Fitting Instructions for Splints from HandicappedPets.com
** Splints should be used under the direct supervision of your animals Veterinarian, Physical Therapists or Rehabilitation Professional. The Splints are a “Rigid Lower Limb Device” and should not be kept on the animal full time, unless prescribed by your Veterinarian. The animal does risk muscle atrophy if splints are left on for long periods of time. Always refer to your Veterinarian for maximum wearing time.
Before you begin
Make sure the animal is inside or in a Controlled Environment before fitting the splint. This will prevent the risk of injury due to the animal breaking away with the splints on.
Have an extra person help hold the animal for the first several fittings.
Unfasten all Velcro straps before starting to apply the splint.
Front Limb Splints:
Start with the animal in a sitting position if possible.
Place the paw in the “Paw Section First” and fasten bottom Velcro strap. Then fasten middle and top strap. Try having the animal stand with splint and snug the Velcro straps again beginning with bottom strap and working your way up.
Front limb splints should extend up to mid-forearm and animals paw should sit flat on the bottom of the “Paw Section” with no toes hanging over the edge. Note: Splints are not designed to extend over the elbow.
Rear Limb Splints:
Start with the animal in a standing position if possible.
Place the paw in the “Paw Section First” and fasten bottom Velcro strap. Then fasten middle and top straps. Try having the animal take a few steps and snug the Velcro straps again beginning with bottom strap and working your way up.
Rear limb splints should extend up over the Hock or Heal of the animal and the paw should sit flat on the bottom of the “Paw Section” with no toes hanging over the edge. Note: Splints are not designed to support the Knee (Stifle) of the animals limb.
Fitting Tricks and Ideas:
Try slipping a cotton stockenette or tube sock on the animals limb first, then apply the splint. This will help with any sliding problems and increase the overall comfort of the splint.
You can use a light layer of VetWrap or Vet. Sticky Wrap on the animal leg first and then apply the splint. This will secure the fit nicely.
If the animal suffers from Nerve Problems or Paralysis Issues, try messaging the limb for a few minutes before applying the splint.
Adjusting Splints:
Splints can be customized for a better fit. Please call our office before you trim or modify a splint. We can help you with the adjustments or you may send the splints back to us for alterations free of charge.
Wearing Schedule:
Splints should not be left on the animal for long periods of time. Never leave the animal unsupervised with the splint on.
Introduce the splint slowly when fitting for the first several times. Two hours on – Two hours off, and remove the splint at night when animal is quiet.
