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In dogs, resting or walking on top of the paw, also known as paw knuckling, is a concern for owners and can be caused by a number of reasons. The most common of these are neurological problems such as IVDD, DM, nerve damage, wobblers FCE or cancer of the spinal cord. (1)
Dogs with primary brain problems, such as seizure activity, structural abnormalities, tumours or after exposure to a neurological toxin may also develop paw knuckling. Alternatively, musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis and carpal flexural deformities may also cause paw knuckling.
Pets with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions often experience weakened limbs and struggle with paw placement, and this can occur in the front or rear paws, one or both,
Assistive devices such as the Walkin’ Pets No Knuckling Training Socks (also known as Toe-ups) are available to engage proprioception and encourage pets to lift their paws and place them back on the ground without dragging their feet.
This training tool is perfect for helping dogs that struggle with correct paw placement in their front legs!
Help retrain your dog and correct proprioception in their front feet with the Front No-Knuckling Training Sock. Like the popular training sock for the rear, this is perfect for in-home rehabilitative sessions. Enhance your pet’s rehab training sessions and aquatic therapy with either the front or rear No-Knuckling Training Sock.
Dogs that are dragging or scuffing their back paws benefit from the Rear No-Knuckling Training Sock.
This training sock is ideal for in-clinic use by canine rehabilitation professionals. Pet owners can also use it for at-home exercise in between therapy sessions. The training sock is intended for short-term, multiple uses and is an excellent tool to help correct gait and improve hind paw placement.
For those patients that need a little more support on the rear paw, HandicappedPets Australia is also stocking WalkAbout Harnesses The Toe’sUP Walkaboot that helps with ligament injuries, giving assistive tarsal flexion and compensates for sciatic nerve injury.
Two advantages of the boot toe-up over the training sock are that it helps protect against digit or interdigital trauma and can be worn for much longer. Email me for more information on this product (Veterinary health professionals only).
If you have any questions or want to know more about how we can help your patients improve their mobility and enjoy a better quality of life, please contact me.
Over a 35-year veterinary nursing career, Gillian Shippen developed a special interest in animal behaviour enrichment and in 2006 began her business Pets Need A Life Too, dedicated to behaviour enrichment. In 2012 after recognising a growing need in the pet industry, she incorporated mobility aids and in 2020, established HandicappedPets Australia. She believes that pets are family and whether disabled, injured and/or elderly, they deserve to live a happy and healthy life. HandicappedPets Australia offers the largest online selection of products to improve animal mobility. Gillian works with veterinary teams and pet owners to help keep pets mobile, safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy life! Be Happy. Be Together. Be Amazed. Be Moving. Be the Next Miracle.
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