A Complex Case, Interrupted
Fernando, a llama at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, has chronic conformational abnormalities affecting both front limbs, including severely dropped fetlocks and significant splaying of his front claws.
Although many of these abnormalities had been present since he arrived at the zoo, his care team began noticing that he was having more difficulty walking. His exaggerated gait was determined to be mechanical rather than neurologic, as he was taking larger, exaggerated steps to compensate for his abnormal limb conformation.
Fernando's veterinary team began working with OrthoPets to explore custom bilateral forelimb orthoses. A great deal of planning had already gone into his case, including photos and videos, 3D models of his limbs, foot tracings, and fiberglass impressions made with his fetlocks reduced closer to a normal standing angle. A preliminary device design had also been developed. When OrthoPets unexpectedly closed before Fernando's devices could be fabricated, his team was left with an unfinished plan and a very unique patient still in need of support.
Continuing the Work OrthoPets Started
Fortunately, Fernando’s team had saved the information and materials from the original case and reached out to OrthoPaws to see if we could help. As Dr. Spencer Kehoe shared at the time, they were excited to work with a team that could “pick up where we left off with OrthoPets.”
We reviewed Fernando's previous case information along with his casts, 3D limb models, photos, and gait videos and worked closely with his veterinary team and our fabrication specialists to determine the best way to move forward.
Ultimately, Fernando received custom bilateral, non-articulating fetlock orthoses with foot segments designed specifically around his unusual anatomy. The devices support his fetlocks at the improved angles captured in his impressions while also supporting his feet and helping guide him more effectively through each step.
From First Fitting to Final Adjustments
As with all of our cases, each with its own unique presentation, we knew that getting the devices fabricated was only part of the process. Our Case Managers traveled to Denver Zoo to work alongside Fernando's veterinary and animal care teams to review the fit. Overall, we were encouraged by how the devices looked on Fernando, and seeing him in them allowed us to identify some areas that could be improved.
We sent the devices back to our fabrication team for adjustments to give his toes more room, better accommodate the shape of his fetlocks, and improve how he moved through the devices while weight bearing.
Throughout the process, Fernando's team put a tremendous amount of time into helping him to learn to accept and use his new orthoses. Dr. Kehoe described working with OrthoPaws as “a very smooth process” and shared his appreciation for our “responsiveness, expertise, and flexibility.”
When the adjusted devices were ready, we returned to the zoo for another fitting.
The fit was much improved, with only a couple of minor refinements, which we easily took care of on site. Even more exciting was seeing Fernando's response to the devices. He was initially hesitant to bear weight through his left forelimb while wearing the orthosis, but by the end of the appointment, he was standing and bearing weight through both front limbs while wearing both devices at the same time!
Fernando's story is still being written, and his team will continue to monitor how he adapts to his devices over time.
How We Can Help
If your pet was in the process of pursuing a custom device through OrthoPets when the company closed, we can help you pick up where things left off. Start your pet's mobility journey, and we'll review what you already have to figure out the best next step.
If you're a vet or rehab professional with a patient facing a unique or complex mobility challenge, we'd love to help. Submit a case for review, and we'll work with you and your patient's care team to figure out whether a custom orthotic or prosthetic solution is the right fit, with no referral fee.
