OrthoPets Bilateral Prosthetic Devices- Bianca's Story

When 10 months old, Bianca was rescued in Italy after she had become stuck in an illegal trap. It was estimated she had been in the trap for 3 days causing such severe damage to her hindlimbs that sub-total amputations proximal to the tarsi were necessary. The rescue began working with our OrthoPets Europe Distributor to provide prosthetic devices to her.

Current recommendations for a functional outcome with prosthetics with our devices include the following: Patients must have a functional stifle as well as at least 40% of the tibia/fibula remaining. Retaining the tarsus is ideal for a prosthesis to aid in suspension, however it is not always plausible for our patients as seen in Bianca. Due to her amputation levels, she was not a candidate for our standard prosthetic design. Patients with amputation levels proximal to the tarsi may be candidates for a specialized prosthesis called a "Chevy" Prosthesis, named after the first patient this design was fabricated for. While we highly recommend each of our devices be accompanied by a formal rehabilitation program, it is definitely required for Chevy Prosthetic patients. These patients will have an extensive learning curve and will need at least 1 year of rehabilitation to provide them the best opportunity to be fully functional in the device.

Bianca received bilateral "Chevy" prostheses which are connected together by a pelvic plate. The "Chevy" design provides a prosthetic solution for patients who otherwise may require a full limb amputation and/or wheelchair.

Bianca has been doing exceptionally well! in her OrthoPets hindlimb prosthetic devices (back leg prosthetic devices).  Here is a video of Bianca 11 days after her initial fitting: Bianca: 11 Days Post Initial Prosthetic Fitting

OrthoPets is currently working with Colorado State University to determine outcomes in patients with partial limb amputations and the use of a prosthesis. Here is a link to more information regarding this study: Clinical Trial: Evaluation of Partial Amputation in Dogs.