Introduction
This document is a comprehensive guide to help veterinary professionals understand the clinical indications for each WIMBA orthotic product — and the risks associated with ordering devices outside of these guidelines. Each orthosis is designed for specific anatomical and functional conditions. Ordering and applying devices outside of these indications may compromise both the effectiveness of the product and the safety of the patient.
WIMBA will not take responsibility for the device not working/not supporting the limb in conditions outside of indications.
Severity of Instability
The level of limb instability or lameness helps guide your decision. Below are three visual examples of increasing severity in limb function. These illustrations will help you understand when to consider WIMBA Orthotics Go or WIMBA Orthotics Pro.
WIMBA Carpus Orthosis Pro 
Protective care in the carpal joint region in the sagittal and median plane.
Examples:
Designed for |
Yes |
No |
| Patient |
Dogs 5 - 40 kg and distance from the middle of the joint to just proximal of the lateral/palpable metacarpal heads needs to be over 3 cm |
Dogs over 45 kg, chondrodystrophic breeds |
| Functional issues of a particular limb | Instability in sagittal plane and/or median plane in carpus | Any digit problems, fractures |
| Functional goals | As a therapeutic element stabilizing the carpal during activity (e.g., exercises, controlled walks, hydrotherapy), more controlled limiting flexion and extension ranges in carpal joint, limiting instabilities median plane in carpal joint |
Agility exercises,sprinting, repetitive jumping, acutely post operative |
WIMBA Carpus Orthosis Pro with Paw Support
Protective care in the carpal joint region in sagittal and median plane + paw support.
Examples:
Designed for |
Yes |
No |
| Patient |
Dogs 5 - 40 kg and distance from the middle of the joint to just proximal of the lateral/palpable metacarpal heads needs to be over 3 cm |
Dogs over 45 kg, chondrodystrophic breeds |
| Functional issues of a particular limb | Immobilisation of metacarpal joint + phalanges (MCP) and restriction or allowing ROM in carpus | Muscle contracture, fractures |
| Functional goals | As a therapeutic element stabilizing the the phalanges of front limb and also carpus joint during activity (e.g., exercises, controlled walks, hydrotherapy), more controlled limiting flexion and extension ranges in carpal joint, limiting instabilities median plane in carpal joint |
Agility exercises, sprinting, repetitive jumping, acutely post operative, Proprioception deficits originating proximally (brachial plexus) |
WIMBA Tarsus Orthosis Pro 
Protective care in the carpal joint region in sagittal and median plane.
Examples:
Designed for |
Yes |
No |
| Patient |
Dogs 5 - 40 kg and distance from the middle of the joint to just proximal of the lateral/palpable metatarsal heads needs to be over 3 cm |
Dogs over 45 kg, chondrodystrophic breeds |
| Functional issues of a particular limb | Instability in sagittal plane and/or median plane in tarsus | Any digit problems, fractures |
| Functional goals | As a therapeutic element stabilizing the tarsal during activity (e.g., exercises, controlled walks, hydrotherapy), more controlled limiting flexion and extension ranges in tarsal joint, limiting instabilities median plane in tarsal joint |
Agility exercises, sprinting, repetitive jumping, acutely post operative |
WIMBA Tarsus Orthosis Pro with Paw Support 
Protective care in the carpal joint region in sagittal and median plane + paw support.
Examples:
Designed for |
Yes |
No |
| Patient |
Dogs 5 - 40 kg and distance from the middle of the joint to just proximal of the lateral/palpable metacarpal heads needs to be over 3 cm |
Dogs over 45 kg, chondrodystrophic breeds |
| Functional issues of a particular limb | Immobilisation of metatarsal joint + phalanges (MTP) and restriction or allowing ROM in tarsal | Muscle contracture, fractures |
| Functional goals | As a therapeutic element stabilizing the phalanges of hind limb and also tarsal joint during activity (e.g., exercises, controlled walks, hydrotherapy), more controlled limiting flexion and extension ranges in tarsal joint, limiting instabilities median plane in tarsal joint |
Agility exercises,sprinting, repetitive jumping, acutely post operative |
WIMBA Stifle Orthosis Pro Mini 
Protective care in the stifle joint region in the sagittal plane and supports the median plane.
Examples:
Designed for |
Yes |
No |
| Patient |
Mini breed dogs |
Chondrodystrophic breeds, medium and big sized dogs |
| Functional issues of a particular limb | Instability in sagittal plane in stifle, non operative CrCL | Anything that needs a tarsal support |
| Functional goals | As a therapeutic element stabilizing the stifle during activity (e.g., exercises, controlled walks, hydrotherapy) |
Agility exercises, sprinting, repetitive jumping, acutely post operative |
WIMBA Stifle Orthosis Pro 
Protective care in the stifle joint region in sagittal and median plane.
Examples:
Designed for |
Yes |
No |
| Patient |
Dogs up to 40 kg and distance from the middle of the joint to just proximal of the lateral/palpable metatarsal heads needs to be over 3 cm |
Dogs over 45 kg, chondrodystrophic breeds |
| Functional issues of a particular limb | Instability in sagittal plane and median plane in stifle and/or instability in sagittal plane and median plane in tarsus,non operative CrCL | |
| Functional goals | As a therapeutic element stabilizing the stifle during activity (e.g., exercises, controlled walks, hydrotherapy) | Agility exercises, sprinting, repetitive jumping, acutely post operative |
To Consider before Deciding on WIMBA Orthotics Pro
Consider |
Why |
|
Multiple mobility conditions at the same time |
Any complicated cases should be carefully thought through, submitting your case is highly advised |
|
Bow leggedness (radius and/or ulna), |
While WIMBA can accommodate a dog's limb to some extent, in cases of severe bow-leggedness, the hinges might not function correctly. Consequently, the brace would be ineffective under such conditions. |
|
Knuckling |
Consider WIMBA Orthosis Pro with Paw Support to secure the paw |
|
Problems with mobility due to contralateral limb |
Consider bilateral orthosing |
|
Restoring mobility after surgical recovery |
Higher probability of abrasions, orthoses are not for 24 hour use, needs to be combined with physiotherapy |
|
Dew claw present |
Higher probability of abrasions and behavioral problems due to discomfort |
|
Weight that is not strictly indicated |
Combined with very high activity = probability of device failure |
To Consider before Deciding on WIMBA Orthotics Pro with Paw Support
Conisder |
Why |
|
Chronic need for rigid splint |
Higher probability of abrasions, orthoses are not for 24 hour use, level of achievable stabilisation can be insufficient |
|
Proprioception deficits isolated to the distal limb |
Consider additionally ordering distal shell without Paw Support |
|
Weight that is not strictly indicated |
Combined with very high activity = probability of device failure |
|
Problems with mobility due to contralateral limb |
Consider bilateral orthosing |
|
Restoring mobility after surgical recovery |
Higher probability of abrasions, orthoses are not for 24 hour use, needs to be combined with physiotherapy |
|
Dew claw present |
Higher probability of abrasions and behavioral problems due to discomfort |
|
Multiple mobility conditions at the same time |
Any complicated cases should be carefully thought through, submitting your case is highly advised |
|
Bow leggedness (radius and/or ulna) |
While WIMBA can accommodate a dog's limb to some extent, in cases of severe bow-leggedness, the hinges might not function correctly. Consequently, the brace would be ineffective under such conditions. |
To Consider before Deciding on WIMBA Stifle Orthosis Pro
Conisder |
Why |
|
Straight-angulated hind limbs |
Higher probability of orthosis slipping |
|
Bow leggedness |
While WIMBA can accommodate a dog's limb to some extent, in cases of severe bow-leggedness, the hinges might not function correctly. Consequently, the brace would be ineffective under such conditions. |
|
Instability in median plane |
While WIMBA can accommodate median instability in stifle to some extent, in cases of severe median instability, the hinges might not function correctly. |
|
Failed surgeries |
Any complicated cases should be carefully thought through, Submitting your case is highly advised |
|
Problems with mobility due to contralateral limb (or amputee) |
Any complicated cases should be carefully thought through, Submitting your case is highly advised |
|
Dew claw present |
Higher probability of abrasions and behavioral problems due to discomfort |
|
Weight that is not strictly indicated |
Combined with very high activity = probability of device failure |
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