Rear Paw Knuckling Hangs leg, Walks on 3 Legs Splint Type?

Orthopedic/Arthritis: Problems associated with joints, bone, and connective tissue, and CH (cerebellar hypoplasia), or brain damage.
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kpaulson@msn.com
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Rear Paw Knuckling Hangs leg, Walks on 3 Legs Splint Type?

Post by kpaulson@msn.com »

My 13yr Flatcoat Retreiver has rear leg problem, a abnormal mass-not cancerous per biopsy, vascular hemotoma in leg. Vet said old injury, don't know when it happened, as we rescued him young. Now leg has paw knuckling, since biopsy surgery, and vet only offers inflammatory meds. Dog can't go on walks anymore, won't sustain weight on this leg. Bought leg splint that goes past hock, but it appears that the splint is too tall past hock and is hindering his ability to use leg. Should I get a shorter leg splint, the splint does help with paw knuckling, which I think is the real leg problem. He doesn't seem to be able to find his foot on the ground always. Surgery for this old hematoma is extremely expensive, and I cannot afford at this time, as work has been reduced due to Covid19, and trying to live on so much less income. Also the surgery may not help his leg get any better, as he is 13 I'm told by vet.

Wheelchair is too large to use in house, we do not have one, but my dog is 80lbs, so wheelchair would be difficult to use in house, but it would let him go for walks, which he desperately misses with neighbors dog, too spry and alive to let go yet.
Help?
:thankyou: Kimberly
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CarolC
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Re: Rear Paw Knuckling Hangs leg, Walks on 3 Legs Splint Type?

Post by CarolC »

kpaulson@msn.com wrote: Thu Jul 16, 2020 4:51 pm Should I get a shorter leg splint, the splint does help with paw knuckling, which I think is the real leg problem. He doesn't seem to be able to find his foot on the ground always.
I am not sure what would work best for him. Possibly you could cut down the splint a little so it is shorter, if it is not returnable and you are trying to save money.

Another option, if the only problem is knuckling, is a lightweight device to prevent foot drop. There are several companies that make them, all slightly different. Here is one example.

https://www.handicappedpets.com/no-knuc ... ning-sock/

Here is another brand (Therapaw hindlimb dorsi-flex assist), your vet has to order it, this product has been around a long time (near the bottom of page).

https://www.therapaw.com/shoppetproducts

One more

https://orthopets.com/product/orthopets-toe-up-device/

This one is newer and I haven't heard any reports on it and it seems expensive.

https://alpha-mobility.com/shop/balto-d ... e-bt-pull/

Here is another idea.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13006

It is interesting that you said he sometimes does not know where to place his foot. Is he able to extend his leg fully? If he hangs his leg, does he act like it hurts?

:group:
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critters
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Re: Rear Paw Knuckling Hangs leg, Walks on 3 Legs Splint Type?

Post by critters »

:whale: We've tried some of the HP splints, and my Koi Boy had to have a custom splint due to his contractures. If you buy from HP they have good customer service, and maybe you could take measurements of his leg to try to see what might fit best.
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FYI
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Short dog boot splint

Post by FYI »

https://www.handicappedpets.com/walkin-bootie-splint/ wrote:The Walkin’ Bootie Splint extends under front or rear limb paws to stabilize digit or toe injuries. Also provides positioning for knuckling or nerve damage problems.

Rear leg conditions that may benefit from the Bootie Splint: neurological conditions causing knuckling of the paw
  • metatarsal joint instabilities or malformations
  • soft tissue injuries to metatarsal ligaments/tendons
  • post-surgical protection
  • osteoarthritis of metacarpal joints.
bootie-splint_sm.JPG
https://www.orthovet.com/product/orthovet-dog-boot-splint/ wrote:“Dog Boot” supports the lower aspect of the rear limb. This brace extends under the paw to stabilize digit or toe injuries and provides positioning for knuckling or nerve damage problems.
dog_boot_splint.jpg
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