Booties for DM dog

Discussion related to the nervous system (spinal cord, brain, or nerves), or other odd neurological issues as they pertain to canine rehabilitation.
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CindyK
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2016 10:41 pm

Booties for DM dog

Post by CindyK »

Are there any 'favorite' booties that you have found for a dog with DM? I am looking for a bootie with traction on the bottom, some proprioceptive input for the foot, and that will stay in place.

lehughes
Site Admin
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Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2015 3:25 pm

Re: Booties for DM dog

Post by lehughes »

Hi Cindy!

So the trouble with the DM dogs is the whole forward progression of the limb. In which case, any bootie could do, but you'd want to wrap theraband around the metatarsals and attache bands to a harness.

I like the boots by Walkin Wheels because they're long and don't get drug off so easily. (I actually purchased a pair for one of my borzoi as a winter boot, because they fit a hound foot! - No neurological deficits though.)

Look for something the protection, rubber, extra durable fabric on the top / over the toes because that's where the wear will occur.

Too clunky or grippy will just make it harder to bring the leg forwards and or get caught on the floor if they can't create enough clearance.

Maybe others will have some different suggestions!

Laurie
LAURIE EDGE-HUGHES

larm40
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri May 31, 2019 3:49 am

Re: Booties for DM dog

Post by larm40 »

Hello Cindy
We use the same booties Laurie is talking about and love them!. Another really neat item is the help em up harness. It is a terrific tool for owners that have dogs that are weak in the back end.
The best part is they have come out with a set of clips that attach to the harness to which you can incorporate TheraBand into to help with rear limb proprioception training. We are currently using it on a neuro patient who has some knuckling on the right rear limb. We started with the band just long enough to avoid the knuckling during treadmill work and we have been gradually shortening it to increase resistance on the limb. He has gotten so much stronger it is amazing and easy to use. The company is terrific to work with too.

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