Full Limb Prosthesis for Dogs
Custom-designed veterinary prosthetic limbs that restore weight-bearing function and support long-term mobility after amputation.
Full limb prostheses are veterinary medical devices designed to replace a missing limb segment after amputation and restore functional weight-bearing capability.
They are engineered to support balanced gait mechanics and long-term musculoskeletal health in dogs with unilateral or bilateral limb loss.
Clinical Indications for Full Limb Prosthesis
Full limb prostheses are considered when:
complete amputation of a front or hind limb is performed
preservation of optimal musculoskeletal function is desired
compensatory overload of remaining limbs risks secondary orthopedic problems
neurological and dermatological factors are suitable for prosthetic fitting
the animal is an appropriate candidate based on health and activity level
Full prosthesis solutions require careful case selection with veterinary assessment.
Functions of full prostheses
A full limb prosthesis is designed to restore functional weight-bearing after limb amputation and to support balanced movement of the entire musculoskeletal system. By redistributing load more evenly, the prosthesis helps reduce excessive strain on the remaining limbs and supports more symmetrical gait mechanics during everyday movement and longer outdoor activities.
Each prosthesis is individually fitted based on a detailed assessment of the animal's anatomy, including casting and evaluation of the residual limb and trunk alignment. Precise fitting and alignment are essential to promote controlled, functional movement and to compensate for gait asymmetries that commonly develop after amputation.
By improving weight distribution and postural balance, a full prosthesis can help reduce compensatory overload of the remaining limbs and joints, thereby lowering the risk of secondary musculoskeletal strain associated with long-term uneven loading.
The overall goal is to improve mobility, comfort, and long-term musculoskeletal health, enabling dogs to maintain an active and balanced quality of life appropriate to their individual condition and limitations.
Full limb prostheses are currently designed for the thoracic limb only. Suitability for a full prosthetic solution must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis following professional consultation.
Who Is a Full Limb Prosthesis Intended For?
A full limb prosthesis may be considered for dogs in situations where restoration of functional weight-bearing can support long-term mobility and musculoskeletal health. It may be appropriate in the following cases:
Support of joint health and alignment
By redistributing load more evenly, a full prosthesis can help reduce excessive stress on existing joints and limit progressive joint overload associated with unilateral limb loss.Reduction of gait asymmetries
Improved weight distribution and limb support contribute to more balanced and controlled gait patterns, supporting overall stability.Maintenance of daily functional activities
Restoring functional limb support can help dogs perform everyday activities more comfortably and with greater confidence.Support for increased activity and exercise tolerance
Improved mobility may encourage appropriate levels of movement and physical activity, which are important for overall health and conditioning.Facilitation of rehabilitation and physiotherapy
A full prosthesis can support participation in structured rehabilitation programs by enabling controlled, supported movement during recovery.Use in traumatic or congenital limb loss
Full prosthetic solutions may be indicated following traumatic amputation or in selected congenital conditions where limb replacement supports functional outcomes.Improvement of overall quality of life
By enhancing comfort, mobility, and functional independence, a full prosthesis can positively influence both physical well-being and overall quality of life.
Each case is individually assessed to determine whether a full prosthetic solution is clinically appropriate and aligned with the animal's condition, needs, and long-term goals.
Clinical Goals of a Full Prosthetic Limb
A well-designed full limb prosthesis aims to:
restore consistent, functional weight-bearing
improve gait symmetry and balance
reduce compensatory overload on remaining limbs and joints
support long-term musculoskeletal health
maintain comfortable and pain-free movement
Functional restoration is prioritized over cosmetic appearance.
Why Full Limb Prostheses Require Specialist Expertise
Full limb prostheses interface with:
the residual limb anatomy
load-bearing biomechanics
joint alignment and motion patterns
skin and soft tissue tolerance
Optimizing socket design, alignment, and dynamic load transfer requires an integrated clinical and biomechanical approach.
This ensures balanced gait mechanics and minimizes secondary strain on adjacent joints and tissues.
Custom Full Prosthetic Design — Case-By-Case Expertise
Each full limb prosthesis is individually designed based on:
the shape and condition of the residual limb
gait and movement analysis
weight distribution and load patterns
activity level and lifestyle
long-term functional goals
No two prostheses are identical — each reflects a case-specific biomechanical solution developed by clinicians with experience in complex prosthetic cases.
Our Clinical Development Process for Full Prostheses
Veterinary Assessment and Case Review
Medical history, diagnostic imaging, gait analysis, and consultation
Residual Limb Evaluation
Soft tissue condition, load tolerance, and limb geometry
Custom Design and Manufacturing
CAD-based planning and medical-grade material fabrication
Fitting and Functional Optimization
Alignment, comfort testing, and dynamic load distribution
Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Adjustments
Monitoring adaptation, growth adjustments, and gait progression
Pricelist
The price depends on the size of the animal (the prices are final, including the cast kit, including shipping worldwide).
Full prosthesis
< 0 - 15 kg
1.300 EUR
Full prosthesis
15 - 35 kg
1.400 EUR
Full prosthesis
< 35 kg and more
1.500 EUR
Who Can Benefit from a Full Limb Prosthesis
Pet Owners
dogs after complete limb amputation
dogs with long-term functional limitations due to limb loss
Veterinary Professionals
amputation case management
rehabilitation planning
orthotic/prosthetic care integration
Full Limb Prosthesis – Is It the Right Choice for Your Dog?
A full limb prosthesis replaces a missing limb and provides structural support to restore functional weight-bearing. In many cases of thoracic limb amputation, a carpal orthosis for the remaining limb may be recommended as an initial solution, as it is lighter, preserves natural movement patterns, and dogs often adapt to it more quickly.
A full prosthetic limb may be considered when additional stability is clinically beneficial, particularly in older or less active dogs that require a stable structure for standing and controlled movement. It may also be appropriate in cases where the remaining limb is not sufficiently healthy or stable to tolerate increased compensatory loading.
Selecting the most appropriate solution depends on the individual dog's anatomy, health status, activity level, and long-term functional goals.
If you are unsure which option is most suitable, we encourage you to contact us for a professional assessment. We will help determine the most appropriate solution based on your dog's specific needs.
Discuss Whether a Full Prosthetic Limb Is the Right Solution
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