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Walkin' VertebraVe Back Brace

The Walkin’ VertebraVe Back Brace is a comfortable brace system that supports your pet's spine and surrounding muscles. Especially designed for pets suffering from IVDD, arthritis, spondylosis and back injuries by providing stabilisation needed, while allowing normal daily activities.


Walkin' Pets

About Walkin’ VertebraVe Back Brace

 The VertebraVe helps dogs of all sizes, from dachshunds with IVDD, corgis with spondylosis and other breed dealing with back issues. This dog back support is designed to decrease back pain and promote mobility while keeping your pet comfortable and active. 

The patented dual layered support system is built to support your pet’s spine and the surrounding epaxial (spinal) muscles. Alleviate your pet’s back pain while supporting their back as it heals. The back brace’s memory foam interior conforms to the spine for a custom fit, and stretchy mesh sides are breathable for a comfortable all-day wear. Three additional support rods provide maximum support and can be removed to increase movement and reduce support as pets heal. 

It is suitable for dogs with:

  • chronic Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or rehabilitation
  • Back pain or injuries
  • Arthritis in the spine or Spondylosis

Features:

  • Adjustable and easy to use
  • Durable and lightweight with breathable materials for comfortable all-day wear
  • Designed to fit every size dog, the medical-grade materials conform to a pet’s back for a custom-molded fit.
  • Preventing over flexing or extending the back when the brace is on and protects areas which are affected by injury or disease
  • Adjustable Back Support: Adjust your pet’s level of support as they heal. Removable supportive metal rods as the spine heals
  • Optional lumbar support piece to give a more snug fit and offer more support to the lower back
  • Designed by rehabilitation therapist in United States

Max, the 7kg Pug, in a Small VertebraVe back brace.

Max, the 7kg Pug, in a Small VertebraVe back brace.


Due to hygiene reasons, we do not accept returns or exchanges of this product. Please make sure you have measured your pet before purchase. 

Dog back braces are not intended to cure spinal injuries, IVDD, or other disc diseases. But they can help provide comfort by relieving back pain and protect the spine while your dog is in IVDD recovery. The VertebraVe is not intended to replace crate rest as prescribed by your veterinarian.  To promote healing and see visible changes in your dog’s movement, wearing the VertebraVe is only one piece of your dog’s treatment plan. If you are unsure, please speak with your veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist to determine what's best for your pet. 




Sizing

To determine the best size, measure your pet's Topline measurement in a natural standing position. The topline measures the length of the back from the point of shoulders to the top of pelvis.

Use the chart below to find the measurement and weight range that best matches your pet. If your pet is outside these measurements, you are welcome to contact us, as we may be able to help with a special order of other sizes. 

Dachshunds with a Topline of 23 to 33cm fit size Small.

Corgis with a Topline of 28 to 40 cm fit size Medium. 


Size

Weight

Topline Measurement

S

15 – 25 lbs (6.5 – 11 kg)

9 inch – 11 inch (23 – 28 cm)

M

25 – 50 lbs (11 – 22.5 kg)

11 inch – 13 inch (28 – 33 cm)




How to fit


The VertebraVe back brace consists of three parts. The chest harness, main back support and the lumbar support piece. 

  • Undo the velcro fasteners on the back support mesh side panels and unclip chest piece side clips. 
  • Slide the chest harness piece, while connected to the main back support, over your pet’s head. This will get the chest harness piece and main back support in place to adjust.
  • Wrap the mesh side panels underneath the belly and fasten snugly using velcro fasteners.
  • Attach both side clips on the chest harness piece which by clipping into each side of the main back support piece.
  • Tighten the straps connected into the main back support piece to securely fit the pet.
  • Tighten all straps on the chest harness piece to hug patient tightly. The chest piece should be centered on the pet’s chest.
  • The last step is the lumbar support piece. This piece will clip into each side of the main back support piece at the back of the brace. Make sure to place the soft side of the piece against your pet’s belly. Then tighten each strap for a snug fit. Lumbar support is optional. Use lumbar support to better secure back of brace or use to support patients with high lumbar pain or spinal injury.
  • For male pets, make sure the lumbar support piece is tucked underneath the penis to allow them to urinate freely.
  • Once all adjustments have been made, and brace is correctly fitted to pet, excess webbing straps may be trimmed, and edges sealed using a lighter if necessary.


It’s important to remember that it may take some time for your dog to adjust to wearing their new back brace. A dog may not know how to move when they first wear the brace and it’s very normal for a dog to sit still until they get used to it. To help them adjust, we recommend giving them time to get used to it. Start with wearing the brace for 30 minutes, followed by 20 minutes off. Make wearing the back brace a positive experience by rewarding them with treats and a lot of praise. Increase the amount of time in the brace with each session, until your pet is completely comfortable.


To remove the brace

  1. Unhook lumbar support piece if using
  2. Unhook the two chest harness straps where they connect to the main back support piece.
  3. Undo the mesh side panels.
  4. Slide over your pet’s head.

FAQ

1. Can it be washed?

Hand wash with a clean cloth or sponge. Lay flat to let air dry. Machine washing not recommended and may affect the stability of the product. To remove hair from touch fasteners on mesh side panel, we recommend using a lint roller.

2. Can I walk my dog in the VertebraVe?

Yes! You can connect your walking leash onto the VertebraVe with the D-ring that comes with the back brace. The breathable materials are designed for extended wear during the daily activity. We suggest to take it off when your pet is ready for bed time. 

3. Are there any removable parts in the VertebraVe?

Yes. Firstly, the lumbar strap that connects under the abdomen is optional and is not needed for all pets. The lumbar strap helps secure the back of the brace on tighter and offers more support to pets with lower back pain.

The metal rods may be removed as your pet heals to increase range of motion or reduce support if appropriate. The metal support rods are designed to limit hyperflexion and hyperextension of the spine during recovery phase. 

4. Can I use it during water therapy?

The VertebraVe back brace is not suitable for use in water.

5. Avoid use with equipment across the pets back

It is not recommended using the VertebraVe together with equipment that will add compression on the back and spine, such as a wheelchair or cart.

For Best Results

To promote healing and see visible changes in your dog’s movement, wearing the VertebraVe may only be one part of your dog’s treatment plan. If your pet is suffering from any conditions affecting the spine which cause pain or change in mobility, working with your Veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist to add joint supplements, pain management and structured exercise, will always have the best outcome.