Laurie's Blogs.
Mar 2025
Back Braces for Dogs - A Research Study and Resources
The study “Effect of a Corset on the Gait of Healthy Beagle Dogs,” authored by Takamasa Itoi and colleagues from Okayama University of Science, in collaboration with Daiya Industry Co., Ltd., explores the potential benefits of the Anifull Dog’s Corset Pro—a device designed to support canine spinal stability. Published in Animals (2021), this research investigates whether this corset can enhance trunk stability without disrupting normal gait, a question with significant implications for managing intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and aiding post-surgical rehabilitation in dogs.
The team enlisted five healthy Beagles and employed advanced kinematic and kinetic analyses, using motion capture and force plates to assess gait parameters. The corset, constructed from breathable mesh with 2-mm dorsal resin plates and a 5-mm cushion, was tested during trotting sessions, with results compared to a no-corset baseline. Key findings? Walking speed remained consistent at approximately 2 m/s across conditions, indicating no hindrance to mobility. However, the corset significantly reduced the back’s horizontal range of motion (ROM) in the coronal plane—from 7.21° to 3.05° (p < 0.05)—suggesting improved trunk stability. Limb kinetics, including peak vertical force and impulse, showed no notable changes, though the left hip joint’s ROM decreased slightly, without broader gait impact.
For veterinary professionals, these results hint at a promising tool. IVDD often involves dynamic spinal compression and pain from nociceptor activation, and stabilizing the thoracolumbar region could alleviate discomfort and support recovery. The corset’s ability to limit spinal movement without altering gait aligns with rehabilitation goals, potentially offering a non-invasive adjunct to surgical or conservative treatments. However, caveats remain: the sample size is small (n=5), the subjects were healthy, and some co-authors are affiliated with Daiya Industry, raising questions about bias (though no external funding was reported).
This pilot study lays intriguing groundwork. The Anifull Dog’s Corset Pro could prove valuable for stabilizing spines in clinical cases, but validation requires broader trials with affected dogs and longer-term assessments. For now, it’s a concept worth watching—potentially a practical addition to the veterinary toolkit for spinal care.
Reference:
Itoi T, Kawata S, Fukuda Y, Maejima S. Effect of a Corset on the Gait of Healthy Beagle Dogs. Animals (Basel). 2021 Sep 9;11(9):2650.
Looking for more?
Several companies specialize in crafting back braces or corsets for dogs, particularly for conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), spinal injuries, or post-surgical support. Here’s a rundown of some notable players in this niche market, based on available industry info:
Daiya Industry Co., Ltd. - These folks from Okayama, Japan, are behind the Anifull Dog’s Corset Pro, featured in that Beagle gait study. It’s designed to stabilize the spine and ease pain from IVDD or other spinal issues, using breathable mesh and resin plates. They’re a key name if you’re looking at research-backed options.
URL: https://www.daiya-industry.co.jp/
Note: This is their main corporate site (in Japanese). For the Anifull pet division, you might explore https://anifull.jp/ , though it’s less specific to the corset product itself.
WiggleLess - An American company, WiggleLess makes adjustable back braces with side struts to limit twisting—great for IVDD or degenerative myelopathy. Founded by a prosthetist-orthotist and vet duo, their braces prioritize flexibility and durability, available in various colors and sizes for a custom fit.
L’il Back Bracer - Another US-based company offering patented orthopedic back braces tailored for small breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis prone to IVDD. Their designs focus on firm spinal support, and they’ve expanded into pain-relief add-ons like heat therapy and PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) systems. Popular among pet owners for chronic back issues.
URL: https://lilbackbracer.com/
Animal Ortho Care (AOC) - Known for a wide range of custom and ready-to-fit braces, AOC, based in the U.S., offers spinal and back braces alongside knee and hip supports. They’re big on tailoring solutions for specific injuries, making them a go-to for vets and rehab specialists.
My Pet’s Brace - Operating out of Morgantown, PA, this company hand-makes custom orthotics, including back braces, from casts of a dog’s body. While they’re more known for leg braces, their custom approach extends to spinal support, emphasizing comfort and mobility.
Lucky and Loyal - This company offers a patented Mobility Brace designed by vets and biomechanists. It’s more of a full-body support system but includes back stabilization for conditions like IVDD, arthritis, or neuropathy, with a focus on promoting symmetrical movement.
URL: https://luckyandloyal.com/
Ortho Dog - Based in North Carolina, Ortho Dog produces adjustable braces, including back supports, sewn locally with U.S.-sourced materials. While they lean toward hip and knee braces, their offerings can address milder back issues or general stability needs.
