Smoky, a 4.5-year-old, 72-pound Husky, came to OrthoPaws with a rare orthopedic condition—his ankle joints (tarsuses) were hyperextending forward, causing pain and instability in his movement. Determined to help him regain comfort and mobility, we crafted a custom bracing solution tailored to his needs.

A Rare Condition: Double-Jointed Tarsuses

Smoky was referred to us by Dr. Trow at Ehrlich Animal Hospital after his pet parents noticed that his tarsal joints were bending too far forward—something that shouldn’t naturally occur. This extreme flexibility, known as tarsal hyperextension, was placing stress on his joints, ligaments, and muscles, making it difficult for him to move without discomfort.

Since there are currently no medical or surgical treatments available for this condition, custom bracing was the only viable path to support Smoky’s joints and improve his quality of life.

The Solution: Custom Tarsal Braces

To support Smoky’s joints without limiting his natural movement, we designed custom bilateral tarsal braces to:

• Prevent excessive forward bending of the tarsal joints

• Control hyperextension while maintaining healthy motion

• Allow flexion so Smoky could continue to walk, run, and play

• Provide targeted stability and relieve muscular and ligament strain

Because Smoky didn’t need paw-level support, we customized the braces by removing the paw segments, resulting in a lighter, more comfortable fit for daily wear.

Adjusting to a New Way of Moving

Since both of Smoky’s hind limbs required bracing, we carefully introduced the braces one at a time during the fitting appointment to avoid overwhelming him. Like any dog adjusting to a new device, there was a short learning curve, particularly with sitting and standing—but Smoky is quickly adapting.

His pet parents have already seen a significant improvement in his comfort and mobility and are thrilled with how well he’s responding to the custom solution.

Veterinary Insight: The Importance of Bracing for Tarsal Hyperextension

Left untreated, tarsal hyperextension can lead to chronic pain, joint degeneration, arthritis, and long-term mobility issues. Custom bracing offers a non-invasive, effective way to stabilize the joints and prevent further damage, all while preserving natural movement.

At OrthoPaws, we’re proud to work with veterinarians and pet parents to deliver personalized orthopedic solutions. If your pet is showing signs of joint instability or discomfort, custom braces may be the key to improving their mobility and quality of life.

Looking for a Mobility Solution?

If your dog is struggling with hyperextension or other orthopedic conditions, contact OrthoPaws today to explore how our custom bracing solutions can help your pet move comfortably and confidently again.