WoundWear^® Body Suits

Q What is the difference between the Full & Frontal Body Suits?
A The Frontal Body Suit only extends back to the proximal thorax or chest, whereas the Full Body covers the entire torso. The Frontal Body Suit also has a neck extension. The Frontal Body Suit has all externally reinforced seams.

Q Can the Full Body Suit be used for male and female dogs?
A The Full Body Suit can be used for both male and female dogs. However, the back end of the Full Body Suit needs to be removed before the dog or cat can urinate or defecate.

Q When should I use the Full Body Suit & when should I use the Frontal Body Suit?
A The Frontal Body Suit should be used when the area that requires protection is on the neck, the cranial 1/3 of the dog from about three finger widths behind the front legs and forward. When torso coverage is required caudal to these areas the Full Body Suit is required.

Q Can the Body Suits be used for cats?
A Yes, the two smaller sizes of the Full and Frontal Body Suits are typically used for cats.

Q Do the Frontal and Full Body Suits breath?
A Yes, air molecules can pass through the material. However, if you have a wound that requires greater air flow, the addition of gauze bandaging material under the body suits will allow for greater airflow.

Q Can the Frontal and Full Body Suits be washed and dried?
A Yes, both can be washed in warm water with regular non-bleach detergent, and dried on warm. Make certain that all Velcro® straps are connected before washing or drying, to prevent lint and hair from attaching to them.

Q Can the Frontal and Full Body Suits be rented to save my client from added expenses?
A Unlike the Elizabethan Collar and Cervical Collars, which are solid materials and not usually in contact with the wound, the body suits are like bandages, and do come in contact with the wound. Even if laundered most clients might feel uneasy about sharing bandaging materials.

A-TraC Dynamic Brace^TM

Q Will the A-TraC Dynamic Brace^TM help my dog?
A Yes, when applied properly and used according to our instructions, the A-TraC Dynamic Brace^TM will in most cases be effective for its intended use. Visible signs of the brace helping will be the dog appearing to be in less pain, and putting more weight on the affected limb. Because the brace removes stress and prevents abnormal movement at the stifle joint (knee joint), the dog feels more secure and is in less pain.

Q Can I order the A-TraC Dynamic Brace^TM without my Veterinarian?
A You can order the brace, however the brace needs to be shipped directly to your veterinarian so that we can be sure it is applied properly, and you are instructed in its appropriate use. If you haven’t already seen your veterinarian, this should be done first to assure the proper diagnosis has been made. In addition, you will need a lateral x-ray of the affected leg in order to obtain a measurement of the tibia leg bone for appropriate sizing of the brace.

Q Is the A-TraC Dynamic Brace^TM durable enough so that I may rent out the brace to my clients?
A The brace was designed to be very durable, however with 6 to 12 weeks of use the brace takes considerable abuse. In addition, we recommend that the client keep the brace after treatment is complete for when the dog is more active. Most dogs will be predisposed to re-injury and should be braced when the dog will be more active (i.e., when the dog goes to the park, plays ball, plays with other dogs, or just runs in the backyard). When people sustain cruciate injuries they continue to wear their braces whenever they are active.

Q Why does my dog act or behave strangely with the brace on?
A Some dogs, and more commonly small dogs, are more affected by the feeling of an unusual covering on their leg. However, your dog has had an injury or surgery, and in order to heal this area some form of protection is required. If your veterinarian applied a cast or a restrictive bandage, the dog would behave in a similar manner. The difference is that the brace won’t come off as easily as a bandage, and a bandage will not help rehabilitate the dog’s leg.

Q What should I do if the dog acts strangely with the brace on?
A Just like most new things, you need to give your dog time to adjust. Some dogs take longer than others, however, it is rare that your dog will not adapt. Gradually coax him to walk using his favorite treats. Most of all, be patient. It is important to your dog’s future well being.

Q What should I do if my dog is biting at the brace?
A This could be a sign that the brace is on to tight, or is hurting the dog. Some dogs will try to bite off the brace even if they are not in pain. First, slightly loosen the straps on the brace to see if the dogs behavior changes. If his behavior does not change, an Elizabethan Collar should be applied to prevent him from destroying the brace. At a later time the collar can be removed and the dog observed, to see if this behavior continues. If you feel secure after a significant period of observation that the dog will no longer bite at the brace, the collar may be removed permanently. If you are still concerned that your dog is in pain, call your veterinarian immediately.