Izogie, a beautiful 18-month-old German Shepherd, faced immense challenges after losing one of her hind legs due to trauma and infection. Like many dogs with amputations, her mobility was significantly affected, and she quickly began to struggle. Her pet parent, determined to find a solution, traveled 2.5 hours from Orlando to OrthoPaws in Palm Harbor, seeking expert help to protect Izogie’s remaining knee, which was suffering from ligament and cartilage damage after unsuccessful online attempts.
The Challenge: A Three-Legged Dog Facing Mobility Issues
As a large dog missing a hind limb, Izogie's mobility placed intense strain on her remaining leg, particularly the knee joint. Off-the-shelf dog wheelchairs bought online either didn’t fit her properly or failed to alleviate the pressure on her joints. This left her unable to live the active life she once enjoyed, leading to frustration for both Izogie and her pet parent. They knew it was time for a customized solution that could help restore Izogie's mobility and allow her to move freely once again.
The OrthoPaws Solution: A Custom Wheelchair and Knee Brace
At OrthoPaws, our priority was to create a solution tailored specifically to Izogie’s needs. We designed a custom dog wheelchair with a counterweight system, aimed at reducing the pressure on her remaining hind limb. Unlike mass-produced wheelchairs, this lightweight, foldable wheelchair provided proper support and helped redistribute the stress across her body, reducing the strain on her spine and hips. Our goal was not only to help Izogie move but to preserve the integrity of her joints long-term—a feature missing from the online solutions.
In addition to the wheelchair, we created a custom knee brace using the Hero Brace, designed to protect Izogie’s knee when she’s not using the wheelchair. This added support ensures her knee is stable during everyday activities, minimizing the risk of further damage. Whether she's moving around the house or enjoying her daily walks, the knee brace helps reduce strain and fatigue, essential for large dogs who have lost a limb.
Restoring Mobility, Enhancing Quality of Life
Before receiving her custom dog wheelchair and knee brace, Izogie struggled with mobility. She often sat out during playtime and was unable to keep up with her canine siblings, which affected her overall quality of life. Now, with her new mobility aids, she’s back to running, playing, and exploring the outdoors. Her custom wheelchair not only helps her move freely but also prevents unnecessary strain on her joints, allowing her to enjoy an active lifestyle again.
Izogie’s pet parent shared their gratitude:
"I can’t thank OrthoPaws enough! The custom wheelchair and knee brace have changed Izogie’s life. After struggling with online solutions that didn’t work, the team here gave her exactly what she needed. She’s back to being her happy, playful self, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the care and attention she received!"
A Tailored Approach for Long-Term Success
At OrthoPaws, we believe in providing personalized mobility solutions for pets with complex needs. Izogie’s treatment involved a custom-made wheelchair designed to reduce stress on her remaining hind limb, protecting her knee and preserving her long-term mobility. The counterweight system ensures balance and stability, essential for three-legged dogs, while the Hero Brace offers protection when Izogie isn’t using the wheelchair. This combined approach has helped Izogie regain her mobility, protect her joints, and live her best life.
