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Phone: (603) 577-8854
Fax: (603)584-9349

K9 Dog Orthotic Brace
for Stifle (Knee), Hock (back of the leg), Carpus Joint (wrist), and Prosthetics for pets.

This Page: Custom-Made by casting kit Materials Used: Plastic, Foam, Tamarack Joints, Velcro Straps Cost: $500.00-$600.00 10-12 Business Days per brace

See Also: Splints - For Support and Healing Injuries to the lower limbs of small animals frequently need to be splinted or braced.These Leg Splints are modeled after the human splints for lower leg, ankle and foot injuries

 

The use of a "stifle" (knee) Orthoses is the most effective way to stabilize and manage torn meniscus or a cruciate ligament. Through the use of an Orthotic, you add support to an affected joint, but more importantly, you take away the ground reaction forces that can cause increased discomfort and injury if left unbraced. Our joints are composite rubber joints (Tamarack Joints), which actually are energy storing and returning joints, that works and moves with the dog's movement. The stifle brace absorbs the stress off the knee and displaces those forces through the specialized joints.  This reduces the acting forces generated at the knee joint and the supporting ligaments.

 

 

 

 

Can a dog "Gabe" walk with a prosthetic leg? Watch The Video. Gabe's story is below.

 

 

How to Order & Pricing information.

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Stifle Support Brace

Custom made to provide support, alignment and mobility. This brace can be used in post op applications as well. The most common injury that requires a Stifle Brace is a Torn ACL.

 

A veterinarian is the best way to determine what kind of injury your dog has. If a Stifle Brace is called for, a cast will be made of the leg. This plaster or fiberglass cast can be done at home or by a veterinarian.
The Carbon fiber case is moulded to the coutours of the leg and lined with a soft padded material. Rubber joints between the two pieces act to support the natural movement of the leg. There are othotics that also use metal hindged joints. A discussipn of the two methods is here: Types of Joints discussed

 

This is a picture of a Stifle Brace. This boy is named Otis. Otis fractured the end of his Femur, and needed to have his knee immobilized after his surgery. The Knee Orthosis has allowed Otis to walk around with out causing future injury to his healing fracture site. This brace was used for approximately six months post-op. The cost for this brace was $500.00.

 

 

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Hock Support Brace - (Elbow)

 

 

 

Applications:

• arthritic conditions
• flexion and extension and post op.
• achiles tendons
• ruptures
• radiation therapy support
• other degenerative and arthritic conditions.

Beneifits:

• provides medial and lateral stability
• maintains alignment
• allows controlled mobility
• easy to attach

 

Construction:

• carbon fiber shells
• comfort liner
• optional lineal adjustable shells

This is a little Hock Brace. This animal suffered from Hock instability (medial-lateral). In addition he could not lift up his paw, so the Hock brace incorporated a dynamic flexion assist joint mechanisms. This brace was $400.00. This is for full time use.

 

see larger photos of Hock Braces with metal hinges

 

Quicktime movie of a dog using orthotic braces.

 

This is a Dog Hock Brace

This is a Dog hock brace. This animal ruptured his Achilles tendon.  He had several surgeries to repair the tendon.  The occurrence of infections during his last surgery caused the owners to search for other alternatives.  This device is a solid hock brace.  This provides maximum support for hock flexion.  Without the brace, this animal’s hock collapse almost to the ground.  He now enjoys walking and playing without the risk of re injury to the Achilles tendon.

 

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Combination Stifle and Hock Dog Brace, for a torn ACL.  This animal also suffered a Hock injury, which required additional stability from the brace. The cost of this brace was $600.00.		Reggie was shot in the hind paw, and due to infection, his leg was amputated at the Stifle Joint. Since the amputation was taken at such a high level on the leg, the Dog Prosthesis is utilized only for high levels of activity, not everyday activities.  The cost for this brace is $800.00.

 

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Carpus Support Brace

Shown below is a carpus support brace with an Arom metal hinge. The thick cell foam padding adds comfort and flexibility.

Lightweight design Easy to attach to the leg Adjustable hinge Flex Shells Custom made from a cast Provides alignment support and mobility

Dog Carpus Orthotic
This is Kalin. Kalin’s right wrists have had several plates affixed to the right Carpus which ended up being removed due to infection. Consequently, the left Carpus began to suffer hyper-extension from over use during the procedures to the right wrists.  The left Dog Orthosis is a solid Paw and Carpus Brace to provide maximum support and control over that limb. Kalin walked up and down stairs for the first time in over three years the day she received her braces!  These braces are also used for full time mandatory use.  Kalin’s braces cost $800.00 for the both of them.

Tripod the Llama- Tripod had an open fracture in its leg (below the hock) that got infected.  Since the bone was not affected, the vet amputated the leg just below the hock, This Prosthetic was designed for this llama to have a better quality of life.

Orthotic Boots for Dogs
This is Cody.  This dog is classified as a spinal walker.  He was hit by a car while he was running and hiding from the lighting.  Due to the dog's spinal injury, Cody can not control his paws.  His orthotic dog boots are used for two purposes; protection and is for positioning.  Cody’s paws are held at his normal standing position to prevent flexion contractures and his boots protect his paws from cuts and scrapes. We have been working with him for over 2 years making new boots for him to walk.

This is Gabe.  Gabe was hit by a drunk-driver. His right paw was amputated mid-tarsal and his left paw was plated and fused from the hock down.  Gabe wears a dog prosthetic device on his right residual limb which is equipped with a light weight aluminum foot curved to match his normal gait pattern.  Gabe’s orthotic device on his left leg provides protection and support for his paw and hock joint.  Gabe uses his devices full time.  He is an older guy, but don’t tell him that.  He is still full of life!

Approximate Pricing and Order Information:

Stifle devices:

How to order:

1 - Check with your vet. Your vet will tell you whether a brace is appropriate and what kind you will get. Also, you may want to have your vet do the cast himself.

2 - Order a cast kit. When you fill in the measurement form, we will contact you with the information you need to get the cast kit. This comes complete with instructions and everything you need to make a cast of your dog's leg. The cost of the cast kit is $60.00. This is non-returnable. If you are having your vet do the cast, then download the order form here, fill in your credit card information, and have your vet send the form and the cast to the address on the form.

3 - Fill in a Measurement form - Mail or Fax to (603)584-9349

4 - Print and fill in the Evaluation Form PDF Format or Microsoft Word Format - Mail or Fax to (603)584-9349

5 - When your cast kit and form are received and accepted, your credit card will be charged 30% of the price listed above. This is a non-refundable fee that covers the evaluation and the un-recoverable product costs and labor to make the brace. If there is some reason that the brace cannot be made or the price will vary by more than 20% you will be notified before we proceed and you will not be charged the 30%.

6 - When the brace is ready to ship (usually within 10 days), you will be charged the remaining amount and the product will be shipped. Should there be a problem with the fit, adjustments will be made at no charge (you will be responsible for shipping charges only).

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between a Metal and a Composite joint?

We do not make braces with the metal on them, because we have found that they are heavy and do not work well with the dogs that we have tried to put them on. Metal joints are non-energy storing joints. They swing freely and the dog has to do twice the work on their bad leg. In the last several years, they have been replaced with the composite rubber joints (Tamarack Joints), which actually are energy storing and returning joints. They work and move with the dog's movement.

Who makes these braces?

The Braces are made by Martin W. Kaufmann, Adaptive Technologist, O&P . Read his bio.

Will an orthotic device help my pet?

 Yes, the use of an orthotic (device to support the skeletal/muscular structure) will help to provide stability and control to joints that are no-longer able to remain in place due to soft tissue damage. 

Is the use of Orthotics and prosthetics new?

The use of Orthotics and prosthetics for humans goes back centuries.  The profession has really made some remarkable gains in the last 25 years and subsequently so has the animal profession.  Generally speaking, the use of Orthotics and prosthetics in animals has been carried out as favors, or because someone like myself was approached by a pet owner looking for options other than surgery or putting the pet down.  I have decided to focus not only on my human practice, but also to develop standards of care for the animal practice.  This has been going on for the past 3 years through actual patients, research, testing, and design engineering.  We have come along way in a short time.

Will the device hurt my pet?

The device will not hurt your pet when used as instructed.  An example would be this.  You would not wear a brand new pair of hiking boots and walk for 15 miles the first day.  You would cause major blisters and sores on your feet in no time flat.  You would first break your boots in over a few days, maybe a few weeks.  This example applies to the length of time you have the device on your pet starting the first day.  OrthoPets will supply a "WEAR SCHEDULE" to help ease your pet into the new device.  This gives you a chance to evaluate how your pet is doing with the new device.  This also gives you a chance to visually inspect your pet’s limb for any signs of trouble, such as a sore spot before it becomes a problem.  When wore properly after following your prescribed WEAR SCHEDULE and any minor adjustments, your pet will be ready to go.....jump....run.....swim.....hold down the couch....or what every your pet does best!!!

How long does it take to make a device?

The length of time to fabricate your pets custom made devices will vary depending on the style, material, and number of anatomical joints the brace will cross.  Generally, from the time I receive either measurements, or the mold taken from one of our casting kits, the process will take 5-10 business days.  Sometimes faster, some times the device will take longer to fabricate. We will evaluate your project promptly and give you an estimated delivery date so you can stay abreast of the fabrication time and prepare to receive your pet’s new device.  You may need to schedule a visit with your VET or your ANIMAL REHAB THERAPIST.

How long will the device last?

The life-expectancy for your pet’s device is entirely dependent on the material it is made of.  Generally speaking: Neoprene wrap supports will last 12-36 months.Plastic and Carbon Fiber devices will never change shape.The only issue is that over time your pet's body shape may change such that the device no-longer fits properly.

Is it water-proof?

Many of the devices are water-proof.  A strong therapy routine in water can drastically improve your pets overall health.  There are some Carbon Graphite devices are NOT submersible.

How much does a device cost?

How does the knee brace stay in place? Does it slide down the leg with activity?

The issue of a knee brace slipping down towards the hock is always present.  There are several ways to manage that slippage. 

1.  The very bottom end of the brace is made with a soft collar that rests directly on-top of the hock and helps prevent slippage.

2.  The use of a strap that connects to the knee brace and travels over the animals back and loops around the opposite leg provides a great anchor.

The shape of your animal’s hind-leg also has a lot to do with the braces ability to stay in position. 

With the right design and some repositioning of the brace after activity, your pet will be able to experience the benefit of the knee brace.

ANATOMY

The carpus is composed of seven major bony structures: the radial carpal bone, ulnar carpal bone, accessory carpal bone, first carpal bone (I), second carpal bone (II), third carpal bone (III), and fourth carpal bone (IV) (Fig. 25-1). These seven bones form a very complex set of joints. Essentially three major articulations are present. The antebrachiocarpal joint is formed between the distal radius and ulna and the radial and ulnar carpal bones. This joint is stabilized primarily by a radial (medial) collateral ligament and an ulnar (lateral) collateral ligament 3 (Fig. 25-2). The antebrachiocarpal joint has the capacity for the greatest amount of carpal motion. Approximately 80% to 90% of carpal motion occurs through this joint. (1)

Articles:

Fracture and Dislocation of the Carpus - Fracture or dislocation of the carpus usually results from automobile trauma or falling from a height. The axial loading of the joint is most likely to result in fractures, whereas trauma with the joint in extension is likely to result in carpal luxation or accessory carpal bone luxation. Owing to the anatomical complexity of the carpus, a thorough review of the bony and ligamentous structures of the area is in order before discussion of fracture or dislocation repair. See the full article

Hocks - by Fred Lanting - Osteochondrosis is a term applied to a number of similar disorders of the joints where bone (osteo-) and cartilage (chondro-) are involved. If they are inflamed we use the term osteochondritis. It is now a fairly common diagnosis in young limping dogs, the defects being found in one or more of those joints I named above. The hock joint is what corresponds to our ankle and first short bones in the foot, though the dog does not walk on the heel as we do. In the hock, the large bone of the lower thigh (tibia) rests mainly on the tibial tarsal bone, also known as the talus. The common specific expression of osteochondrosis in the hock is OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) which means, as it does in the shoulder and the elbow, a small piece of cartilage or bone has come loose in the joint of a young dog and is causing irritation and inflammation. See the full article

The Stifle Joint

Books:

Atlas of Orthopedic Surgical Procedures of the Dog and Cat

Skeleton of a dog: carnivorous domestic mammal raised to perform various tasks for humans.
Skull: bony case of the brain.
Cervical vertebrae: bones of the neck.
Thoracic vertebrae: the bones forming the dorsal part of the thoracic cage.
Lumbar vertebrae: the bones of the lumbar region of the back.
Sacrum: the set of sacral vertebrae.
Caudal vertebrae: bones of the tail.
Pelvis: pelvic bone.
Femur: uppermost part of the rear leg of a dog.
Fibula: one of two bones of the lower rear leg of a dog.
Tibia: one of two bones of the lower rear leg of a dog.
Tarsus: heel bone.
Metartasus: paw bone between the heel and the phalanges.
Phalange: toe bone.
Phalange: finger bone.
Metacarpus: bone of the paw of the foreleg between the carpus and the phalanges.
Carpus: wrist bone.
Ulna: one of two bones of the lower foreleg of a dog.
Radius: one of two bones of the lower foreleg of a dog.
Humerus: bone of the upper foreleg of a dog.
Rib: bone of the thoracic cage.
Scapula: shoulder bone.
Lower maxillary: lower jaw.
Orbit: cavity of the sjull that contains the eye.

Dog Part Definitions:

Dewclaw- an extra claw, or toe, on the inside of the leg; a fifth toe
Withers- Top of shoulder blades at the junction of the neck; the highest part ofthe shoulders immediately behind the neck
Buttocks- The rump or hips.
Loins- The sides, between the ribs and hip bones region on either side of the vertebral column between the last ribs and the hindquarters.
Lower thigh- Second thigh. The hindquarter from the stifle to the hock.
Nose- Organ of smell. Also, the ability to detect by scent.
Hock- The tarsus or the collection of bones of the hind leg forming the joint between the second thigh and the metatarsus. The dog's true heel.
Whisker- Longer hairs on muzzle sides and under jaw.Jowls- Flesh of lips and jaws.
Forearm- The bone of the foreleg between the elbow and pastern.
Dewlap- Loose, pendulous skin under the throat.
Stop- The indentation between the eyes where the nasal bone and skull meet
Stifle- The joint of the hind leg between the thigh and the second thigh; knee
Pastern -The part of the leg between the carpus (wrist) and the pad; another name for the metacarpus
Carpus, or carpals- name for the wrist of the dog
Hock- the joint between the second thigh and the metatarsus
Rear angulation- composed of the stifle and hock joint; measured from the point of the rump to the stifle to the hock
Digit- four toes on the foot

(1) In:  Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics, Newton C.D. and Nunamaker D.M. (Eds.) Ithaca:  International Veterinary Information Service, 1985; B0026.0685