Orthotics / Prosthetics / Assistive Devices

The design and use of orthotics, prosthetics, and assistive devices are emerging technologies in veterinary medicine. Our treatment team and an orthotist-prosthetist work closely to custom design and construct a product that meets the ergonomic and functionality requirements of a patient. Our practitioners are trained to teach patients and their caretakers how to use these devices to accomplish the best patient outcomes.


Orthotics

Orthotics aim at improving or protecting a limb that has been disabled through an accident or illness. The most frequently used orthotics in canine rehabilitation are splints. The splints are used to:

• protect a limb from abrasions and self-mutilation
• support weak tarsus or carpus
• help stretch tissues over a sustained period of time, or
• stabilize a carpus with a neurologic deficit

Splint Fabrication: We custom-design and fit each splint for the specific purpose intended for each patient. The splint is constructed by heating thermoplastic material and shaping the heated plastic to fit the patient’s limb. The splint is built with a contact layer of foam, which prevents the development of skin abrasions; a structural layer made of lightweight plastics or carbon composite material; and an outer layer with hoop and loop straps and a non-slip abrasion resistant sole.


Prosthetics

Prostheses are used to replace missing body parts. In humans, the field of prosthetics has advanced to a state-of-the-art technology. In veterinary medicine, the use of prostheses present a very different set of challenges for the treatment team and the prosthetist . In animals, prostheses are ideally suited to limbs with significant residual limb length. They include a silicon-lined woven sleeve, a foam core, and a bi-halved interlocking outer shell with hoop and loop straps.

A prosthesis can also be implanted into the limb of a companion animal and fixed through a surgical procedure known as osseointegration.



Ambulation Carts

Our treatment team works closely with several manufacturers of canine ambulation carts to custom fit patients who need support during locomotion. The carts are designed to support pelvic limbs or all limbs of non-ambulatory companion animals. Each cart must be measured and built to fit the patient’s specific ergonomic and functionality requirements.

Ambulation carts may also be custom-designed for paraplegic-and tetraplegic or quadriplegic patients.

• Carts for paraplegic patients have two wheels
• Carts for tetraplegic or quadraplegic patients have four wheels

Ambulation carts may be used on a temporary basis or a more permanent basis to help restore mobility.

You would consider the use of an ambulation cart:

• For non ambulatory pets who are recovering from an orthopedic or neurologic injury
• For paraplegic and tetraplegic pets
• To support the weight of ambulatory pets with orthopedic or neurologic problems where pain perceived during ambulation is such that dogs may become non-ambulatory
• To enable non-ambulatory patients to perform specific balance and strengthening exercises while supporting their weight