Veterinary Orthotics & Prosthetics in Bannockburn, IL
If your pet has a limb disability, veterinary orthotics and prosthetics may be a helpful option, depending on their specific needs. Orthotics can provide support, improve alignment, and reduce discomfort, making movement easier for some pets. Prosthetics help restore mobility and minimize strain on other limbs. Our Rehabilitation Team will assess your pet’s condition and lifestyle to determine whether these assistive devices are a good fit and if so, develop a tailored treatment plan. When used appropriately alongside rehabilitation, they can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s mobility and comfort.
How It Works
During your pet’s initial consultation, we will conduct a thorough evaluation and create a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. This assessment will help determine whether an over-the-counter (OTC) device is appropriate or if a custom-fitted option would provide the best support. Orthotic and prosthetic devices are designed to aid in recovery from injuries or various health conditions, enhance mobility, alleviate discomfort, and offer stability.
Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics
Once your pet has undergone an initial consultation, and a custom orthotic is deemed the most suitable option, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. During this visit, precise measurements will be taken, and a cast molding of your pet’s affected limb will be created. Some pets may require sedation for this process, while others can remain awake. The mold ensures that the orthotic is custom tailored to your pet’s needs.
Follow Up Appointments
For pets using a custom orthotic, regular follow-up visits with the rehabilitation veterinarian every one to two weeks are essential. These appointments allow for gradual adjustments to support proper tendon or joint healing. Without these modifications, the tendon may heal incorrectly, increasing the risk of re-injury. Although a pet may seem to walk normally, an improperly healed tendon can become rigid, making future tears more likely.
When managed correctly, the healing process allows the tendon to regain flexibility, which is especially important for active dogs. However, until the orthotic is properly fitted, worn, and adjusted, there is a risk of skin irritation or infection. Close monitoring and care are necessary to ensure the orthotic supports healing while maintaining skin and overall health.
Our orthotic package includes all necessary measurements, cast molding, follow-up visits, and laser therapy for the affected tendon or joint. This comprehensive approach ensures your pet receives the care they need without unexpected additional costs.
How Can Veterinary Orthotics & Prosthetics Benefit Your Pet?
The use of veterinary prosthetics and orthotics is often seen as enabling your pet to be “lazy”, promoting decreased limb use, and further negatively impacting your pet. However the opposite is true. Reduced limb use in an assistive device reflects a strong mental drive, as the desire to move and interact with their environment outweighs awareness of their physical limitations. This doesn’t interfere with physical rehabilitation, but enhances progress by encouraging movement and engagement. Additional benefits include:
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Normal positioning (sitting or standing upright) and function, which greatly improves your pet’s quality of life.
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Maintaining and building strength to avoid overloading their body.
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Restoring motivation and mental resilience to encourage movement and engagement with you and their environment.
We recommend scheduling physical and psychological exercises to encourage your pet’s adaptive use of their limb(s) and back. Our Rehabilitation Team will provide directions which must be closely followed to support your pet’s recovery by restoring proper movement, neurological function, and muscle strength.
How Veterinary Orthotics Are Placed, Removed, and Adjusted Safely
View the videos below to see our team place and remove as well as adjust Jack the cat’s permanent custom orthotic. It is essential that these are done correctly to avoid injury.