Instructions for use
PROPER BRACE SETTING
The below settings must be adjusted on both sides before positioning the brace.
Your dog should stand upright with his weight centered on all fours. Place the brace on the leg and check that the CENTRAL HINGE is positioned at knee joint’s height.
How to adjust the LOWER PADDING position: use the biggest key to loosen the two screws then adjust the height of the padding by sliding it on the guide rail. Tighten the screws.
The lower padding is in the PROPER POSITION when it rests above the hock joint without obstructing it: the brace is now stable and the hock joint is free to move.
WARNING: use the supplied allen keys only. The use of screwdrivers could damage the screw thread.
Follow the same procedure used for the lower padding to adjust the position of the UPPER PADDING.
WARNING: the upper padding has been molded according to your dog’s anatomy; as a result,
it rests lower on the inner thigh. When placing the brace on your dog, it is important to follow its natural shape.
ADJUSTABLE HINGE SETTING
The below settings must be adjusted on both sides before positioning the brace.
Once the proper length has been fixed, please proceed with setting the ADJUSTABLE HINGE by using the smallest allen key.
HOW TO LOCK THE BRACE* 30° flexion position (FLEX)
30° extension position (EXT) * A total joint immobilization is recommended before surgery or under veterinarian’s advice.
HOW TO CONTROL
JOINT MOVEMENTS** 75° flexion position (FLEX)
30° extension position (EXT) This is to prevent the risk of knee hyperextension or hyperflexion.
** Use this setting after surgery or when using the brace as an alternative to surgery.
The hinge has a series of 8 + 5 graduated notches (from 0° to 105° for flexion,
from 0° to 60° for extension).
By moving the screws onto the different notches, the joint’s flexion and extension degree angle is either reduced or locked.
WARNING: the use of any other settings, different from the above, may be used
during postoperative care or as an alternative to surgery under the exclusive responsibility of the VETERINARIAN.
BRACE APPLICATION
After adjusting the brace’s length and the central hinge’s degrees, please proceed with positioning the brace on your dog’s leg.
Secure the brace starting from the
2 LOWER STRAPS. Insert them inside the flat rings and fasten them tightly. Repeat the same operation with
the single UPPER STRAP.
Finally, fasten the MIDDLE STRAP*
by moving it slightly upwards.
* The middle strap stabilizes the two central hinges during flexion as they tend to open slightly.
If the veterinarian does not deem it as essential,
it can be cut, leaving the central part of the brace free. The three bands* that wrap around the dog’s leg securing the brace, are length-adjustable: remove the Velcro clamp, cut the extra length with scissors, and reposition the Velcro clamp.
WARNING: be careful not to cut too much, otherwise the Velcro will not fasten properly.
* The brace is equipped with sufficiently long bands suitable for oversize or overweight dogs.
RECOMMENDED USE
- During postoperative care please follow your veterinarian’s instructions on appropriate usage time. In case of postoperative edema remove the brace until the swelling is reduced.
- Do not remove the stickers showing the hinge degrees and the brace direction.
- Keep the brace clean. Eliminate any hair, especially inside the Velcro parts:
use an appropriate hairbrush every 2/3 days. - Do not machine wash the brace: for proper cleaning remove all padded parts and hand wash them in cold water with mild detergent.
- Do not use screwdrivers or other electrical tools to adjust the screws.
- Do not force the screws during assembly to avoid damaging the thread.
In addition to the 2 allen keys, the package contains a few spare screws. - Do not leave the brace on for an extended period of time: the brace must be worn during the day, especially during physical activity, and it should be removed at night.
- Do not leave your dog unattended for a long period of time while wearing the brace: your dog could try to remove it by biting or scratching the brace.
