Walkin’ Elbow Brace

How does the custom elbow brace help my patient?
Dogs’ orthotic leg braces stabilize a pet’s elbow joint and support the upper front limb. A canine orthosis allows pets to return to near-normal function and bear weight on the injured leg sooner. A canine elbow brace protects an injured limb and prevents further injury.
An orthosis or dog leg brace is ideal for:

• An alternative to surgery.
• Pets who are not surgical candidates, whether due to age or cannot go under anesthesia
• Pets that suffer from a chronic injury that requires a brace to prevent further harm to the affected elbow joint.
• Reduce pressure on the opposite or contralateral limb.
• Aid in post-operative healing and rehabilitation.
• Help pets stay active longer and, therefore, healthier.

What is included with the purchase of a custom elbow orthosis?
Each canine orthosis comes with everything your pet needs to support their limb, including:

• A custom fabricated elbow brace
• Casting kit*
• Fitting assistance and guidance from the orthotics expert

*The casting kit may also be purchased separately. If you have already purchased the Walkin’ Pets Casting Kit, the cost of the casting kit will be deducted from the final purchase price after checkout.

How long is the fabrication process?
Each orthosis is fabricated by hand and custom-built to fit your best friend. Once the mold has arrived, fabrication will start immediately and take 7-10 business days to build. Casting kits will be shipped to the specified address within 24 hours of receiving the completed order form.
Ship completed casts to:

Walkin’ Pets Ortho
6501 East Greenway Parkway,
103-533
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

How long does it take for a pet to adjust to wearing a custom leg brace?
Expect an adjustment period as a pet is getting used to wearing a brace. Patients will need to break in the brace slowly for over a week or so. Every pet is different, and your pet may require more time.
To help your pet adjust to their new orthosis, we recommend the following schedule:
Day 1: Brace should be worn for one to two hours.
Day 2: The brace can be worn for two to four hours.
Day 3: Extend the length of time the brace is worn to four to five hours.
Day 4: Extend the wear time between five to six hours.
Day 5: Your pet should be able to wear its leg brace all day.

How often can my dog wear their elbow brace?
Walkin’ Pets Braces are custom-made to fit your dog comfortably and can be worn all day. A dog leg brace is intended to be worn for extended periods, and most dogs will put their brace on in the morning and take it off right before they go to bed. A custom leg brace is usually recommended for injured pets who need their leg braced for several months or more as they heal or for pets who require long-term leg support.

Can my patient sleep in their orthosis?
The orthosis is designed to support a dog’s leg or joint as they move throughout the day to prevent further injury as the leg heals. Pets do not need to wear the brace when resting, and the orthosis should be removed at nighttime.

What happens if the elbow brace is not adjusted or fitted correctly?
Every Walkin’ Pets Brace is hand fabricated by a certified orthotist who builds the brace to fit the mold and measurements provided to us perfectly. Each custom elbow brace is crafted to fit each pet. Once you have received your orthosis, our CPO is happy to schedule a video call to review the fit and protocol to help your pet adjust to its new brace.
Advise your clients to report any signs of hair loss, skin irritation, redness, swelling, or sores should be reported to you and the orthotist immediately; additional brace adjustments may need to be made.

Is the orthosis waterproof?
Yes, the dog leg braces are waterproof and can safely get wet. All foam liners are made from non-porous, closed-cell foam that does NOT trap moisture. Pets are not recommended to leave the device on after getting it wet, as this can lead to skin irritation.
These devices can be used in underwater treadmills, etc., but should be taken off immediately following treatments to be dried off. We recommend all clients follow guidelines provided to them by their veterinarian or therapist as to use during treatments, etc.

How can I clean the brace?
We recommend cleaning once a week with a 50-50 solution of water and alcohol once a week. Towel dry or allow to dry at room temperature. In between cleanings, you may add baby powder to the inside of the brace to reduce abrasion. We recommend using a lint roller to remove excess hair from touch fasteners.

How do you measure for a custom leg brace?

Our certified orthotist will require you to take three limb measurements along with the impression of the patient’s front leg.

Length Measurement 1: Inside of armpit to the inside of elbow center
Length Measurement 2: Inside of elbow center to inside of carpal center
Circumference of your pet’s front leg at the widest point.

If your client has specific medical requirements that need to be considered during orthosis fabrication, please call us at (866) 578-2926.

How are Walkin’ Pets Braces manufactured?
Once our certified Orthotist receives the cast of the pet’s limb and the brace has been paid in full, he will review the impression and the measurements submitted. Before fabricating, he will begin to assess your patient’s medical needs and contact you directly with any questions regarding your client’s diagnosis.
During the fabrication process, the Orthotist will modify the plaster mold using hand tools and craft the design of the limb for a proper fit. This is done by adding and subtracting plaster material in the correct areas to achieve an ideal fit and form for your dog’s brace. The Orthotist will relieve boney areas and compress soft-tissue areas to obtain a total control brace. Then co-poly plastic is heated to 160 degrees, and the plastic is vacuum formed over the plaster model. After the plaster is cooled, it is cut off the model using a cast saw. The brace is then trimmed, smoothed, and straps are added for proper suspension.
Once the brace is completed, it will be shipped to you to fit on your patient. Our orthotics specialist is happy to walk you through the process over the phone or through Facetime.
To schedule a fitting appointment or speak with one of our orthotics specialists, please call us at (866) 578-2926.

Are there any weight restrictions on a elbow brace?
There is no weight limit for any orthosis or prosthetic. Each brace is custom-made to fit the pet’s weight and size. Please speak to our orthotics specialist before fabrication if the pet has a conformational deformity or specific diagnosis that we need to be aware of.
Not sure if a elbow brace is right for your client, call us at (866) 578-2926 to speak with one of our orthotics specialists.

Can a dog wear a elbow brace on both legs?
Yes, bilateral custom dog elbow braces can be worn if a patient injures both elbows. It is reported that 60% of dogs that tear one ACL/CCL (for example) will injure their compensating limb if the initially injured leg is not supported in a timely manner. Bilateral braces may be required to reduce the risk of injuring the remaining healthy limb and promote balanced weight-bearing. Bracing both elbows can reduce the pressure placed on the contralateral limb to prevent further injury. Each brace is sold separately.
What materials are used to fabricate Walkin’ Pets Braces?
All Walkin’ Pets Braces are manufactured using the same materials used in the human field of orthotics and prosthetics. Each Walkin’ Pets Brace is constructed of medical-grade plastics, titanium, aluminum, touch fasteners, and carbon fiber.

What materials are used to fabricate Walkin’ Pets Braces?
All Walkin’ Pets Braces are manufactured using the same materials used in the human field of orthotics and prosthetics. Each Walkin’ Pets Brace is constructed of medical-grade plastics, titanium, aluminum, touch fasteners, and carbon fiber.