Assistive devices for dropped hock

[Guest guest]

I have a patient (a 15 year old shar pei) that has a dropped hock from a

recurrent achilles tendon avulsion. He also has a torn cruciate ligament on the

contralateral leg. The patient has a multitude of other health problems (skin,

vestibular disease, unknown cause anemia, history of gi ulcers, deafness,

chronic ocular problems) and surgery is not an option, he is also very

aggressive and does not allow manipulation, and only minimal handling.

He currently has a custom tarsal wrap from Thera Paws with rigid splint for the

hock, however this is no longer adequate due to its wear and tear with use, and

the fact that he has become completely plantigrade (he was almost completely

healed until he reputed his other leg's cruciate). I am concerned a new brace

of the same type will still cause skin abrasion problems. (please note the

brace worked great when it was a partial avulsion and a normal contralateral

leg).

Does anyone have any advice on assistive devices for the hock that can be left

on days at a time, are easy to take on and off, and are not likely to cause

pressure sores?

I think I know the answer to this one, but I had to ask.

Thanks

, DVM CCRT CVA

[Guest guest]

Hi

Maybe Patsy will come on and give more in depth info but I would not hesitate to plave an orthopets custom thermoplastic splint on this dog. The diabetic foam is great at preventing pressure sores and the custom made splints fit like a golve and give great rigid support.

I have been really pleased with them for tarsal support

Calverley DVM CCRT

Assistive devices for dropped hock

I have a patient (a 15 year old shar pei) that has a dropped hock from a recurrent achilles tendon avulsion. He also has a torn cruciate ligament on the contralateral leg. The patient has a multitude of other health problems (skin, vestibular disease, unknown cause anemia, history of gi ulcers, deafness, chronic ocular problems) and surgery is not an option, he is also very aggressive and does not allow manipulation, and only minimal handling.He currently has a custom tarsal wrap from Thera Paws with rigid splint for the hock, however this is no longer adequate due to its wear and tear with use, and the fact that he has become completely plantigrade (he was almost completely healed until he reputed his other leg's cruciate). I am concerned a new brace of the same type will still cause skin abrasion problems. (please note the brace worked great when it was a partial avulsion and a normal contralateral leg).Does anyone have any advice on assistive devices for the hock that can be left on days at a time, are easy to take on and off, and are not likely to cause pressure sores? I think I know the answer to this one, but I had to ask.Thanks , DVM CCRT CVA