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Carpus (Wrist)
Below Carpus
Carpal Disarticulate

Hock (Ankle)
Below Hock
Hock Disarticulate

• Do I need to take a mold, or can I just take measurements?
• What part of the leg do I need to cast for my brace?
• How long do I need to let the plaster bandage soak before making my mold?
• How do I make sure the layers of my cast fuse together?
• How do I position the anatomical joint I am casting?
• How do I properly align and cast the paw?
• I don't think I did a good job casting my pets limb. What should I do?
• What is a "Bad" cast?
• How thick should I make my cast?
  
  
• Do I need to take a mold, or can I just take measurements?

  OrthoPets only fabricates our custom products from a plaster or fiberglass mold taken of your pets limb. We believe that this is the only way to ensure a successful healthcare treatment option. Please contact OrthoPets to order a casting kit today.
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• What part of the leg do I need to cast for my brace?

  When casting for a custom brace, please refer to our forms and resources table. Click on the word document or the PDF file that relates to the injured area you are treating. These measurement forms will show the limb segment that is needed for the mold.
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• How long do I need to let the plaster bandage soak before making my mold?

  For best results with the casting material, let it soak in water for approximately 10-15 seconds. Gently squeeze the roll of casting material several times before you remove it from the water.
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• How do I make sure the layers of my cast fuse together?

  Once you have wrapped your plaster roll 2-4 layers thick, use a rubbing motion with both hands and massage the layers together. Continue this motion until you feel the plaster becoming hard. You will also feel the plaster cast becoming warm to the touch.
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• How do I position the anatomical joint I am casting?

  Before you begin casting your pets limb, you will need to establish the best possible standing angle of that joint. The best method is to mirror the angle of the unaffected limb. You may also speak with OrthoPets or your vet to obtain this information.
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• How do I properly align and cast the paw?

  Begin by loosely wrapping the paw with plastic wrap. Ensure that you have not bound the toes. Continue sealing the rest of the limb with plastic wrap. Once you have completed prepping the limb for casting, start the casting process from the top of the limb and work your way down to the paw. This will give you plenty of working time to align the paw. Once you have gently wrapped the paw segment with your casting material, extend (Lift up) the paw to simulate a natural standing angle. While performing this step, make sure that the toes are not being squeezed together. If necessary, place a finger between the main large pad and the 4 toes to help expand the paw. This will simulate when your pet stands and applies weight to the paw. The toes naturally spread out and the main large pad will touch the ground. Simulate this position the best you possibly can!
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• I don't think I did a good job casting my pets limb. What should I do?

  The quality of your cast will directly affect the quality fit of your custom device. The old saying... Poor quality in-Poor quality out! If you feel that the cast either you or your vet took is questionable please contact OrthoPets. We suggest that you email a picture promptly to orthopets so that we can visually inspect the cast for its quality. We will only know for sure once we have received your cast, however it may save time recasting if OrthoPets can catch a poor quality cast early.
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• What makes my cast a "Bad" unusable cast?

  A "Bad" unusable cast is evident by many factors such as:

  • CAST PADDING USED AS A BARRIER INSTEAD OF PLASTIC WRAP!!! PLEASE FOLLOW OUR CASTING INSTRUCTIONS! NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Layers of the casting material not fused together, or falling apart.
  • The paw segment is bound tight and not extended to simulate a normal standing angle of the paw.
  • An anatomical joint not positioned in the appropriate angle, such as too straight or too bent.
  • Not casting enough of the limb for the requested brace.
  • Casting the wrong part of the limb for the requested brace (Sounds unlikely, but it happens).
  • Not letting the casting material soak completely before removing it from the water and attempting the casting process.
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• How thick should I make my cast?

  Your cast should be made between 2-4 layers thick. Remember that you are only trying to generate an impression of your pets limb. WARNING: If you make your mold too thick it will be increasingly difficult to cut through the casting material with your scissors or knife. The best rule of thumb is to first wrap the entire limb with 2-4 layers of casting material. Visually inspect your work. If you see or feel any thin spots on your cast, use any additional casting material to patch over that area. Always error on a thin sturdy cast rather than simply wrapping the cast too thick!
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