Prosthetics Help Prevent Overuse Injuries

Contrary to popular belief, most animals do not truly “do fine” on three legs. Over time, compensation can cause significant strain on the remaining limbs and spine—especially in larger, older, or previously injured animals. A properly fitted prosthesis can reduce long-term complications and support a more confident, balanced lifestyle.

Device Types and Pricing

We offer several prosthetic solutions depending on limb type, limb length, and size of the animal:

• Standard Prosthetic ($2,350): For any partial thoracic limb (front leg), whether below or above the carpus, and for pelvic limbs (hind legs) with at least the calcaneus present. These devices include a rigid socket, waterproof strapping, foam lining, and an energy-absorbing “faux paw” for weight-bearing.
• StableStep (Soft Indoor Prosthetic): A lower-profile prosthesis for small dogs and cats or indoor use cases. Offers soft ground contact for low-impact mobility without the bulk of a traditional design.
• NOLA Prosthesis ($3,000): A specialized design for pelvic limbs that are missing the calcaneus or have no bony landmarks to suspend a socket from. This device includes a thigh component, over-the-back connector, contralateral thigh cuff, and must be worn with a harness. It is a highly complex system that provides excellent stability when traditional designs aren’t possible. Casting may require virtual or in-person assistance from our team.

Custom Fit for Each Animal

All OrthoPaws prosthetics are waterproof, easy to clean, and fully custom-made based on your animal’s limb anatomy, functional goals, and environment. Devices can be worn outdoors and used for walking, standing, and light activity. Most animals adapt quickly and become reliant on the limb, improving confidence and mobility.

Rehab Encouraged

We strongly recommend physical therapy to help your pet build strength, learn to walk with the device, and reduce stress on the other limbs. For thoracic limb prosthetics, we often suggest a carpal support brace on the opposite limb to help distribute weight and prevent future injury.

Prosthetics require a remaining portion of the limb to work with. For front limbs, we typically need at least half of the radius and ulna (forearm). For hind limbs, we need at least half of the tibia and fibula, with a working stifle and hip. The remaining segment must be healthy, weight-bearing, and free from fractures or open wounds.

We do not recommend prosthetics for animals that are not fully grown unless the family understands that the device may be quickly outgrown and multiple replacements may be necessary. Once skeletal maturity is reached, we can move forward with a more permanent solution. If you are interested in a starter device prior to full growth, we are happy to help guide you through the process.

The limb must tolerate touch, pressure, and daily wear. If your pet guards the limb or is extremely sensitive, they may not be a candidate. Similarly, if your pet cannot bear any weight through the limb or shows signs of ongoing nerve pain, prosthetic use may be limited.

If you’re unsure whether your animal is a good candidate, please contact us before purchasing. If you purchase a standard prosthetic and your pet needs a NOLA instead, we will invoice you for the difference. If you start with a standard design and later switch to the StableStep, we’ll refund you the difference.