Bilateral Deformities in a Sanctuary Goat
Henry, a 180-pound Nubian goat living at Charlie's Acres Animal Sanctuary in California, was dealing with bilateral carpal limb deformities affecting the alignment and stability of both his front limbs when his care team reached out to OrthoPaws. His case required a solution that could provide meaningful support while still allowing him to move naturally in the environment he calls home.
Henry's condition had been developing over time. He was first evaluated in January 2023 for an angular limb deformity, with imaging showing instability of the carpal physis. His veterinary team initially pursued medical management.
By March 2026, follow-up radiographs showed increased medial luxation of both carpal joints, along with moderate osteoarthritis. Henry's clinical presentation included both varus and valgus deformities. His veterinary team's primary goal was clear: improve stability of both carpal joints and provide additional support for his front limbs.
Designing a Device Built Around Henry
His orthoses needed to support the affected carpal joints while still allowing the range of motion goats rely on for posture and balance. Our team reviewed his clinical presentation and imaging closely to design a device that would correct his alignment.
Because Henry lives at an animal sanctuary, his devices also needed to hold up to outdoor activity and daily wear. The team weighed the durability and serviceability of the components, designing for maintenance that's easy for Henry's caregivers and keeps the device protected from dirt and debris.
The result was a custom bilateral carpal orthosis, designed for Henry's anatomy and built for his life at the sanctuary.
A Collaboration Between Vet, Caregivers, and OrthoPaws
Henry's case was a collaboration between his veterinary team, his caregivers at Charlie's Acres, and the OrthoPaws clinical and fabrication teams.
His referral provided the medical history, imaging findings, and treatment goals needed to understand what the orthoses needed to accomplish, and his caregivers provided valuable insight into Henry's day-to-day environment and what would be practical for his care.
Thriving, According to the People Who Know Him Best
The most meaningful measure of success is what happens after the device leaves the fabrication room. The team at Charlie's Acres shared:
“Incredible company! We used these guys to get custom braces for our large goat who lives at our Animal Sanctuary - Charlie's Acres. He is thriving and living his best life thanks to OrthoPaws!!”
The goal was to give a much-loved sanctuary resident additional support while allowing him to continue living his life in the environment he knows and enjoys. And according to the people who know him best, Henry is doing exactly that.
How We Can Help
If your pet, or an animal in your care, is facing a mobility challenge like Henry's, we can help you find the right custom solution. 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, 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.
