can help to improve the quality of life of animals with mobility impairments. These devices can reduce pain and discomfort, promote healing and rehabilitation, and enable animals to engage in activities they enjoy. If you have a furry friend that could benefit from these devices, don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian to explore your options. With the right tools and care, we can help our animal companions live happy, healthy lives.