ANIMAL ORTHO CARE Custom Knee and Hock Brace Instruction Manual
- June 8, 2024
- ANIMAL ORTHO CARE
Table of Contents
CUSTOM KNEE & HOCK BRACE
FIT AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Wearing Instructions
We suggest a gradual break in schedule so that your pet can slowly acclimate
to the orthosis. The first day the dog should wear it for no more than 30
minutes. Look for signs of irritation when you remove. If no signs of
irritation, then increase another 30 minutes for day 2, making it 1 hour.
Increase 30 minutes for each day after that, building up to no more than 14
hours a day. The purpose of the break in period is to allow your dog to
adjust to the brace and it builds up their skin tolerance. It also provides
you with fitting practice. Too much of the brace on too soon will cause
irritation, so please make sure you follow the break in period.
We always suggest that you remove the device at night unless your Veterinarian
suggests otherwise. The brace should always be on for outside activity. The
brace does not need to be on while the dog is sleeping/napping. The dog should
not wear the brace while they are crated either. The amount of time you have
the brace on your dog will be dependent on the injury, severity, activity
level of dog and recommendations from your veterinarian.
Activity Level/ Restrictions
For the first 2 weeks, we recommend a few short walks up to 10-15 minutes a day. Gradually increase this activity as its tolerated. Limit stairs. If stairs are used, try to support their hind area to assist with this activity. No zoomies or ball playing for the first 2 months. This brace can be worn in the water. After any swimming activity, please remove the brace and dry completely with a towel. Please remove the pads from the Velcro straps and let those air dry. The brace can be reapplied after everything is dry.
Cleaning the brace
Please use light soapy water or antibacterial wipes to clean the plastic shell and non-porous liner of the brace. Hand-wash the pads as needed and then let them air dry. Remove any hair or dirt from the Velcro with a wire brush. Gently brush in one direction on the hook portion of the Velcro only.
Brace Fitting
The animal can be standing or laying down during the fitting process. Position
the animal’s leg in the brace by aligning the knee center with the joints on
the side of the brace. The easiest way to identify the knee center if feeling
for a couple protrusion points along your dog’s knee. If you bend your dog’s
knee, you will feel these two protrusion points on the front of the knee – a
bump on the top of knee and one on the lower part of knee. Find these two
protrusion points. If you go in between these two points, this will be the
knee center. The center of the rubber hinges must be aligned with this knee
center. You will also need to double check once this is aligned at the knee
center that there are about two fingers worth from the top of brace to the
groin (where the upper thigh meets the abdomen). Ensure the hock joint aligns
with the hock. If the brace includes a paw, make sure it is sitting flat in
the paw section of the device. The limb should rest all the way back into the
brace.
Loosen the tibia strap in front (if you have one). Tighten the lowest strap
first. The bottom strap should be very secure but not too tight as to cut off
circulation. Use one hand to keep your pet’s limb in the brace and use the
other hand to tighten the strap. Tighten the middle strap or straps. You will
want these to be very snug as well. Tighten the top strap. If you have a tibia
strap in front of the brace, secure that last. Please note that you will see
some gapping between the brace and your dog’s knee near the front strap. This
is normal. The strap is not very tight and will only touch below your dog’s
knee when the leg is in full flexion. Smaller dogs may not have the tibia
strap. Instead, smaller dogs will have a higher shell piece in front to
encapsulate the tibia.
Check the fit of the brace. No part of the device should rub on the bones. The
hock should rest all the way back into the brace. If the brace includes a paw,
it should not extend over the paw section. If there is excessive movement of
the limb in the brace while the animal walks, try to secure the straps more.
The brace should fit securely to the leg. Please reach out to
[email protected] if you are experiencing any fitting
issues. If you email, please send a picture with the brace on from the front,
side and rear of the leg at eye level.
Once the brace is securely on, encourage your animal to take a few steps in
the device. It is not uncommon for them to display a weird or uncommon gait at
first and they may not bear full weight on the brace initially. This is why we
encourage a slow break in period. Every animal acclimates to devices in their
own time. This could take up to 2 weeks. The dog may start to knuckle, which
is walking on top of the paws.
Note this is a common reaction and should subside after about a week.
Whenever you remove the brace, inspect your animal’s limb for any skin
irritations or swelling. Redness could occur on the limb but it should
dissipate within 10-15 minutes. Please discontinue the use of the brace if
there is any noticeable swelling or open wounds that occur from wear. Please
notify [email protected] right away.
Always inspect your brace for any signs of wear. Straps and padding may need
to be replaced over time. Keep the foam liner as clean as possible by using an
antibacterial wipe or mild warm soapy water and then dry. If the foam
compresses, use a hair dryer and gradually heat up the liner surface to
decompress it. This should only take about 10 seconds or so.
Modifications/Adjustments
Adjustments and modifications may be necessary once you receive your brace. If modifications are needed please ensure to reach out to aocpet.com first and provide the necessary photos as mentioned above. If fabrication confirms modifications are needed you will need to send the brace into them.Modifications are a quick turnaround.
Replacement Parts/Refurb Program
If you ever need new straps or pads for your brace you can order them right on our website at aocpet.com. We do offer a refurb program for braces as well. This is where we replace components of the brace for you. This refurb program information is also listed on our website for you to learn more about.