Walkin’ Hip-EEZ Amputee System
Support to keep rear amputee patients active and comfortable.
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Learn more about Walkin’ Hip-EEZ Amputee System at Walkin' Pets.
Description
The Walkin’ Hip-EEZ® Amputee System is the FIRST hip support device designed to provide support to the remaining hind limb of an amputee patient. The Hip-EEZ® combines support, lift, and compression to the unoperated hip to help keep rear amputee canines active. Ease your tripod patient’s hip pain and alleviate the stress on their back leg. Designed in the USA by Renee Mills, VT, CCRP (US Patent No. 10881082. Issue Date: 01/05/2021).
- Keep rear amputee patients mobile and comfortable, and avoid excess stress on the remaining hind limb
- Accommodate any amputations: For dogs with a stump, the amputee panel features a comfy pocket that fits most amputated limbs, for smooth amputees use the flat amputee attachment included with every system
- Comfortable Wear: amputee panel features a Sherpa lined top of the pouch to avoid irritation
- Secure Fit: Neoprene leg panels wrap securely around the leg and amputated stump. Comes standard with a chest harness to keep brace in place as patient moves
- Customize your amputee patient’s treatment plan with optional attachments
To determine the best size for your tripod patient, please measure in a standing position using the remaining leg to determine size. Measure from 1″ above the stifle to the middle of the back. You will need to specify LEFT or RIGHT amputee sleeve needed to indicate which side has been amputated. If your patient falls between sizes, it is best to select the size based on the weight range. If you’re having trouble deciding on a size, please contact our Vet Resources team for assistance.
| Size | Right Leg Measurement | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8″ | 15 – 24 lbs. |
| Medium | 11″ | 25 – 34 lbs. |
| Medium/Large | 14″ | 35 – 49 lbs. |
| Large | 17″ | 50 – 85 lbs. |
| XLarge | 19″ or greater | 80 lbs. or greater |
Barrel chested breeds, such as Boxer or Staffordshire Terrier may need to have a customized system to best accommodate their shape. Please contact us at 866-578-2926 if you need help to determine the right size.
Watch How to Measure Your Pet for the Walkin’ Hip-EEZ!
Placing Walkin’ Hip-EEZ® Amputee System on patient for the first time:
- Fit your patient with the chest harness and adjust for comfort. The harness D-Ring should be on top of the back.
- Place the Hip-EEZ across the back and loosely attach the Hip-EEZ strap to the chest harness by running the nylon strap through the D-ring. This will keep the hip brace in place as you adjust it. Make sure the amputee panel is on the correct side.
- Apply the amputee leg panel first, slide your patient’s stump into the pocket and attach the leg straps around the stump (skip to instructions below if patient has a smooth amputation). Fasten straps behind patient’s leg and attach to the outside of the panel. When adjusted correctly elastic strap should point in an upwards V shape on the outside of the leg panel.
- Continue with the remaining leg panel. Attach the leg straps around your patient’s thigh near the stifle. Fasten elastic straps to the outside of the leg panel in an upwards V shape.
- Once both leg panels are in position, tighten as necessary. If there is any gapping or if the leg panel is sitting too far below the knee, detach the panels and tighten across the hind end as needed. If the panel slides backward off the dog, tighten the strap connecting the Hip-EEZ to the chest harness.
For Smooth Amputees:
- Fit your patient with the chest harness and adjust for comfort. The harness D-Ring should be on top of the back.
- Place the Hip-EEZ across the back and loosely attach the Hip-EEZ strap to the chest harness by running the nylon strap through the D-ring. This will keep the hip brace in place as you adjust it. Make sure the amputee panel is on the correct side.
- Apply the full leg panel first. Attach the leg straps around your patient’s thigh at the stifle. Fasten elastic straps to the outside of the leg panel in an upwards V shape.
- Now attach the amputee leg panel. Attach flat amputee attachment on bottom of panel (on the outside) with Sherpa closest to the patient’s body. Fasten elastic straps to the outside panel on the remaining hind limb in an upwards V shape.
- Once both panels are in position, tighten as necessary. If there is any gapping or if the leg panel is sitting too far below the knee, detach panels and tighten across the hind end as needed. If panel slides backward off the dog, tighten the strap connecting the Hip-EEZ to the chest harness.
The Walkin’ Hip-EEZ Support System is the first multi-module device that accommodates a range of deficits and injuries affecting a dog’s hip joint. Incorporating the Hip-EEZ attachments allows you to customize your patient’s treatment plan for their specific needs and conditions.
Walkin’ Hip-EEZ Donut
Designed for treatment and prevention of decubitus ulcers. Place donut over the patient’s ulcer or pressure sore to provide cushion and distribute weight safely away from affected area, allowing patient to lay down comfortably and ulcers to heal safely.
Walkin’ Hip-EEZ Bridge
A non-surgical solution to aid in conservative management of a mild to moderate hip subluxation. Bridge conforms directly over the hip joint, pushing inward on the joint to secure the joint in place when a pet is standing or moving. Ideal in a rehab setting combined with structured exercise.
Walkin’ Hip-EEZ Cross-Assist
Attachment provides a barrier between the upper thighs, preventing patients from crossing their hind legs. Used as a training tool during recovery to help patients regain strength and teach them how to keep hind legs from crossing when walking or standing. Ideal for patients suffering from hind leg weakness, neurological diseases, strokes, spinal compression and post-surgical procedures.
The Hip-EEZ® Amputee system is specially designed based on inspiration from Canine Rehabilitation cases that needed something more. Tripod pups are at higher risk for injuries to the remaining leg. Joint and pain management play a very large role in the needs of these pets. I designed this product to provide support and compression to the hip joint of the remaining leg while allowing movement and accommodating most amputee stumps. There was a desperate need to provide an option to Tri-pod dogs.
As with any new product, continuing to collect data and feedback from professionals is key. Working together as a Veterinary community to create, provide and improve products that aide in healing our patients. I can only hope these products are able to help your patients as well. Please reach out to us and share your thoughts and help us continue to collect more case studies on the Hip-EEZ®. We want your help in making sure our products meet the needs and approval of our fellow pet lovers.
– Renee Mills, CCRP, Inventor of the Hip-EEZ, vertebraVe and No-Knuckling Training Socks
How does it work?
The Hip-EEZ® uses supportive neoprene panels to provide support and compression around the hip region, providing a sense of lift to the leg by attaching above the stifle and securing atop of the pelvis. Interchangeable attachments allow for customized patient treatment plans for multiple functions and conditions, making this hip brace unique.
How long can my patient wear it?
The Hip-EEZ® can be worn while walking, running, sitting and laying down. Hours of wear at a time are okay. We do recommend that the Hip-EEZ® be removed before bed, and that patients not be left unattended with the Hip-EEZ® on.
Can my patient go to the bathroom with the Hip-EEZ® on?
Yes, they can go potty with the Hip-EEZ® on. There should be no interference with urinating or defecating for males or females.
What should I do if a patient refuses to walk while wearing the Hip-EEZ®?
If a patient is hesitant to walk once the Hip-EEZ® is on, try making a couple adjustments. Check that the strap connecting the hip panels to the chest harness isn’t too tight. By loosening this strap, it may make it more comfortable for the patient, while still holding the panels up.
Remember it may take time for a patient to get used to the Hip-EEZ®. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage them. Not sure if the fit is correct? Contact our Veterinary Support and Outreach Department for assistance. We may request photos or videos of your patient wearing the Hip-EEZ® in order to provide the best fitting advice possible.
How quickly can I expect to see results?
Some patients may show immediate improvements while wearing their Hip-EEZ® mobility aid, and others may take more time. Please expect that it may take 2-4 weeks for the patient to completely adjust to walking and running while wearing the Hip-EEZ®. A slow acclamation to wearing the Hip-EEZ® is important and is completely normal for a full hip mobility device.
If your patient is suffering from any conditions affecting the hip joints which cause pain or change in mobility, we recommend developing a multimodal treatment plan approach. Using the Hip-EEZ® to provide comfortable mobility along with canine rehabilitation therapy, structured exercise, joint supplements, and pain management will allow for the best outcome.
Will the Hip-EEZ® help a dog if he’s unable to walk?
Patients must be ambulatory in order for the Hip-EEZ® to benefit them. The only exception would be the combined use of the Hip-EEZ® with the Hip Donut Attachment, which is designed to help non-ambulatory dogs with decubitus ulcer treatment and prevention. If a patient is completely down and needs support to stand and walk, we recommend the Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair.
Can I use the Hip-EEZ® for water therapy?
Yes, the Hip-EEZ® can be used for water therapy, but we recommend taking the brace off once the patient is out of the water and allowing plenty of time to dry. We do not recommend use of the Hip-EEZ® attachments for water therapy as these are made from a foam material that can deteriorate from prolonged exposure to water.
Can the Hip-EEZ® be used as a lifting harness?
No, the Hip-EEZ® is not designed to be used as a lifting harness.
How do you clean the Hip-EEZ®?
Hand wash Hip-EEZ® with clean cloth or sponge. Lay flat to let air dry. Machine washing is not recommended as it may affect the stability of the product. To remove hair from side panels and touch fasteners, we recommend using a lint roller.
Can my client hook their leash to the D-Ring on the Hip-EEZ®?
Yes, you may hook a leash to the D-Ring while the Hip-EEZ® is attached. However, we recommend attaching to another spot during long walks so that the location of compression from the Hip-EEZ® is not altered while the leash is attached.
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