Hindlimb Prosthetics - Is My Pet or Patient a Candidate? (Dog prosthetic)

In order for a pet/patient to be a candidate for a back leg prosthetic device, there are three minimum requirements needed:

1). The pet/patient must have at least 30%-40% of the tibia and fibula remaining so that the patient can control the prosthetic. Less than this amount of tibia and fibula means the patient is unable to control the length of the socket prosthesis.  

2). The pet/patient must have a functional stifle and hip joint in order to control the prosthesis. This means that the patient needs to have full control over its muscles and condition of the stifle and hip joints must be amenable to use of the limb during weight-bearing.

3). If the amputation or limb deformity is above the tarsus joint, the prosthesis will gain purchase and suspension onto of the pet/patient’s lumbar spine and a contralateral femoral cuff. This requires access to the medial side of both femurs and the pet/patient’s ability to wear a chest harness.  If the amputation or limb deformity is below the tarsus joint (pet/patient presents with both medial and lateral malleoli and the calcaneus, the prosthesis will gain purchase and suspension above these bony landmarks.

All prosthesis cases require x-rays for us to better assess limb length, bone quality, bone shape, and joint quality.

Still unsure if your pet is a candidate for a hindlimb prosthesis? Shoot us an email at info@orthopets.com or give us a call Monday through Thursday 9am - 5pm MST and we will be able to help you determine if a hindlimb prosthesis is right for your pet or for your patient.