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CUSTOM HINDLIMB
DORSI–FLEX ASSIST

This is a prescription product. Pet owners can use this
Prescription Request Form and return it to your veterinary professional. Or, ask your vet to contact us directly.

ORDER FORM

PRESCRIPTION REQUEST FORM

Veterinary Professional Members

USES

Customized for a variety of distal hindlimb conditions including:

Early stage DM or Wobbler’s
Ataxia
Sciatic nerve injury
Lumbosacral disease
Age-related weakness
Tarsal hyperextension
Pets should have functional control of hip and stifle

PRODUCT DETAILS

Reduces dragging, knuckling, standing on the dorsum of the paw without immobilizing joints. Assists with tarsal flexion and digit extension. Used as a mobility aid for unstable or weak distal hind legs. Lightweight and durable. Can be used bilaterally and in conjunction with a harness or cart. Recommended for distal hindlimb weakness; pet should have some ability to advance the hip and flex the stifle.

CUSTOMIZATION

DEVICE CONSTRUCTION

Fabrication style and materials are chosen based on the pet's specific needs. Most often, it includes:

Tibial cuff - lined with foam or sheepskin
Fitted boot - with rubber treaded sole and D-rings
Toe straps made of nylon (for static hold) or elastic (for dynamic assistance)

CUSTOMIZATION

Can be fabricated for toy breeds and cats
Can be made using most pet booties (e.g., Muttluks, NeoPaws)
Can be incorporated with a tarsal support for added tarsal stability
Components can be replaced and are sold separately

TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended for distal hindlimb weakness; pet should have some ability to advance the hip and flex the stifle. For significant bilateral hindlimb weakness see animotion products.

Balancing the need of an assistive aid for a significantly weak pet and a device that will withstand the stress of such a pet can be challenging. Often, the more rugged the construction, the heavier the device, the more you run the risk of encumbering the pet further. The choice may not be ideal but one of optimizing the pet's function while maintaining the integrity of the device.

Standard sizes of the Hindlimb Dorsi-Flex Assist (DFA) are available for purchase from select Veterinary Distributors.

The DFA is a therapeutic exercise, assistive, and gait retraining aid. It should be worn during periods of controlled activity and should not be left on the pet while unsupervised.

If using the DFA for more than 2 hours at one time or if in a hot climate, sprinkle the inside of the boot with Anti-Chafing/Lubricating Powder.

Options

For toy breeds and cats - The DFA is often fabricated completely by hand with lightweight materials including nylon, fleece, shearling, and leather. For these small pets, toe straps are sewn directly on the bootie (no D-rings) to minimize weight.

For pets with significant weakness or those that are collapsing into tarsal flexion - A "short" version of the DFA can be made that keeps the paw in dorsiflexion (no tibial cuff or long toe straps as these exacerbate tarsal flexion). It includes a boot with toe straps that wrap around the metatarsal region. This "short" version is lighter and more streamlined than the traditional DFA.

For pets that require an indoor assistive aid or plan on wearing the DFA for more than 2 hours at a time - We recommend more lightweight, breathable booties. Most often, we encourage the veterinary professional or pet owner to purchase booties that fit the pet (e.g., Muttluks) and ship them to us. We will then use these booties and modify them into DFAs.

HELPFUL ARTICLES:

THINGS TO KNOW

CAN BE MADE FOR ACTIVE DOGS

DFAs are custom-made based on the needs of the pet. Here's an example of bilateral DFAs being used on a senior pet who still enjoys his daily hikes in the mountains. Tibial cuffs are lined with sheepskin for long-term wear and comfort.

As with any footwear that is worn for long periods, we recommend sprinkling anti-chafing powder inside the boots to help absorb excess moisture and lubricate the paw.