Orthosis - How to Use

[lehughes]

Hello I have two patients whom I would like to use orthoses. The first one has hyperextension in the ankle joint and Akita is still growing. I recommended to use orthosis when they are going to walk or when the dog is running in the garden (sometimes it is all day).

The other is a 9-month-old dog de bordeaux, whose femur grows sloppy, guiding the knees out and the hocks inward. I would like to use a knee-jaw orthosis, because the problem is in growing bones, not muscles.

How they should be worn, I mean the time. I was taught that they can not be worn all the time, but recently I have met with the opinion that a growing dog has an orthosis all day long, withdrawn at night for 2 months.

I was trying to find somting in books, but I couldn't find, that is why I'm writing to you.

Regards
M.

[lehughes]

Hello M,

So firstly, I need to warn you that you will run into some problems with either case just because they are growing. You may need to create something yourself that can be modified as the dogs grow. The custom orthoses might only last for a month or two if the dogs are in a rapid growth phase… which might not make the owners very happy with spending lots of money on an orthosis that will only last a short time.

The other concern is that an orthosis might not be the best option for these cases. When an animal is growing, it needs to learn how to use it’s body properly, and it needs to exercise in order build muscles, which support the joint. Additionally, when dogs are growing they can go through phases where the front or back end is ‘taller’ than the other. In the case of tarsal hyperextension, it could be the way the dog is compensating for a ‘too high’ front end compared to the rear (i.e. like standing on your tippy toes), which an orthosis won’t help. Or it’s conformational… and you can’t change conformation with an orthosis. And with both of these concerns, might an orthosis create a problem ‘elsewhere’ in the body.

Okay, I don’t know what a knee-jaw orthosis is. Do you mean knee-hock? Either way, I don’t think that an orthosis is a great plan for the dog you describe. But do you have a picture of what you have in mind?
Do you have a company you had in mind for each brace?

In regards to how long to wear an orthosis, it likely depends on how big the problem is. If it’s an instability that is causing pain and damage, then I would say it could be worn whenever the dog is up and moving (and supervised). If the brace is to help with protection and movement only when exercising, then just have it on for exercise.
To keep a brace on when the dog is not supervised, risks having it chewed off and eaten!!
However, I don’t know of a brace (especially in the dog-world) that would help with growth specifically.

I’m going to post this on the FourLeg Forum and see if anyone else had anything to share!

All the best!

Laurie

[Blechapo]

Hello M,
Sounds like some interesting cases. Growing dogs and orthoses have a different set of rules. I worked at a Shriner's Hospital for Children; I see many similarities in growing dog we faced.

To start, I think I would like to hear some more information on both of these cases to give a better treatment protocol.

In general, I have to agree with Laurie, we have to be sure to help growing dogs learn how to use muscles properly. Orthoses can be very problematic with correcting deformities.

Retaining a correction is probably a better use for orthoses.

Keep in mind we saw thousands of children a year for orthoses, so there is merit. The case just needs to be planned well.

That said, I have used serial casting to limit motion (for a short period of time) to correct boney and muscle malformations. Dog's are absolutely amazing in how quickly they will correct if you catch them at the right time.

Starting while they are still growing is very helpful.

So back to the beginning, we need more information. We have many tools to help you.

Would you provide some x-rays, photos and video. For the photos and video, please provide a lateral and hind view.

Excited to see how we can help!
Talk soon,
Ben

Ben Blecha, CPO
Hero Braces
www.goherogo.com

[lehughes]

Thanks Ben,

I have asked M. for pictures or video as well. Here is one she has sent, and a reply. I'll send her your reply / questions as well to continue the discussion.

https://youtu.be/9ihGGIIa5qs

--- --- --- ---
Hello this is the dog. The RTG foto I could send tomorrow.
I ment knee-hock ortesis, sorry.

So if not ortesis, can we do anything for dogs with anatomical bone problems, when they grow not straight and when they are growing? I know can use surgery techniques, but is it the only way to help in such a cases

Thanks for the aswer.
Regards M

[lehughes]

And X-ray: