Use of a Custom Orthotic Boot for Management of Distal Extremity and Pad Wounds in Three Dogs

Objective: To describe use of a custom orthotic boot for management of distal extremity and pad wounds in dogs. Study Design: Clinical report. Animals: Dogs (n=3). Methods: A custom orthotic boot made of lightweight copolymer plastic was used to immobilize the distal extremity and protect full-thickness wounds involving the medial or lateral aspect of the metatarsus including a portion of the metatarsal pad in 3 dogs. Boots were made in a bivalve design with closed-cell foam padding and adjustable straps that allowed for easy application. They were molded with the tarsocrural joint in slight hyperextension and the metatarsophalangeal joints in a neutral position so that the wounds and metatarsal pads were "off weighted" when the dogs were standing. In addition, a "window" was cut out directly over the wounds to minimize direct contact between the boot and the wound. Results: Wounds healed by contraction and epithelialization in 21, 21, and 45 days. The only complication encountered was mild skin irritation at the top of the boot in 2 dogs that was managed with additional closed-cell foam padding. Conclusion: A custom orthotic boot was effective at immobilizing the distal extremity and reducing contact between the wound and the boot which allowed for complete healing by contraction and epithelialization.