| Summary: | The rising population of companion dogs has driven an increasing demand for veterinary orthopedic innovations. Carpal hyperextension, a frequent and debilitating condition, compromises locomotion and overall quality of life. Orthoses represent a viable solution when surgery is not feasible due to anesthesia risks, comorbidities, or financial limitations. However, despite their potential, veterinary orthoses remain uncommon, mainly because of high costs, limited customization, and insufficient scientific validation. This dissertation describes the development of a patient-specific carpal orthosis, de- signed to stabilize the joint and improve mobility. The process was guided by a co-creation methodology, actively involving veterinarians, engineers, and pet owners, ensuring that both clinical and practical requirements were addressed. Instead of traditional casting, anatomical measurements and photographic documentation were used to digitally recon- struct the thoracic limb. Through a digital prototyping method, two design concepts were explored: a hybrid solution with rigid and flexible materials, and a fully flexible version intended to enhance comfort and adaptability. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations were conducted on the rigid components, testing different materials (PET, ABS, and Nylon PA12) under gait-related loads. These analyses highlighted stress-prone regions, enabling targeted design refinements. The final orthosis combined rigidity for structural support with flexibility for comfort, successfully stabilizing the carpus in dorsiflexion, preventing collapse during ambulation, and ensuring safe weight distribution. Usability was further assessed through veterinary evaluation and standardized questionnaires, confirming both functionality and adaptability for daily use. This work demonstrates how additive manufacturing and co-creation can contribute to affordable, customized, and clinically effective veterinary orthoses. A standardized protocol was also established, facilitating reproducibility and broader application to future clinical cases of carpal instability. |
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