Custom Dog Spinal Brace for IVDD and Back Injuries
Spinal conditions — especially intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — are among the most frightening diagnoses a dog owner can face. When your dog is in pain, struggling to walk, or showing signs of hind-end weakness, you want answers and options. At SoCal Pet Brace, we build custom spinal braces designed and fabricated by a board-certified Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) right here in Southern California.
Understanding Spinal Conditions in Dogs
The canine spine is a chain of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs — soft, cushion-like structures that absorb shock and allow flexibility. When these discs degenerate, herniate, or rupture, they can compress the spinal cord or spinal nerves, causing pain, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Dogs with long backs and short legs — like Dachshunds, Corgis, Basset Hounds, and French Bulldogs — are especially prone to disc disease, but spinal conditions can affect any breed.
A spinal brace works differently from a limb brace. Rather than controlling a single joint, it stabilizes and supports a section of the spine — reducing painful movement, protecting the vertebrae, and helping your dog stay comfortable and mobile during treatment and recovery.
Common Spinal Conditions We Treat
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
The most common spinal condition in dogs. IVDD occurs when the discs between vertebrae degenerate, bulge, or rupture. Type I IVDD involves sudden disc extrusion and is more common in small breeds. Type II IVDD involves gradual disc bulging and is more common in larger breeds. Both cause pain and can lead to weakness or paralysis.
Herniated, ruptured, or slipped discs
Different terms for disc material pressing on the spinal cord, causing pain, nerve damage, and loss of function.
Spondylosis deformans
Bony spurs that develop along the vertebrae, often as a response to spinal instability. While sometimes painless, spondylosis can cause stiffness and discomfort.
Spinal arthritis
Chronic inflammation and degeneration in the vertebral joints, causing stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
Post-surgical spinal stabilization
After spinal surgery (such as hemilaminectomy or disc fenestration), a brace can protect the surgical site and support recovery during the critical healing period.
Spinal trauma
Fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries to the spine from accidents or falls. Bracing can stabilize the spine during healing.
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) support
DM is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord. While bracing cannot stop DM progression, spinal support can help maintain comfort and function as the condition advances.
Common Signs of Spinal Problems
If your dog is showing any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away. Spinal conditions can progress rapidly, and early intervention leads to better outcomes.
When Is a Custom Spinal Brace the Right Choice?
Your veterinarian is the best guide for your dog's treatment plan. Spinal surgery may be recommended for severe disc herniations, and we fully support that recommendation when surgery is the best path forward. A custom spinal brace can be an excellent option in several scenarios:
Conservative management of IVDD
Many dogs with IVDD — particularly mild to moderate cases — are managed conservatively with strict rest, medication, and spinal support. A custom brace stabilizes the spine during the recovery period, reducing painful movement and protecting against reinjury.
When surgery isn't an option
Dogs with health conditions, advanced age, or financial circumstances that make surgery impractical can benefit from bracing as part of their management strategy.
Pre-surgical stabilization
If spinal surgery is planned, a brace can protect the spine and reduce pain during the waiting period.
Post-surgical recovery
After disc surgery, a brace supports the surgical area during healing and helps your dog transition safely back to normal activity.
Chronic spinal conditions
For spondylosis, spinal arthritis, and other degenerative conditions, long-term use of a spinal brace during activity can reduce pain and maintain mobility.
Preventive support for high-risk breeds
Breeds predisposed to IVDD (Dachshunds, Corgis, French Bulldogs, Beagles, Basset Hounds) may benefit from spinal support during high-risk activities to reduce the chance of disc injury.
How Our Custom Spinal Braces Work
In-Person Consultation and Evaluation
Your dog's journey starts with a hands-on evaluation at our Long Beach location. Dave Kou, CPO, personally assesses your dog's condition, pain level, neurological status, gait, and body conformation. This evaluation determines the brace design — including where along the spine support is needed, how much motion should be restricted, and whether additional features like abdominal support are required.
Measurement and Fitting Design
Spinal braces are designed based on precise body measurements and the specific location of the spinal condition. Because the brace wraps around the torso rather than a single limb, accurate measurement of chest circumference, back length, and body shape is critical. We take these measurements in person to ensure the brace fits your dog's unique body type — especially important for breeds with unusual proportions like Dachshunds, Corgis, and French Bulldogs.
Custom Fabrication
Each brace is built to your dog's specific anatomy and condition. The design typically includes:
- Integrated support stays along the spine that limit painful flexion, extension, and lateral bending
- Abdominal support that helps distribute the load and reduces pressure on the vertebrae
- Breathable, medical-grade materials that allow extended wear without overheating
- Adjustable closures that accommodate changes in body weight or swelling
The brace is firm enough to stabilize the spine but flexible enough to allow your dog to walk, eat, drink, and perform normal activities.
Fitting and Adjustment
When the brace is ready, your dog returns for an in-person fitting. We verify that the brace sits correctly along the spine, doesn't restrict breathing or movement excessively, and provides the support needed. We assess your dog's gait and comfort with the brace on and make any adjustments needed.
Follow-Up Support
As your dog recovers, adjustments may be needed — especially as swelling decreases, muscle tone changes, or your veterinarian modifies the treatment plan. Being local means you can return quickly for any fine-tuning.
Why a CPO Makes the Difference
Most pet back braces on the market are generic garments — one-size-fits-most wraps that provide compression but limited actual spinal stabilization. Dave Kou holds national board certification as a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) — the same credential required to build spinal orthotic devices for humans in clinical settings.
This means your dog's spinal brace is designed using the same principles applied in human spinal orthotics: controlling specific segments of the spine, distributing forces to reduce disc pressure, and supporting the muscles that stabilize the vertebral column. A CPO understands which vertebral levels need support, how much motion restriction is therapeutic versus excessive, and how to design a device that your dog can wear comfortably during daily life.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Back Braces
Off-the-Shelf Back Wraps
- ✗Provides compression and mild support only
- ✗Cannot target specific vertebral levels
- ✗No rigid stabilization for disc disease
- ✗Few sizes — may not fit unusual body types
- ✗May help with minor back soreness
Custom Spinal Brace (SoCal Pet Brace)
- Built to your dog's exact body measurements
- Targets the specific spinal area affected
- Engineered stabilization for disc disease and post-surgical recovery
- Accommodates all breeds — Dachshunds to Bulldogs
- Designed by a board-certified CPO
What's Included
Contact us for pricing. Every custom spinal brace includes:
No hidden fees for shipping or additional fittings. Everything happens locally, in person, with your dog's comfort and recovery as the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IVDD in dogs?
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when the discs between your dog's vertebrae degenerate, bulge, or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord. It causes pain, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis. Type I IVDD is more common in small breeds like Dachshunds and involves sudden disc extrusion. Type II is more common in larger breeds and involves gradual disc bulging. Your veterinarian can diagnose IVDD through physical examination and imaging.
Can a spinal brace cure IVDD?
A spinal brace does not cure IVDD. It provides stabilization and support that reduces painful spinal movement, protects against further disc damage, and supports healing during conservative management or post-surgical recovery. Bracing is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes crate rest, pain management, and rehabilitation as directed by your veterinarian.
How long does it take to get a custom spinal brace?
From initial consultation to brace delivery, the typical timeline is two to three weeks. This includes measurement, custom fabrication, and fitting. Expedited timelines may be available for urgent cases, such as dogs recently diagnosed with IVDD.
Which dog breeds are most prone to spinal problems?
Breeds with long backs and short legs are most susceptible to IVDD, including Dachshunds, Corgis, French Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Cocker Spaniels. However, spinal conditions can occur in any breed, and larger breeds are prone to Type II IVDD and degenerative myelopathy.
How much does a custom dog spinal brace cost?
Every dog's spinal condition is different, and pricing depends on the complexity of the brace design. Contact us for a free consultation and we'll provide a detailed quote based on your dog's specific needs.
What areas does SoCal Pet Brace serve?
We serve pet owners throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. All consultations and fittings take place in person at our Long Beach location.
Schedule a Consultation
If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD, a disc herniation, or any condition affecting the spine, schedule a free consultation to discuss whether a custom spinal brace is right for your pet. We work closely with your veterinarian to ensure the brace supports your dog's overall treatment plan.
Serving pet owners throughout Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, San Diego, and all of Southern California.