Jericho's Journey

A year or so ago, Jericho, our beloved "Mr. Puppy," was hit by a car in what would be described as a "freak" accident. Jericho is a strong working-type dog, weighing in at around 75 pounds, and the force of the blow was strong enough to knock the front bumper off the car.

For three days the best dog I have ever had fought for his life. And because he was young and vital, he made it. However, it was the opinion of the attending veterinary staff that he had sustained an avulsion to the right brachial plexus, which is in the right shoulder area and from which all of the nerves that run down the right foreleg emanate. Their recommendation was that following a reasonable period of recovery and a follow-up re-evaluation, the right leg would likely need to be amputated.

Although I knew that three-legged dogs had every chance of leading a happy, active life, our situation was complicated by the fact that Jericho had been born with a mobile patella on one hind leg and although he seldom showed signs of weakness in that area, the fact was that he did not have the ideal profile for a possible three-legged life. So we began to explore alternatives, including acupuncture therapy and set about searching for some kind of device to support the right leg.

Edward - 3 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Edward is a 3 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. When Edward was about 8 months old his front legs began to develop problems and he started to limp. His wrists became unstable and the joint began to "pop" out of place after only a few moments of standing.

Edward's front legs were x-rayed when he about a year old and we were told he would grow out of his condition. When after several months there was no apparent improvement in his condition, we changed vets and Edward was re-x-rayed in February 2006. At this point his prognosis was not good. Edward had a serious twisting of both front legs. His x-rays were referred to the Veterinary College on PEI. The surgeons there felt that the only solution would be a reconstruction of both front legs. Surgery was planned for the summer of 2007 when I would be home all day and able to help with his post operative care.

Douglas Animal Hospital

I am writing this letter as a reference for Jeff Collins and K-9 Orthotics in Dartmouth, N.S., Canada. I have used K-9 Orthotics on two different occasions, with tremendous results both times.

The first case involved a 90 kg English Mastiff who had undergone limb sparing surgery for osteosarcoma of the radius. Unfortunately, the screws were unable to hold the plate in a stable position due to the dog's large size. Jeff was able to design a form fitted plastic splint that the owner is able to easily place on the leg and tighten with a simple Velcro closure. This has allowed the dog to have full, unrestricted use of the leg with full weight bearing.

The second case involved a ten year old 68 kg mix breed dog with grade four bilateral hip dysplasia. The dog had been dealing well with hip lameness through a combination of pain relievers, chondro-protective medications and acupuncture. The dog then slipped and tore ligaments in his right hock. Physiotherapy, semi-rigid splints, acupuncture, and massage failed to give the hock any stability. Surgery was not an option for this dog, so K-9 Orthotics was contacted. Jeff designed a splint that hinged to allow a normal range of flexion and extension in the hock but does not allow any lateral or medial instability. This splint literally allowed the dog to walk again with no discomfort or reluctance.

Braces make Sophie feel special

Hi Jeff,

sophie Sophie is doing wonderful. She is quite happy to wear her braces! She will go stand by them in the mornings, for me to get them on her. I have to say, she has played more, and also is more bouncy now as she's noticed they must help her. She will run some out in the yard now again, and nearly jumped over a small bush in the yard, so she is gaining confidence that the braces are giving her stability in her hips.

When I took both dogs out to the Vet for nail trimming last week, (Dr. Pat was on vacation), but on the way out of the Vet office, Sophie didn't wait for me to put her ramp on the Tahoe for her to walk up into the SUV, she actually jumped up and in. Before her braces, she refused and couldn't jump in any more. So, I have to say, she's being helped by having them! Also, Sophie has not been having to take pain medications, except once, but that a couple of weeks after we received her braces, so she was in her worst pain still.

Katie - Yorkshire Terrier

Jeff Collins of K9 Orthotics was excellent fitting a back brace to our precious little three and a half pound Yorkshire Terrier, Katie.

Katie had been brutally attacked by a black Labrador retriever, and ended up with a broken back. She was rushed from New Brunswick to the University of Prince Edward Island Veterinary College to be operated on.

When the operation was over the Veterinarian called on Jeff to have a look at Katie and see what he could do to make her recovery time more comfortable and safer from further injury.

Jericho's Journey

Edward - 3 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Douglas Animal Hospital

Braces make Sophie feel special

Katie - Yorkshire Terrier

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