Kalina - CCL Rupture, Bilateral Carpal Hyperextension

Meet Kalina, an 11-year-old Akita/Border Collie mix.

PATIENT 

Kalina

Age:  11 years 
Sex:  Female 
Weight:  20 kg 
Medical  Condition: 
Osteoarthritis, CCL Rupture, Bilateral Carpal 
Hyperextension 
WimbaTHERAPY: Blue up to 185°, Beige up to 195°, Light blue up to 190° 

VETERINARIAN'S GOALS 

From a medical point of view, the most important thing was to support Kalina's multiple medical conditions, to prevent them from worsening and to take some of the strain off her muscles, which were already compensating at maximum capacity.  Her life depended on the orthotic treatment outcome as her quality of life declined. 

MEDICAL  EXAMINATION 

Kalina lost her left hind leg as a young adult, as a result of an infected fracture following a car accident. This didn't stop her from living a happy and active life. As she grew older, the chronic strain on her body began to catch up with her.  At eight, she injured her back muscles, which kept flaring up. The next year, she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both shoulders and her ankle. Her situation rapidly worsened when she tore the cruciate ligament in her knee and both of her wrists began to collapse from having to support her full weight. Various medications, supplements and physiotherapy were used, but it was not enough to keep her afloat. 

PET OWNER'S ASPIRATIONS 

Kalina's owner's wish was for her to be able to do the things she loved for as long as possible. They wanted her to participate in life with their family, both in the house and on outdoor adventures designed to suit her needs. They were also increasingly concerned about Kalina's mental state - already an anxious girl, the pain and discomfort caused by her condition were causing her to withdraw, hide and pace at night, all clear signs of her increasing distress. 

THE WIMBA ORTHOSIS IMPACT 

The June of 2023 was a turning point in Kalina's journey. She was fitted with WIMBA orthoses for both of her front legs and WIMBA orthotic devices made an immediate difference. After a period of familiarization and some careful adjustments, she was able to take full advantage of her customized braces. This allowed her to gradually resume the activities she loved, and was also an immense help in improving her emotional state, allowing her to be as tenacious and curious an explorer as ever. And things are about to get even better - she is also due to be fitted with the forthcoming WIMBA Stifle Brace to further assist with her mobility.