Balto® Flexor - Adjustable Hock Brace

A hinged hock brace that lets you set how far the joint bends — from fully locked after surgery to a controlled arc through rehab.

Set the hinge before fitting. Balto give two reference settings: 30° flexion / 45° extension for full immobilisation, and 30° flexion / 15° extension for reduced range of motion during rehabilitation. Your vet or physiotherapist decides which and when.

• With your dog standing, position the brace so the hinge sits level with the hock joint.
• Fasten the upper cushioning first, then the lower.
• Snug, not tight. You should get two fingers under any strap.
• Adjust the upper and lower cushioning length so the brace spans the joint without pressing into the paw or the knee.
• Watch the first few minutes of walking. The hinge should track with the joint, not sit forward or behind it.

A brace supports a joint. It doesn't fix what's causing the problem, so keep your vet in the loop — particularly if your dog is in pain, the limb is swollen, or things are getting worse rather than better.

• Build up wearing time gradually. Start with short sessions and check the skin underneath every time you take it off.
• Stop and reassess if you find rubbing, hair loss, swelling or broken skin.
• Take the brace off overnight unless your vet has told you otherwise.
• Never leave a braced dog unsupervised on a lead or in a crate.
• For dogs under two years old, use in balanced intervals so growth isn't affected.

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap and air dry away from direct heat. Don't tumble dry, and don't put it on a radiator — heat distorts the shaping and the velcro.