Method of internally passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for temporarily increasing the mass of an animal's body. The invention is useful both as a means of correcting an animal's existing body condition as well as preventing an adverse change to its body condition.

1 . A method of internally passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body to increase body and mass, comprising the steps of: 
 a. determining a midjoint location on an appendage where a weight is required to treat the animal;    b. determining and selecting a mass of the weight required to treat the animal;    c. determining a period of time necessary for treatment;    d. making an incision proximate the midjoint location;    e. exposing the first layer of muscle;    f. inserting the weight around the muscle under the layers of skin and fascia;    g. suturing the weight at the site of insertion through grommets in the weight; and    h. closing the incision.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the weight is circumferentially inserted around the muscle.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the weight has a mass of greater than one gram per cubic centimeter.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the weight comprises: 
 a. a flexible substrate;    b. at least one sub-weight; and    c. encapsulation containing the at least one sub-weight and attached to the flexible substrate.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the encapsulation is impenetrable.