Introduction to Veterinary Orthotics and Prosthetics (V-OP) for the Thoracic Limb

Course Description

This three (3) day course will prepare the participant for properly prescribing (by a DVM) and treating patients (by a DVM, PT, OT, and veterinary technicians/assistants) with V-OP devices in practice.

This is an introductory course and will prepare the student for case and device selection, prescription, planning, design critique, fitting, and, most importantly, how to troubleshoot and adjust basic devices for the carpus, elbow, and paw. We will also cover the materials, tools, and facilities needed to start a basic V-OP practice. We will cover both off-the-shelf and custom devices.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Course Eligibility:

Licensed veterinarians

Licensed & canine rehabilitation certified physical therapists & occupational therapists

• CRI (CCRT)
• VAHL (CCRP)
• Healing Oasis (VMRT)
• Chi Institute (CCRV)
• CuraCore (IRPM)
• Northeast Seminars (CCAT)

Licensed & canine rehabilitation certified veterinary technicians

• CRI (CCRVT or CCRVN)
• VAHL (CCRP)
• Chi Institute (CCRVT)
• Northeast Seminars (CCAT)

Canine rehabilitation certified veterinary assistant:

• CRI (CCRA)
• Submit a current Letter of Recommendation from their rehab-certified supervising veterinarian, physical therapist, or occupational therapist.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Course Curriculum:

This course focuses on preparing the student for case and device selection/prescription, planning, design critique, fitting, and, importantly, how to troubleshoot.

• History of V-OP and the Role of Orthotic Devices
  Learn the historical perspective of orthotic and prosthetic practice in veterinary medicine including use of off-the-shelf wraps, supports and braces as compared to custom orthotic devices and when to use each.
• Biomechanics for V-OP Practice
  Understand the physical principles that guide the prescription and design of orthotic devices. Including 3-point correction, lever arms, force coupling, and reaction forces.
• Indications for Thoracic Limb Orthotic Devices and Case Selection
  Apply biomechanical principles to thoracic limb pathology to properly select cases, develop a critical eye for functional design and troubleshooting complications
• Fiberglass Impression Techniques for Best Device Fabrication
  Learn to avoid common mistakes in fiberglass molding for custom devices and develop skills for best practices in hands-on lab.
• Troubleshooting Fit and Function Challenges
  Customization of fit is required for successful use of V-OP devices. Learn how to diagnose issues caused by friction, pressure, design flaws, negative heels, roll back and clam-shelling among others.
• Customization and Device Fitting Adjustment Skills
  Practice correcting common fitting problems in hands-on labs. Examples include heat squeeze and flare, foam shaping, corrective heel construction and adjustment, push pads, and custom strap pads, among others.
• Rehabilitation for the V-OP Patient
  Apply general and V-OP specific rehabilitation techniques to maximize successful use of these devices from initial acclimation, through activities of daily living and progression out of the device if applicable.
• The Business of V-OP
  Learn how to successfully add V-OP into your business model.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Course Instructors:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Course Information:

In-Person: 3 days at CRI in Denver, CO

In-Person Daily Hours:

• Days 1 - 2: 8:00 am-6:00 pm Mountain Time, USA
• Day 3: 8:00 am-3:00 pm Mountain Time, USA
• The last day of class ends early to allow students the opportunity to return home that evening. Do not make airline reservations that require you to depart class before 3:00 P.M.

Examination: Take-home, open-book final exam with 14 days to complete. Collaboration with classmates is highly encouraged!

RACE Pending Approval: 24 credit hours by the AAVSB

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Course Price and Location:

Course Fee: $2,459 - Denver, CO

• A 50% non-fundable deposit is required to secure your seat
• The remaining 50% is due 90 days prior to the course start date
• Payment plans are available upon request. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

Course Location: 16304 E. 32nd Avenue, Suite 42, Aurora, CO 80011 USA

Travel Information: Travel information for Denver, CO is coming soon.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2026 Class Date:

October 23 - October 25, 2026

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CVOPT Certification:

Only licensed DVMs may obtain the Certified Veterinary Orthotic & Prosthetic Therapist (CVPOT) certification.

Module 2 (Pelvic Limb Orthotics) and Module 3 (Prosthetic Devices) dates have not been confirmed, but we are planning on offering Module 2 in the Fall of 2027 and Module 3 in the Fall of 2028