Advanced Hock Plus

Support & Comfort for Your Dog’s Back Legs

This bundle includes two braces — one Balto® Flexor Brace and one Balto® Hock Brace — designed to help your dog recover from injuries or surgery, or just to give extra support for an active lifestyle. The Flexor is used post-surgery, allowing  a slow reintroduction to mobility  to one Achilles tendon or nearby ligaments; while the Hock provides bilateral support for the other back leg’s ankle to prevent injury from added strain.

All Balto® braces are made from high-quality materials, not neoprene, which is known to: collect bacteria, provide inadequate support, and wear down quickly. A variety of sizes ensure a secure fit. No pinching straps.

Recommended for all ages unless otherwise advised by veterinarians. Apply brace for balanced increments of time, if appropriate, for pets under the age of 2 to prevent possible growth disturbances.

How to Apply Brace

Step 1

Prepare the brace by opening the straps (Fig. 1).

Step 2

Position the brace by lining up the splints with the hock (tarsus) (Fig. 2) and secure all the Velcro straps (starting with the bottom strap) around the leg (Fig. 3).

Step 3

Tightly close with the Velcro straps.

Step 1

Adjusting the upper and lower padding (if needed): Use the biggest tool to loosen the two screws. Adjust the height of the padding by sliding it on the guide rail and then tightening the screws . Repeat on all four (Fig. 1 & 2).

Step 2

Adjusting the hinges: Use the smaller tool to adjust the hinges (Fig. 3).

Step 3

After setting the length and degree, prepare the brace by opening the straps. Place the brace on the leg and position the brace by lining up the central hinge with the tarsus (hock) (Fig. 4).

Step 4

Secure all the Velcro straps (starting with the bottom strap) around the leg by passing them through the buckles. Tightly close with the Velcro straps (Fig. 5 & 6).

• To which degree setting should my brace be set to?
  • For full immobilization of the joint, we recommend setting at the 30° flexion and the 45° extension. For a reduced range of movement for the joint, we recommend setting at the 30° flexion and the 15° extension. For other degrees, or more custom settings we recommend working with your veterinarian. Watch our video on how to adjust the degrees.
• How tight do screws need to be?
  • Until you meet resistance then stop, don't keep going. Continuing to tighten after feeling resistance can cause the metal to wear excessively over time; leading the brace to not work as intended.
• Which is better, the Hock brace or the Flexor brace?
  • Choosing between the options all depends on your doggo’s needs. The Flexor brace is typically used post-surgery or for more advanced injuries because it allows you to slowly reintroduce mobility as they heal. You can adjust the settings as needed. The Hock brace provides compressive and structural support.

A clean brace not only prevents infections, irritation, and a stinky smell; but it also allows your brace to last longer. To help support the longevity of your bracing device, here are some of our tips on how to properly clean your orthopedic bracing:

1. Remove as much hair as possible from any Velcro^® frequently to prevent compaction.
2. Use lint roller or lightly adhesive tape to remove hair from the material of the brace.
3. By hand, use warm water and a gentle cleansing soap to remove any stains and odors.
4. Rinse soap thoroughly from the brace
5. Hang to dry. Once the brace is completely dry, it is ready for use!