Custom Orthotics and Prosthesis
We are extremely lucky to have been working with Elizabeth from Animal Tech since 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Latrobe University. Elizabeth and her team at Animal Tech are specialists in custom made Orthoses (braces) and Prostheses (artificial limb).
Elizabeth is the first Australian based Prosthetist and Orthotist. Her aim is to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for your pet to restore their mobility and function. The custom orthotic and prosthetic devices are of the highest quality and standard.
Orthotic and Prosthetic devices can be used for support and protection. They can assist, or limit, range of motion depending on the injury being treated. Conditions that can benefit from custom orthotic and prosthetics include but are not limited to:
- Cruciate disease
- Calcaneal tendon injuries
- Limb deformities
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Carpus and tarsus hyperextension
- Limb amputations
- Gastroc tendon injuries
- Fracture repairs
We offer a streamline stress free service by providing a complete clinical service. Elizabeth consults on a Friday, every month. We will take the cast (limb impression), measurements, then manufacture and fit the device to ensure it fits well and functions as needed. Our complete service guarantees a well-fitting device that is adjusted and improved at the time of fitting to ensure your pet has the best outcome.
Our focus is also on providing ongoing service to these Animals and their custom devices by providing review appointments, adjustments and repairs. We use the most clinically appropriate technology for each client and quality is ensured by manufacturing all devices on site at our base in Shepparton.
Conditions which benefit from massage therapy include:
Orthopaedic
- Arthritis – improves ease of joint movement and reduces secondary muscle compensatory soreness.
- Elbow dysplasia – reduces tension and soreness in muscles in close proximity.
- Hip dysplasia – reduces tension and soreness in muscles in close proximity.
- Neck and back pain – reduces muscle spasm and pain.
- Spondylosis – improve spinal mobility through reduction in muscle tension.
- Limb amputation – eases compensatory muscle soreness.
- Senior pets with generalised stiffness and soreness.
Neurological
- IVDD – surgical or conservative management of compensatory muscle tension in non–affected limbs and maintain circulation in affected limbs.
- Wobblers – management of compensatory muscle tension and soreness in the cervical spine
- Degenerative neurological conditions – management of compensatory muscle tension and soreness and increasing circulation to affected limbs.
Animal Biomechanics
Animal Biomechanics encompasses various assessment, treatment and management techniques suitable for animals with a focus on Chiropractic and Osteopathy.
The core principal of animal biomechanics is the identification of biomechanical dysfunction anywhere in the body and the application of therapies, most often manual, to return the patient’s body to best possible function – promoting homeostasis and optimum performance of that individual.
The severity and chronicity of pre-existing conditions will influence the degree of recovery that is possible. The treatments range from high velocity low amplitude thrusts typical of Chiropractic, through a large range of soft tissue massage and release techniques, to non-force neurological influencing techniques such as fascial and respiratory releases, which are derived more from Osteopathy.
Dr Ann is out qualified Animal Biomechanics vet. She has a keen interest in holistic care of your pets and working through rehabilitating specific issues as well as helping older animals navigate the ageing process by keeping the body functioning optimally and as pain free as possible.
