The need for support
Taituki is suitable for long-term use because the support activates muscles and gives confidence for movement. The products are also suitable before and after the operation to ensure the dog’s healing. Taituki provides a solution for the rehabilitation or prevention of most joint problems while maintaining the dog’s mobility.
Taituki in the treatment of dog lameness
Taituki is our own Finnish brand, which includes various aids: knee supports, wrist braces, hock braces and Ahchilles tendon braces as well as shoulder and elbow joint supports.
Features:
- gives stability to the foot without limiting the normal range of motion
- is easy to put on and take off with Velcro to keep well in place
- is durable and washable
- maintains the natural function of muscles and ligaments
Professionals for help
Veterinarian
In practice, there is always a reason for limping, and finding it is best done by an expert. Sometimes X-rays are also needed to clarify the situation. It is not worth guessing the reasons for limping, because the cause of the problem is usually not clear. It is worth doing a lameness examination at a veterinarian.
Physiotherapist
We offer physiotherapy in Finland, but see your local therapist. Physiotherapy can be started when the dog’s ailment is clear. The dog can use the brace while making the different exercises. Be carefull, start with slow walks of 10-15 minutes 3-4 times a day. Increase the time and distance about 5 minutes every week. Most tendon and ligament injuries take 2-3 months to recover. It helps, if the dog gets the brace as early as possible, so the problem can not get worse.
More information about the dog’s limping
Limping is usually a sign of pain in either the lame leg or sometimes also in the back (radiating pain to the leg). The limp leg is easiest to distinguish from other legs when the dog is standing: the sore leg is slightly further, sideward, or twisted outward in comparison with the adjacent leg. Take also a look at the paws: if the toes are well on ground they look different from the paw which is hardly bearing any weigh at all.
- Back leg pain: If you ask your dog to sit, and he has a knee injury, you will notice that he sits with his sore leg on the side and does not bend it properly. When the dog is standing, you can notice that the sore hind leg is only on the toes on the ground. If you gently lift the leg, lifting the sore leg will feel light compared with a healthy leg for which the dog will reserve more weight.
- Front leg injury: the dog limps while walking by kneeling slightly forward and the head rises as the sore leg steps. Look closely at the dog’s front legs in the standing position. Whether the toes look alike on both paws, whether the wrist joint is of equal thickness, whether the position of the foot is similar on both legs. Check the dog’s paw base to find sticks, pine needles, etc. If the sole of the paw is intact, but the lameness persists, then the effort must be closely monitored.
- Swollen wrist: Watch your dog’s front legs from time to learn what kind of structure is on his wrists. If the wrist has been bent down since the puppy was born, it may cause problems and deceive more with age.
If limping starts suddenly outside, it is always a good idea to check the dog’s paws to find sticks, pine needles, etc. If the sole of the paw is intact but limping continues, the cause of the problem must be determined.
Suitable support for your dog
Once the ailment is localized and the treatments are clear, it is easy to choose the right support. If you are wondering about the choice of support, we are here to help with questions related to Taituki. Please contact us if you have any questions about the choice of suitable support or whether it is suitable for your dog. Please note that insurance companies usually replace Taituki orthosis when it is used to treat post-operative or ligament injury.