GENERAL:
Does Ace Ortho Solutions accept credit cards?
Yes we do.
Have you had any problems with the device slipping?
We have been very successful so far. Most issues with slipping happen with the smallest of dogs. If we are working with a very small dog with short legs there isn’t much room for the neoprene sleeve. The undersleeve is what the velcro tabs on the brace straps attach to, thus securing the brace in place.
Is it best for the leg to be shaved first or does the fur provide cushion?
Because we use the undersleeve, you do not have to shave the dog. If the hair is really long we suggest trimming it just for ease of putting everything on the leg.
When we put the brace on our dog she goes into serious depression. We have to bribe her to get up. The angle seems perfect, but the location of her foot seems to be difficult for her. Please let us know what to do…
Often times when a dog is fit with a brace, they do not want to get up and walk and give you the “puppy eye’s” look, this is perfectly normal. They are trying to tell you that they don’t know what is going on and how to walk with the device. Because we can’t sit and have a conversation with them telling them how to use the brace, we have to do some tricks to make them understand.
If you watch our stifle brace fitting video, there is a portion where I lift the back legs, trying to get the dog to shift his weight over to the other side. When you do this, make sure the paw of the brace side is in a similar position under the body like the good leg. You should do this exercise for 3-5 minutes every time you put the brace on for the first 2 weeks. Also when you first walk after doing this, start out very slow. Make sure your dog puts her foot down each time.
Are Ace Ortho braces metal/neoprene? I have a dog with a CCL tear and I am opting for conservative management. I am looking for a waterproof brace.
Our braces are waterproof. They have a neoprene undersleeve, the main brace is made of plastic. There are metal rivets. In time they may show mild rust, by then you will needy to change the straps anyway...changing straps due to wear and tear is no different than any other brace on the market.
I have been told by a vet that the only thing I can do is have the surgery because he said that a brace will not stay up on the dog’s leg. How does the Ace Ortho brace stay up?
Unfortunately, vets sometimes have misinformation on bracing because the “field” of bracing is so new. Our braces use a neoprene undersleeve to keep it in place. We have had great results with this. If you would like, we can send your veterinarian some information. Just provide us with his/her address.
The brace arrived yesterday. We think the rectangular piece of black neoprene-like material with rubber on the bottom goes around her lower foot where the velcro crosses the brace. Is that correct? The larger piece of black material looks like it is shaped for the upper leg. We assume that goes under the upper piece of the prosthesis, but it really does not fit well. We are reluctant to trim it until we know we have it in the correct position.
The neoprene was made long to assure it would be big enough. You are free to trim it. From your description, yes, the neoprene is in the proper position.
I’m concerned, will the brace rub on her hock?
The rubbing on the hock is addressed in the fabrication of the device. The plastic turns away so it will not cut on the hock. Also, there is an undersleeve that helps protect the hock too.
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