Balto Feline Splint Carpal/Tarsal Brace- Hyperextension Cat Brace – Brace with Aluminum Splint – Supports Fractures and Sprains – Leg Support (X-Small)

One of my cats (about 7 pounds) suffered what we believe was a brachial plexus avulsion (the vet wasn't certain, even after x-rays) but whatever happened, the result was a lame front leg. This brace prevents the cat from dragging the leg or bearing weight on their “wrist” instead of the paw. There are very few OTC options for injuries like this (in fact, this is the only one I could find), so I hesitated at the $80 price.. but once it arrived, the quality was obvious. This splint is sturdy, well-built, and definitely made to last. Fitting it takes a few tries if you're new to this type of device. It’ll slip off if it’s not positioned and tightened properly (the included instructions are actually helpful - be sure to read through them!) I found that setting it quite snug (but not painfully tight, of course) would keep it in place. The other thing is that you have to ensure that the paw’s “palm” pad is properly and firmly placed to the curved part of the splint before securing the straps. Once I got the fitment right, it held in place quite well, even while the cat was running around - which, yes, looks a bit weird at first; the splint kind of “skates” along as the cat moves forward, but both the cat (and you!) will adjust quickly. Tip: I chose the XX-Small size, and for this 7 lb cat it was spot-on (you can see how it fits in the photo) - anything larger would’ve been way too big.

The brace works well. We're lucky that our cat is fairly easy, but it's a 2 man job to put it on. One big down-side is that the bottom part of the brace that touches the ground is of soft fabric. On tiled floors that's really not great for the cat that's already struggling with an injury. Results in sliding over the floor, and dangerous with jumping off things. This shouldn't be so smooth.

We couldn't get it to stay on. The cat didn't even try to get it off. It just slipped off whenever he jumped/walked. His foot wasn't broken, just sprained - so he could use his foot - he just limped. We thought this might help take some of the weight or at least keep him from walking/jumping as much. Don't know if it would have worked because it didn't stay on longer than 3 minutes. Made it as tight as we could. If you could somehow create a harness that attached to it and went around the torso, maybe it would stay? Too expensive to try to customize it though.

a complete waste of money. I bought two different styles and my little guy would not wear them. Through no fault of the devices I purchased, I am sad to say due to his inability to walk and the progression of the illness, he has passed on. I am sorry the stint did not work at all. It was impossible to keep it on his leg to enable the support needed to assist him in walking.

very well constructed. I needed to return mine. Be aware your credit goes on a gift card with Amazon.

Well made. Seemed to help for front paw, needed to put an appropriately wrapped cloth underneath to prevent slippage into uncomfortable place- Also should only use intermittently- need to remember to take off at times, check blood flow and carefully do range if motion . Not something to just put on and then think you are done🙂

It will not stay on the cats foot.