Abstract: A system for improved pet bathing of quadruped animals including feline species possessing claws and an aversion to water. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system for restraining feline pets during bathing in a manner that is safe for both the owner and the animal.

Abstract: A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from above the joint to below it, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure. The tension members extend between a proximal cuff above the joint to a distal cuff below it, and pass over a pad at the apex of the joint, redirecting the tension members. In order that the cuffs are supported in position so that the tension members can effectively support the joint, they are spaced away from the joint by compression members bearing on proximal and distal bolsters, in turn located positively by the boney structure of the joint. In order that the structure of the invention not interfere overly with the normal function of the joint, the device employs dilatant materials having the property of varying their hardness upon motion. The dilatant material is disposed so as to limit the relative angular velocity of the members of the joint.

Abstract: A tendon and ligament support for a limb joint, such as an ankle joint, in particular a horse's fetlock joint. A first collar (1) is adapted to embrace the limb above the joint and a second collar (3) is adapted to embrace the limb below the joint. A connection provides articulation between and separation of the two collars, and is adapted to provide limited elongation of the ligaments and/or tendons under load, and includes a resistance-exerting pivot arrangement (11) resisting joint flexion or extension over a predetermined range of joint rotation, and an essentially inelastic part (12) for limiting joint extension across the posterior side of the joint connected to one or more points on each of the collars, and preferably adapted so as to mimic an artificial tendon or ligament arrangement.

Abstract: A method for training a male dog not to lift its leg and urinate in a house by restricting movement of the dog's rear legs includes the steps of first providing a hobble having a pair of cuffs connected by a lateral connector. Each of the pair of cuffs is attached to one of the dog's rear legs when the dog is let into the house; and the length of the lateral connector is adjusted such that the length is great enough to allow the dog to walk, but small enough to prevent the dog from raising either of the rear legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the front legs of an animal includes a padded base member formed to rest upon the back and shoulders of the animal. The apparatus includes a pair of elongate straps, an elbow wrap being attached to an end of each strap. Each elbow wrap includes a flexible sheet of material with opposed side edges. Hook and loop fasteners are mounted along the opposed side edges on opposite surfaces of the sheet such that the sheet may be wrapped and secured about the animals elbow. An elastic strap is attached to each elbow wrap and may be releasably coupled to the base member after the elbow wrap is secured to the animal's elbow. The apparatus includes a collar tethered to the base member which may be fitted around the animal's neck. This maintains the base member and leg wraps in position.

Abstract: An orthopedic leg brace to correct "cow hock" and "splayed" leg conditions of large birds such as ratites. The brace comprises a spring steel band which arches over the bird's back and fastens to leather cuffs above the hock of each leg. For a "splayed" leg condition another piece of spring steel is hinged to each end of the steel band and the other end is fastened to another set of leather cuffs just above each foot to pull the feet back into normal position.