Help with dog with multiple toe amputations

[amygais]

I need help with suggestions for bracing, boots or prosthetic for a 9 year old Standard Poodle (she is 36 lbs so small for Standard poodle) who has had 2nd and 3rd digits removed from left forelimb,2nd digit removed from her Right forelimb and 3rd digit removed from left hindlimb. Histopath has come back squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma for different digits. No metastasis. She is also suspected of having an autoimmune disease affecting her nails. She functions pretty well considering but recently started having increased laxity/ hyperextension of her left forelimb phalangeal and metacarpal phalangeal joints and turns left paw out lateral. She doesn’t always turn paw out lateral and when I put her right forelimb on a raised surface she raises a little on her left paw and straightens it. My question is would a prosthetic to force her to keep paw straight and in more normal position be beneficial or would it further weaken her flexor tendons? Also any exercises for strengthening flexor tendons that anyone has had success with? Thanks Amy

[lehughes]

Oh Wow, Amy!

That's quite a case!!
So, in my head, the reason for your carpal hyperextension is that there has been a loss of the superficial and deep digital flexors that help with the job of carpal support! So, you're in a tricky situation.
I would think that some form of a carpal support is in order. There is a limit to how much strengthening you can do to compensate for the missing structures. If I were to suggest and activity to strengthen, but not compromise the area, it would be swimming. MAYBE short periods of digging (if that were possible / trainable)... but short periods only. You don't want her damaging the remaining tendons / structures.

So to the carpal support. Start with something light. If that doesn't do the trick then go up in strength. My 'go to' is the Therapaw Carpoflex. Essentially, start with any sort of a neoprene wrap. I'd go mid-thickness for support. With these, you can add some padding up the back to be a first level of support. What I like about Therapaw is their material is 'loop' on both sides, so you can also attach a velcro strap (hook side) up the back of it for added support. If things progress on down the road, then you can add thermoplastics... but that would be overkill to start with. Just as a custom orthotic would be at this point as well, I think. But you can have the latter options in the back of your brain should the carpus worsen.

I hope this helps!
Best of luck!

Laurie

[amygais]

Laurie,
Thanks for your help!
Amy