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ORTHOSES
Along with the STIFLE brace, we also produce custom HOCK and CARPAL braces as well.

HOCK: The hock brace is used for a variety of pathologies including Achilles tears, neuromuscular deficiencies, and calcaneal ruptures just to name a few.

CARPAL: The carpus brace can be used for carpal hyperextension, failed arthodesis, non-surgical candidates for arthodesis, carpal pain and post-surgical protection.

These braces are different from other braces because they use biomechanical principles that put the plastic it the places where the proper corrective push should be instead of relying on a strap (that can give away) for the support.

Check out a few pics of our designs. (Click images to enlarge)

Lain is modeling the carpal brace and Doc is using his new hock brace. Watch Doc and his new hock brace in this video.

What makes our braces better than the rest?
1) We use biomechanically correct principles to support the CCL.
2) Our suspension mechanism does not require a harness.
3) It is custom made for the best correction and fit.
4) All this, and still allows motion at the stifle for good ambulation.

Testing is currently being done in Colorado State University’s biomechanical gait laboratory to verify our results of better weight bearing by the dogs. See the pictures and video below of Timon using the stifle brace. (Click to enlarge)

OSTEOINTEGRATION
Sky Prosthetics Inc. began working with Alameda East Veterinarian Hospital of Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets” fame in 2005. This relationship has allowed us to be a part of Alameda’s technological advancement of the new surgical process of osteointegration. Osteointegration involves surgically implanting a connection for a prosthesis in the end of the bone of the residual limb. Because there is high risk of infection and it is considered expirimental, osteointegration is only performed on humans outside the United States, Alameda is doing it in animals in Aurora, Colorado.

Triumph is one of Alameda’s osteointegration patients Sky has worked with for prosthetic care. Check out these news stories about Triumph on CBS 4 Denver.
Triumph The Dog Ready to Run With Prostheses
Triumph The Dog Continues to Amaze Doctors

Unfortunately, Dare had a bout with infection. The implants had to be removed. His owner reports he is still as sassy as they come! These are pictures of Dare before his surgery.
(Click images to enlarge)

PROSTHESES
While fitting braces to dogs may be complicated, fitting a dog with a prosthesis can be even tougher. Ruby, our Chihuahua friend, had a circulation problem and had to have her paw amputated. We fit her with a gel liner, similar to what some humans use, to stop skin breakdown. The fitting process involved clear check socket fittings so we could make sure that her limb would not get sores.
You can see her wearing her final prosthesis here.
(Click images to enlarge)