Almost as good as a new leg!

With concurrent health problems preventing surgery, ruptured plantar intertarsal ligaments at 10 years of age meant pain and ongoing lameness for Lulu. With surgery not a possibility, there had to be another answer...

Lulu presented to Dogs In Motion for physiotherapy assessment in February 2008, following a diagnosis of ruptured right plantar intertarsal ligaments, occurring in January that year. Prior to this, Lulu had been an active 10 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier X, walking and running up to 1 hour per day. Since sustaining the injury, she could only manage a couple of hundred metres on 3 limbs and remained partially non weight bearing on the right hind limb. She would stand plantar grade and had developed sores over the calcaneus and cranial hock from bandaging and temporary splinting. Surgery had been suggested but her owner was reluctant due to Lulu having several other health problems.

After a decision was made not to proceed to surgery, a thermoplastic splint was originally made by Dogs In Motion and fitted a few weeks later. This provided a temporary stabiliser and Lulu was then able to ambulate on 4 limbs for short distances, but pressure and friction sores remained an issue.

After several months of ‘managing’ with the temporary thermoplastic splint, it finally broke down. It was again time for a frank and open discussion about Lulu’s treatment options. Surgery was still not a viable option due to Lulu’s other conditions and relief provided by another splint would only be temporary. But now a third option was available – a long term ‘Orthopets’ brace could be custom made and fitted to provide Lulu with permanent support for her orthopaedic condition, thus providing Lulu with ongoing relief and allowing her to stay away from the surgery table.

Dogs In Motion sought the services of Orthopets in Denver USA, who would custom make a brace for Lulu. Physiotherapist Michelle Monk then travelled to Orthopets in Denver to watch the process of manufacture and to take on the Australian Distribution for Orthopets. With over 6 years experience, the Orthopets office in Denver makes about 100 custom made braces a month for small and large animals, each one designed and manufactured to the specific needs of the individual animal. Orthopets are world leaders in the design and manufacture of custom braces; a service which is now available through Dogs In Motion, right here in Melbourne.

Two weeks later Lulu’s custom made carbon fibre brace was ready and fitted to her limb. The fit was exact and she started her ‘wearing in’ phase which typically lasts 2 weeks. In Lulu’s case this time frame was right on the money.

At last Lulu had a long term, effective solution to her problem with no need for surgery. Her owner was over the moon and Lulu was well on the way back to an active lifestyle, free to enjoy her later years in comfort.

Lulu has now returned to 20 minutes running on 4 limbs with no sores from friction or pressure in sight. The brace can be worn all day if required and can be taken on all terrains, including in water. They are removed over night. The carbon fibre shell will never wear out and straps, linings and soles are usually refurbished 1-2 times per year depending on wear.

This brace for Lulu provided a huge improvement in quality of life for her, and best of all, provided stability, without friction or pressure. Lulu has since continued her physiotherapy program to strengthen the right hind limb and increase her exercise tolerance. This program has had the added benefit of increasing her overall clinical health, with her owner reporting greater energy levels and a new lease on life.

Orthpets orthotics and prosthetics are now available for the first time in Australia from Dogs In Motion canine rehabilitation centres.

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