Custom Dog Wrist Brace for Carpal Hyperextension
If your dog is walking flat on their wrists or their front legs seem to be giving out, a carpal injury or neurological condition may be the cause. At SoCal Pet Brace, we build custom wrist braces designed and fabricated by a board-certified Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) right here in Southern California.
Every brace starts with an in-person evaluation and hands-on casting at your home or your vet's office — not a mail-order kit. That means your dog's brace is built from a precise mold of their leg, ensuring an accurate fit that provides real structural support.
What Is Carpal Hyperextension in Dogs?
The carpus is the canine equivalent of the human wrist. It's made up of multiple small bones and ligaments that work together to support the front leg during standing, walking, and running. When these ligaments are damaged or weakened, the wrist loses its ability to maintain a normal upright position — a condition called carpal hyperextension.
Dogs with carpal hyperextension walk with a characteristic “dropped wrist,” where the leg bends too far forward at the wrist joint. In mild cases the wrist may sag slightly. In severe cases the dog walks flat on the wrist with the paw nearly touching the back of the forearm — a posture known as a palmigrade stance.
Without treatment, the condition typically worsens over time as the ligaments continue to stretch and degrade. The abnormal gait places additional stress on the opposite limb, shoulder joints, and spine, which can lead to secondary problems.
Common Signs of a Carpal Injury
- Walking flat on the wrist (palmigrade stance)
- The wrist bending further than normal when standing or walking
- Limping or favoring the affected forelimb
- Difficulty bearing weight on the front legs
- Swelling or pain around the wrist area
- Progressive worsening of wrist drop over time
- Reluctance to walk, play, or go on walks
If your dog is showing any of these signs, your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and imaging to determine the cause and severity.
What Causes Carpal Hyperextension?
Carpal hyperextension can develop from several underlying causes. Understanding the cause helps determine whether bracing is an appropriate treatment and how long it may be needed.
Degenerative ligament breakdown
The most common cause in older and medium-to-large breed dogs. The carpal ligaments gradually weaken and stretch over time, causing a progressive wrist drop. This form is often bilateral, meaning both wrists are affected.
Trauma or acute injury
A fall, jump from height, or sudden impact can rupture the carpal ligaments, causing immediate wrist instability. This type of injury usually affects one leg and can range from a partial to complete ligament tear.
Neurological conditions
Nerve damage — such as radial nerve palsy or degenerative myelopathy — can weaken the muscles that support the wrist, leading to a dropped position. In these cases the ligaments may be intact, but the muscles can't provide adequate support.
Post-surgical recovery
Dogs recovering from carpal arthrodesis (joint fusion) or other forelimb surgery may need temporary external support during healing. A custom brace can protect the surgical site while allowing controlled weight-bearing.
When Is a Custom Wrist Brace the Right Choice?
Your veterinarian is the best guide for your dog's treatment plan. Surgical options like carpal arthrodesis exist for severe cases, and we fully support that recommendation when surgery is the best path for your dog.
A custom wrist brace may be an excellent option in several scenarios, often as part of a broader treatment plan recommended by your veterinarian:
When surgery isn't an option
Some dogs have health conditions, advanced age, or other factors that make surgery too risky. A custom brace provides the structural support the wrist needs to prevent further collapse and maintain mobility.
Degenerative carpal laxity
For dogs with progressive, age-related ligament weakening, a brace can slow the progression, support weight-bearing, and maintain quality of life. Many dogs with degenerative hyperextension do well with long-term bracing during activity.
Neurological weakness
Dogs with radial nerve palsy or other neurological conditions affecting the forelimbs often benefit significantly from bracing. The brace compensates for muscle weakness while allowing the dog to bear weight and remain mobile.
Pre- or post-surgical support
A brace can stabilize the wrist before surgery or protect the surgical repair during the critical healing window, reducing the risk of complications and supporting recovery.
Bilateral carpal hyperextension
When both wrists are affected, bracing one or both legs can help maintain mobility and prevent secondary problems caused by abnormal weight distribution.
How Our Custom Wrist Braces Work
Every dog's anatomy is different — different leg shape, muscle mass, activity level, and injury severity. That's why an effective wrist brace must be custom-molded to the individual patient. Our process ensures the highest quality fit and function:
In-Person Consultation and Evaluation
Your dog's journey starts with a hands-on evaluation at your home or your veterinarian's office. Dave Kou, CPO, personally assesses your dog's injury, range of motion, gait, and overall forelimb function. This in-person assessment is something mail-order providers cannot offer — and it makes a significant difference in brace outcomes.
Precision Casting
We take a physical mold of your dog's leg using the same clinical casting techniques used in human orthotics. For carpal braces, proper limb positioning during casting is critical — the wrist must be held at the correct angle to ensure the finished brace supports the joint in its optimal position.
Custom Fabrication
Each brace is designed and fabricated to your dog's exact anatomy. The rigid or semi-rigid shell prevents the wrist from hyperextending while allowing controlled movement so your dog can walk, stand, and transition between positions comfortably. The design extends from below the elbow to the paw, providing full support across the carpal joint.
Fitting and Adjustment
When your dog's brace is ready, we do an in-person fitting to ensure proper alignment, comfort, and function. We watch your dog walk in the brace, make real-time adjustments, and teach you how to apply and remove it at home. We don't ship you a box and wish you luck — we make sure it works before you leave.
Follow-Up Support
As your dog's condition changes — whether through healing, muscle rebuilding, or progression of the underlying condition — the brace may need adjustment. We provide ongoing follow-up care to make sure the brace continues to perform as your dog's needs evolve.
Why a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) Matters
Carpal braces require precise biomechanical design. The wrist is a complex joint, and a poorly fitted brace can cause pressure sores, restrict circulation, or fail to provide adequate support. Dave Kou is a nationally board-certified Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist with over 10 years of clinical experience, including work at the VA fitting orthotic and prosthetic devices for human patients.
What does that mean for your dog?
When you work with SoCal Pet Brace, you're getting the same level of clinical expertise that goes into human medical orthotics — applied to your dog's specific needs.
Custom-Molded vs. Off-the-Shelf Wrist Braces
If you've been searching for dog wrist braces online, you've likely seen options ranging from custom-molded devices to generic wraps and sleeves. Here's what to consider:
Custom-Molded Braces
Built from a physical cast of your dog's leg. They use rigid or semi-rigid materials to prevent the wrist from collapsing during weight-bearing. Because they match your dog's exact anatomy, they stay in place, distribute forces correctly, and provide consistent structural support.
Off-the-Shelf Wraps
Come in generic sizes and are typically made from neoprene or fabric with Velcro straps. While they may provide mild compression, they generally lack the structural rigidity needed to prevent carpal hyperextension. For dogs with significant wrist collapse, a soft wrap often slides out of position and cannot effectively support the joint.
The right choice depends on your dog's condition and your veterinarian's recommendation. For diagnosed carpal hyperextension, most veterinary professionals recommend either surgical repair or a custom-fitted orthotic device for effective joint support.
What's Included
Every custom carpal brace from SoCal Pet Brace includes the full service from start to finish:
- Initial consultation and evaluation — In-person assessment with a CPO
- Clinical casting — Professional-grade mold of your dog's leg
- Custom fabrication — A brace designed and built to your dog's exact anatomy
- In-person fitting — Hands-on fitting with gait assessment and real-time adjustments
- Follow-up adjustments — Ongoing support as your dog heals
There are no hidden fees for casting kits or shipping. We come to you — serving pet owners throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Contact us for pricing specific to your dog's case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carpal hyperextension in dogs?
Carpal hyperextension is a condition where the wrist joint bends beyond its normal range of motion, causing the dog to walk flat on the wrist rather than on the paw. It can result from ligament damage, degenerative changes, neurological conditions, or trauma. Without support, the condition typically worsens over time.
How long does it take to get a custom wrist brace?
From your initial consultation to brace delivery, the typical timeline is two to three weeks. This includes casting, fabrication, and fitting. If your dog needs a brace urgently, let us know and we'll work to accommodate your timeline.
Does my dog need a veterinary referral?
A referral is not required to schedule a consultation, but we strongly encourage you to work with your veterinarian throughout the process. We communicate directly with your vet to ensure the brace supports your dog's overall treatment plan.
Can my dog walk normally in a carpal brace?
Yes. Our custom carpal braces are designed to allow your dog to walk, stand, sit, and lie down while preventing the wrist from collapsing. Most dogs adapt to wearing the brace within a few days and show noticeable improvement in mobility and comfort.
Will my dog need to wear the brace permanently?
This depends on the underlying cause. Dogs with degenerative conditions may benefit from long-term bracing during activity. Dogs recovering from trauma or surgery may only need the brace temporarily. Your veterinarian can help set expectations based on your dog's specific diagnosis.
Do you serve areas outside Long Beach?
Absolutely. We provide mobile service throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. We come to your home or your vet's office — no need to travel.
Schedule Your Dog's Free Consultation
If your dog has been diagnosed with carpal hyperextension — or you've noticed their wrists dropping — we're here to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your dog's condition, explore treatment options, and find out whether a custom wrist brace is the right fit.
You can also call us directly at (562) 257-8389 or learn more about our full range of orthotic services.
Schedule Free Consultation