Making Strides for Animal Chiropractic

Interview with Ben Blecha: Helping Animals and Humans Thrive and Live Life to the Fullest Through Hero Braces

• Dr. Kaitlyn Lackey, DC

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Ben received his training in orthotics and prosthetics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. As a Certified Orthotist-Prosthetist on the human side, his work experience includes a stint at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Greenville. Ben’s personal experience with osteosarcoma bone cancer and amputation feeds his drive to help others.

When introduced to Dr. Robert Taylor of Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets show, Ben was asked to consult on a project for a dog named Triumph. Ben learned of the limited options available for animals with limb injuries and deformities, inspiring the founding of Hero Braces.

Ben focuses his efforts on helping animals and continues to consult in human orthotics and prosthetics. He has been invited to speak at conferences on both human and animal orthotics and prosthetics, including the annual meetings of the 2011 American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association and the 2008 International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • Ben’s story and how he uses it today to help others
  • The differences in working in the human field versus the animal field
  • Conditions that may be good candidates for a brace in dogs vs. surgery
  • How the stifle brace affects the dogs and their outcomes
  • Padding or no padding on a knee brace, what is the best method
  • Why a prosthetic leg is not always beneficial for a three-legged dog
  • What the process looks like for those interested in a brace

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