The Forelimb Dorsi-Flex Assist reduces dragging and knuckling of the front paw and helps to stabilize the wrist/carpus. It is used as a mobility aid for pets with weak lower/distal forelimbs.
Customized for a variety of distal forelimb conditions including but not limited to: * brachial plexus avulsion * radial nerve palsy * IVDD
Pets should have functional control of shoulder and triceps.
VITAL TIPS |
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What are your choices for dragging paws or dogs that knuckle? |
There are many conditions that result in weakness/knuckling/dragging including DM (degenerative myelopathy), sciatic nerve injury, and disc disease. If you have a pet that's dragging and you want a device to help them get around, the most important thing to remember is that the device should be lightweight (they are already having trouble moving and can't handle anything heavy) and that it is "assistive" (it either helps them directly OR it helps you to help them). |
A harness is "assistive" - it helps you help them get around. A harness is a must-have because these pets need help getting up, standing, and/or walking. So scrap the collar and opt for a comfortable, lightweight, padded harness. Next . . . what can be done to reduce knuckling? Yes, I'm getting to that :-) |
To figure out the best device for your pet, you have to determine their current ability as well as their prognosis. Does your pet have an injury and is improving or is this a progressive condition? For pets that are improving, you may be able to get away with a device that is less "assistive". For pets with a progressive condition, like DM, then you are looking for a device that's more "assistive" and can possibly be modified to increase assistance when the pet needs more help. Below is a quick description of different devices and their recommended uses: |
The No-Knuckling Sock reduces knuckling of the toes. It is meant for short-term use (a few minutes at a time). Dogs should be strong enough to flex the knee and bring the hip/leg forward. This device is ultralight, leaves the toes free, and and is made for either to front or hind paw. |
The Toe-Up Sling reduces knuckling of the toes. It is similar to No-Knuckling Sock and allows the paw to remain uncovered. Both devices require that dogs be strong enough to flex the knee and bring the hip/leg forward. |
The Hindlimb Dorsi-Flex Assist reduces knuckling of the toes and helps to flex the ankle. It offers paw protection via the boot, and can be worn for up to a few hours at a time. Again, this device requires that dogs be strong enough to flex the knee and bring the hip/leg forward. This is a prescription item that needs to be ordered by a veterinary professional and can be made for the front or back paw. |
The Biko Resistance Bands are used for dogs that have whole hind leg weakness. It helps to bring both hind legs forward during walking. It does not cover the paw; the ankle cuffs are attached to a harness using the elastic resistance bands. |
There are variations and modifications to the above devices - contact your veterinary rehab professional for more information. |
Helps correct gait and front paw placement
VITAL TIPS |
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What are your choices for dragging paws or dogs that knuckle? |
There are many conditions that result in weakness/knuckling/dragging including DM (degenerative myelopathy), sciatic nerve injury, and disc disease. If you have a pet that's dragging and you want a device to help them get around, the most important thing to remember is that the device should be lightweight (they are already having trouble moving and can't handle anything heavy) and that it is "assistive" (it either helps them directly OR it helps you to help them). |
A harness is "assistive" - it helps you help them get around. A harness is a must-have because these pets need help getting up, standing, and/or walking. So scrap the collar and opt for a comfortable, lightweight, padded harness. Next . . . what can be done to reduce knuckling? Yes, I'm getting to that :-) |
To figure out the best device for your pet, you have to determine their current ability as well as their prognosis. Does your pet have an injury and is improving or is this a progressive condition? For pets that are improving, you may be able to get away with a device that is less "assistive". For pets with a progressive condition, like DM, then you are looking for a device that's more "assistive" and can possibly be modified to increase assistance when the pet needs more help. Below is a quick description of different devices and their recommended uses: |
The No-Knuckling Sock reduces knuckling of the toes. It is meant for short-term use (a few minutes at a time). Dogs should be strong enough to flex the knee and bring the hip/leg forward. This device is ultralight, leaves the toes free, and and is made for either to front or hind paw. |
The Toe-Up Sling reduces knuckling of the toes. It is similar to No-Knuckling Sock and allows the paw to remain uncovered. Both devices require that dogs be strong enough to flex the knee and bring the hip/leg forward. |
The Hindlimb Dorsi-Flex Assist reduces knuckling of the toes and helps to flex the ankle. It offers paw protection via the boot, and can be worn for up to a few hours at a time. Again, this device requires that dogs be strong enough to flex the knee and bring the hip/leg forward. This is a prescription item that needs to be ordered by a veterinary professional and can be made for the front or back paw. |
The Biko Resistance Bands are used for dogs that have whole hind leg weakness. It helps to bring both hind legs forward during walking. It does not cover the paw; the ankle cuffs are attached to a harness using the elastic resistance bands. |
There are variations and modifications to the above devices - contact your veterinary rehab professional for more information. |
Carpo-Flex-X provides moderate support/protection for the front leg/wrist. Carpo-Flex-X is made of washable, easy-to-care-for materials. This brace can be trimmed for a more custom fit. Carpo-Flex-X includes nylon support straps to provide stability where it is needed most. Additional stability straps can be purchased for pets with more severe or painful wrist problems. Foam padding can also be added inside the Carpo-Flex-X for added comfort. *Veterinary Professionals - shop Thera-Paw for Professional Pricing.
Uses:
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Leg braces need to fit well (hug the limb) in order to provide the best support. You can place a plastic PVC pipe over a dog's leg, and though PVC is super strong, it will do nothing to stabilize a pet's leg because it does not conform to the shape of the leg. |
Dogs are tough to fit for braces. This is because there is more variability in the shape and size of the dog than any other mammal in the world. Did you get that? In the world! Pretty amazing! So it's not easy to come up with a "Small, Medium, Large..." size that fits most dogs. But Thera-Paw has come the closest we've seen outside of a completely custom brace. This is because Thera-Paw's Carpo-Flex-X can be cut to fit - In fact, it can be trimmed anywhere that does not have stitching. Both the width and the length of the brace can be trimmed for a better fit. On top of that, the brace can be made more supportive with the addition of stability straps that can be applied in various configurations depending on your dog's needs. No wonder the Carpo-Flex-X is Thera-Paw's #1 selling product. And deservedly so! |
Bonus features of the Carpo-Flex-X are that it's even more customizable - you can apply some self-adhesive padding (sold separately) inside to make it more comfortable, and you can even buy more stability straps if your dog needs more support. And the brace is completely washable - it's made of wetsuit material. Cool! |
Keeping animals on the move with splinting solutions
The Walkin’ Front Leg Dog Splint helps give your best friend all the comfort and support they need. This brace provides joint support for your pet to help with injuries and conditions that may decrease mobility.
Custom-made braces, orthotics, and prosthetic devices for your pets
Custom support braces using the latest techniques to ensure the perfect fit with the strongest and lightest materials.
PawOpedic is an independently owned practice that provides custom braces and artificial limbs for the pets you love. We don't have a large marketing budget and we aren't the biggest provider in the industry. Our focus is on being the best, not the biggest.
Just like humans, animals can benefit from orthotics and prosthetics, which contribute to improving and prolonging the quality of life of the animals suffering from temporary or permanent functional limitations
Custom orthotics and prosthetics for paws, legs, torso, and neck. Special order items available.
German-based company offering custom-made orthotics and prosthetics for pets
Features:
Super-Soft Fleece padding is meant to be changed every 4-8 weeks depending on wear. Signs that indicate a need to change padding include:
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