In orthotics and prosthetics, a part of the body that is functionally impaired is replaced, immobilized or corrected. Our aim is to restore movement to the animals and thus improve the quality of life.
DID YOU KNOW…
…that we are the first in Slovenia?
Aljaž Muršec made the first prosthesis for animals in Slovenia
“Aljaž Muršec, a student of the Orthotics and Prosthetics study program at the UL Faculty of Health Science, proves that sometimes it is enough to have an individual idea, which is then brought to reality by a group. With the help of the faculty, his idea of how to take care of animals that are left without a limb came to life. First prosthesis, developed by a dedicated team of professionals, enabled dog Ajka to have a higher quality of life. And that the story is really worthy of attention and praise, it is important to highlight that this is the first case of animal prosthesis in our country.” (24ur.com)
RECOGNITION OF OUR WORK
Did you know that our work has already been mentioned in various media?
- “Svet” (Kanal A – TV commercial programme in Slovenia)
- “Conor brez cenzure podcast”: About amputations, prostheses and mobility aids (Conor’s adventures; 57 min)
- “Aljaž makes prostheses for animals: He wants prostheses to be accessible to all animals who need them” (sobotainfo.com)
- The first animal prosthesis in Slovenia was made for a mixed breed dog Ajka (prlekija-on.net)
- “Preverjeno” (only available to registered users)
- Radio Roža (Croatia) – Beštijada: Monika Pavlović (RePaw Pet)
In addition, we are also very successful in the academic world:
- Award of the Faculty of Health Sciences UL for outstanding achievements in professional work
- Prešeren Prize of the Faculty of Health Sciences UL for the best final thesis in the study year 2022/23 (Tamara Črnko, co-mentor: assist. Monika Pavlović)
- “User experience of canine assistive mobility aids” – conference paper“Socratic Lectures : part I : 8th international symposium, Ljubljana, January 21, 2023: peer reviewed proceedings”
- Five diploma theses (Aljaž Muršec, Tamara Črnko, Gaia Krčelj, Urša Klešnik and Erika Rihter)
What we do
Our products
Orthoses
An orthosis (brace) is a device that is applied to a functionally effected (damaged) part of the body with the aim to correct abnormalities and improve functions of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthoses for pets
Orthoses or braces are aids that are used for rehabilitation after injuries or surgery, as a temporary mobility aid or as a long-term aid for functionally impaired body parts. Their main function is to immobilize/correct the impaired body part, as they restrict or increase the range of motion or provide support for deformities.
We make customized orthoses for different parts of the body, especially for the front and hind limbs. The most common orthoses that animals require are as follows.
Front limbs:
- toe orthoses,
- orthoses for the carpal joint (wrist),
- elbow orthoses.
Hind limbs:
- toe orthoses,
- orthoses for the tarsal joint,
- orthoses for the knee joint.
The orthoses are custom-made for each animal. We use different materials depending on the size, weight and activity of the animal, the stiffness or flexibility of the orthosis, and the owner’s wishes. We most commonly use plastics (polypropylene/polyethylene), 3D-printed plastics (rigid/flexible) and carbon fibers. Depending on the needs of the animal, we can also combine materials to create a hybrid orthosis (combination of several different materials). The part of the device that comes into contact with the skin is lined with soft and skin-friendly foam, and the surface that comes into contact with the floor is covered with non-slip rubber.
In general, an orthosis is used during activity (walking, playing, etc.). When the animal is resting or sleeping, it is not necessary to use the device, except in particular circumstances (when movement without the device would immediately cause injury). A very important step is the adaptation phase of the animal to the device which usually takes about 1-2 weeks, while more demanding devices can take longer (several months). All instructions and exercises for adaptation to the mobility aid are received together with the device.
Prostheses
A prosthesis is a device that replaces a missing (amputated) part of the body and thus restores a normal walking pattern in animals with amputation.
Prostheses for pets
Prostheses for animals are custom-made devices that replace an amputated limb. They consist of a socket (the part of the prosthesis that is attached to the amputated part of the limb – the residual limb), adapters and a tube that compensates for the lost length of the limb, and the lower part of the prosthesis that is in contact with the floor and provides a support surface. Prostheses serve as a mobility aid and allow animals to walk on four legs again, avoiding secondary problems with the musculoskeletal system that occur over time due to the altered biomechanics of the body. The most common problems that occur during locomotion without a prosthesis are mainly pain in the joints of the other limbs due to overloading, deformation of the other limbs, altered posture (C-shaped spine), hip drop on the amputation side of the hind limb or of the shoulder girdle on the amputation side of the front limb.
Most four-legged animals, such as cats and dogs, carry 60-70% of their total body weight on their forelimbs, making prosthetic care even more important in cases of forelimb amputations.
The most common prostheses that animals need are the following.
Front limbs:
- prostheses for toe amputation,
- prostheses for amputation below or above the wrist joint,
- prostheses for amputation below or above the elbow joint,
- prostheses for amputation of the entire limb.
Hind limbs:
- prostheses for toe amputation,
- prostheses for amputation below or above the ankle joint,
- prostheses forr amputation below or above the knee joint.
Prostheses are custom-made for each animal. We use different materials depending on the size and weight of the animal, the stiffness or flexibility of the prosthesis, and the owner’s wishes. Most commonly used materials are plastics (polypropylene/polyethylene), 3D printed plasticss (rigid/flexible) and carbon fiber. Adaptors and other components, such as the tube for obtaining height, are made of light metals, such as aluminum. Depending on the needs of the animal, we can also combine materials for a hybrid prosthesis (combination of several different materials). The part of the device that comes into contact with the skin is lined with soft and skin-friendly foam, and the surface that comes into contact with the floor is covered with non-slip rubber.
In general, a prosthesis is used during activity (walking, playing, etc.). When the animal is resting or sleeping, it is not necessary to use the device, except in particular circumstances (when movement without the device would immediately cause injury). A very important step is the adaptation phase of the animal to the device which usually takes about 1-2 weeks, while more demanding devices can take longer (several months). All instructions and exercises for adaptation to the mobility aid are received together with the device.
Wheelchairs and other mobility aids
Wheelchairs are used for animals with temporary or permanent disabilities in two or more limbs (e.g. paralysis).
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs support animals with weakness in (both) hind or forelimbs due to musculoskeletal or neurological problems. The most common causes of these disabilities are injuries to the limbs or spinal cord, herniated discs, tumours, strokes or amputations of limbs. Wheelchairs are designed to provide animals with support they need for an active life. They are made of light metals or plastic parts and various fabrics. The materials are selected according to the needs of the animal, such as size and body weight, activity, the living environment, and the wishes of the owners.
In general, a wheelchair is used during activity (walking, playing, etc.). When the animal is resting or sleeping, it is not necessary to use the device, except in particular circumstances (when movement without the device would immediately cause injury). A very important step is the adaptation phase of the animal to the device which usually takes about 1-2 weeks, while more demanding devices can take longer (several months). All instructions and exercises for adaptation to the mobility aid are received together with the device.
Mobility harness
The mobility harness is a device that is placed around the animal’s hind limbs to support walking. It is used in animals with weakened hind limbs to support weight transfer and coordination while walking.
Elastic cuffs for the toes
Elastic cuffs are applied to the front or hind limbs around the wrist or ankle. The silicone-covered elastic band attached to the cuff is placed between the third and fourth toe, elevating the lower part of a limb and also stimulating the nerves between the toes. It is used in animals with neurological and musculoskeletal problems when the lifting of the lower part of the limb is weakened while walking (the animal drags its toes on the surface).
What drives us
Our mission
With the manufacturing of high quality custom-made mobility aids for animals we strive to improve mobility and quality of life of pets and their owners.
