By: Amy Rosenthal, My Pet’s Brace Practitioner
The Patient: Hector, a 2-year-old desert dog mix with severe carpal hyperextension and an ulcer on his olecranon (elbow).
Case of Interest: A local rescue organization with international ties learned of and adopted Hector from Kuwait. Hector was severely collapsed on both of his front legs and walked on his elbows. In Kuwait, he underwent surgery to repair a fractured radius and ulna in his right front leg. He also sustained nerve damage in his left front leg and had an open ulcer on his olecranon. When he was brought to the States, his left front leg was in a cast for several months to support the carpus and reduce the pressure on the ulcer on his elbow. For a long-term solution, My Pet’s Brace recommended a brace to bring Hector into a more functional standing and walking position as well as to protect his olecranon and allow the open ulcer to heal.
Diagnostic History: Hector was seen at the My Pet’s Brace facility for the casting of his leg in March 2019 for a carpal brace. The brace would replace the splint he was in for many months, stabilize his hyperextension, and aid in the healing of the ulcer on his elbow. The brace was fitted to Hector and adjustments were made to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
The carpal brace for Hector was made with an additional foam wedge affixed to the top outside of the brace. The brace supports Hector’s leg in a more functional position and the added wedge lifts his leg off the ground when he lays down which allows air circulation and furthered the healing for the ulcer.
Hector was informed to begin wearing the brace for two hours the first day and increase an hour each day until he wore it during his active waking hours. Hector’s activity and exercise were limited at the beginning of the break-in period until he became comfortable and the ulcer on his elbow healed.
Follow-Ups: Hector was seen two weeks, one and a half months, and four and a half months post-delivery. During each of these appointments, Hector’s skin was assessed and his overall comfort with the brace was examined. Adjustments and general upkeep were made accordingly. As of his last appointment in August 2019, the ulcer on Hector’s elbow is fully healed and he is getting stronger every day. Hector was also adopted by his forever family and is happily living life in his new home.