Reyna, a 7-year-old German Shepherd, faced a major challenge after jumping off a balcony, resulting in bilateral carpal hyperextension. The injury left her unable to stand without severe pain, as her wrists collapsed under pressure.
Her pet parent, determined to find a solution beyond surgery, reached out to OrthoPaws after consulting with Dr. Human at BluePearl Clearwater. Together, they decided that custom bracing would provide a more comfortable and cost-effective alternative to surgically fusing both wrists—an invasive procedure with a long, difficult recovery.
Finding the Right Support
When Reyna arrived at OrthoPaws, she was relying on bandages and a body jacket to keep splints in place, but these caused discomfort and pressure wounds. To provide immediate relief, we fitted her with temporary UPETS splints, allowing her to transition into a more functional position while her custom Hero Braces were being fabricated.
Since prolonged bandaging had caused tightness in her toes, we modified the splints by extending them and adding foam to help stretch her toes—ensuring a smoother path to recovery and greater comfort.
A Custom Bracing Solution
On the same day Reyna received her temporary splints, we casted her for bilateral Hero Braces. These custom braces would stabilize her wrists and serve as a non-surgical alternative to arthrodesis (wrist fusion).
This approach not only provided a more comfortable solution but also cost about 20% of what surgery would have, making it a more accessible treatment for her pet parent.
Walking with Confidence
When Reyna returned for her Hero Brace fitting, the results were inspiring. Her braces fit perfectly, and thanks to the toe stretches her pet parent had been doing under our guidance, her range of motion had significantly improved.
Adjusting to bilateral braces can be challenging, but Reyna was eager to move. For the first time in months, she no longer needed assistance with a harness—she walked independently, and her pet parent was overjoyed to see her regain her mobility.
Her pet parent shared:
"After two weeks with her braces, Reyna can eat, potty, and play on her own again. She even tried to chase a bunny!"
A Valuable Alternative for Veterinary Teams
Reyna’s case highlights how custom bracing can be a game-changer for pets with bilateral carpal hyperextension. Surgery would have been invasive, expensive, and difficult to heal, while bracing provided a non-invasive, effective alternative. Thanks to the collaboration between Dr. Human at BluePearl Clearwater, Reyna’s dedicated pet parent, and OrthoPaws, she now enjoys greater comfort and mobility.
For veterinarians treating pets with similar conditions, custom bracing offers a viable solution for joint stabilization and injury recovery. At OrthoPaws, we work closely with veterinary teams to provide tailored orthotic solutions that improve mobility and quality of life.
Looking for a Mobility Solution?
If your pet or a client’s pet is struggling with mobility due to injury or joint issues, custom bracing may be the answer. Contact OrthoPaws for a consultation, and let’s explore the best path to recovery!
