FAQ - WIMBA

Question What's WIMBA? Who can benefit from its products?

Wimba is a company that introduces completely new solutions for the veterinary industry in the field of individual orthopedic supplies. Our mission is to create and deliver innovative products that restore mobility to animals. Our advanced technology meets the needs of busy professionals and our products are tailored to meet the specific needs of each animal.

Question How are WIMBA orthoses created?

Wimba uses the best quality 4D printing technology and production methods to create ultralight yet incredibly durable products that are also water resistant. The high quality orthoses that are created can prevent or reduce the extent of injuries and ensure limb stability while optimizing pain-free and functional mobility.

Question What are tokens for? How do they differ and which ones should I choose?

WIMBA tokens are interchangeable parts that allow our orthoses to be fixed or modular. Each token provides motion protection within a controlled physiological range of motion. Your choice of three tokens with each orthosis assists each professional’s ability to monitor and progress the animal during its recovery and rehabilitation process. Tokens can also be customized to meet the specific needs of each animal. Each professional has autonomy in determining which tokens are best suited for each animal based on the medical and physical evaluations. The Wimba team is happy to consult with this as needed!

Question Can I order spare/interchangable parts for the orthesis?

Absolutely! In addition to the three tokens that you will receive with each orthosis, you can order more tokens, replacement pads and custom products.

Question Is there something that prevents slipping at the bottom of the orthesis?

Yes, orthoses with an integrated foot (WimbaCase) have a non-slip surface on the bottom. Our other orthoses are not fitted to the palmar aspect of the paw, so the dog will walk as usual – on their paw pads.

Question For which impairments (conditions) are orthosis recommended?

Orthoses can help in cases of carpal/tarsal hyperextensions, ligaments injuries, joint damage, other ligament and tendon injuries, with torn cruciate ligaments, patellar luxations, peripheral neuropathies and many more! Orthoses are designed to support, align, position, prevent or correct derformities. They can also help weak muscles by enhancing their overall function. Our orthoses are tailored to meet the specific needs of the animal – contact us to learn more!

Question Are there any disorders which make using orthosis impossible?

If you’re unsure whether an orthosis would be a suitable solution for your pet, contact us. We will analyze the case from a medical and technical perspective and inform you about what you can do for your furry friend.

Question How soon after a surgery can the dog start wearing orthosis?

It all depends on the case and should always be decided by the veterinarian who takes care of the patient. Rule of the thumb is that there should be no stitches or wounds on the skin, or that there is special medical treatment and strict supervision of the dog in case the paw has not fully healed yet (colloidal patches, vet wrap, extra skin protection and so on).

Question Can cats use WIMBA orthosis as well?

Of course! Each orthosis is customized to meet the individual requirements for each animal, so it will be possible to fit a cat’s limb as well.

Question What is the cost of WIMBA orthosis?

The cost is decided upon by the veterinarian leading the pet’s therapy.

Question [Pet Parent] I want to order an orthosis for my pet - where do I start?

We work directly with the veterinarian for our orthosis selection process. Please ask your veterinarian to contact us, or you can provide us with their contact information (phone number or clinic email address) and we will get in touch with them. We will keep you informed during this preperatory period.

Question [Veterinarian] I want to order an orthosis for my patient - where do I start?

Contact us so that we can collarborate! We will establish an introductory meeting where you can learn more about our technology, products and partnership offerings. As a valued partner, the Wimba team will provide guidance and education for you to be able to implement our scan technology with ease. We offer assist for you to learn our ordering process and provide clinical support for product selection.

Question How does the WIMBA app work? What are its functionalities?

The WIMBA app allows you to create employee accounts and establish profiles for your clients and pets so that you can easily place orders, contact customer support and reach out with questions/concerns or complaints. You can save orders as drafts and return to review and submit. You will also have access to our knowledge base. These are just some of our offered features!

Question How should I properly measure the dog?

It’s important to measure the paw accurately in the designated places and to do it several times. This reduces the risk of incorrect measurements. The dog should stand still – if you find it difficult to measure them on your own, ask someone to hold the dog. Detailed instructions and videos can be found in the materials shared with you or directly in WimbaApp, or you can always reach out to us for more information!

Question Can I measure the opposite leg? The one I need the orthosis for is swollen right now.

Unfortunately, no. It’s very important to take measurements of the limb for which the orthosis is to be prepared. Only with an accurate paw scan will we be able to prepare the highest quality product and minimize the risk of chafing, misfit, or the dog not accepting the orthosis. Please wait for the swelling to be gone and then measure the correct paw.

Question How should I properly perform scans?

The most important things are:
– The paw is fully visible and in the designated location
– There is a Wimba sleeve or a patterned vet wrap on the paw
– The recording quality is excellent
You can find more information below in the FAQs, in the application, and in the materials you will receive from us.

Question Can I use any phone for the scans?

As long as your phone records videos in high quality (HD or 4K), the manufacturer or model does not matter. However, if your phone is an older generation or has a scratched lens, the scans may not be successful – in such cases, it is definitely better to use a different device and not your own.

Question Where exactly should I place the dolly?

The dolly must be positioned no closer to the paw than on the dotted line. It’s important that the green and blue areas are visible in the recording.

Question The car collapses while scanning. Why?

Make sure the surface on which you have laid out the mat is level. Check if the phone is correctly inserted into the dolly. All three wheels need to be touching the ground and rotating freely. If the problem persists, please contact our customer support.

Question Neither of the socks fits the dog. What can I use instead?

You can use an adhesive bandage – but remember that it cannot be a plain color (it is best to choose a patterned one) and it must be a different color than the background in which you are recording. Please refrain from using a white vet wrap either.

Question The dog is not able to stand still on three legs during scanning. In this situation, how do I prepare proper scans?

You can support the dog with your hands or an orthopedic carrier. Make sure that your hands are not in the frame and do not block the view of the scanned joint.

Question The dog is tiny and the car does not fit under its belly. In this situation, how do I prepare proper scans?

Support the dog in both of your hands and tilt them into a hand stand or rear leg stand position. You may need help in this situation as you will also need to bend the healthy limb to allow for a 360 degree scan of the affected limb. Allow enough support to minimize the pressure put on the affected limb to maximize the animal’s safety.

Question The dog is very tall and the camera does not capture the whole leg. In this situation, how do I prepare proper scans?

You can move the dolly further away from the limb or adjust its positioning in the dolly. If this is not enough, use a wide-angle lens on the camera – however, this should be a last-resort option. It’s better to use a regular lense.

Question The videos are a bit blurred. Can I send them anyway?

The most important thing is for the limb to be fully visible and its image to be sharp. If only the background is blurred, such a video can be used. Videos with the limb and mat not in focus will need to be re-done to optimize fitting accuracy and satisfaction for our customized orthoses.

Question There are some shots in which the limb is not visible on the scan, but it was properly captured in majority of them. Can I send those videos?

Unfortunately, no. The limb must be fully visible throughout the entire recording. We need a 360 degree view of the limb.

Question How long will the production and delivery take?

For the orthoses we have in regular production, the delivery time is up to 10 days. For orthoses that require additional customization and specialization, the production and delivery times may vary. In these instances, our Wimba team will perform case specific reviews to best determine more accurate production and delivery times.

Question To which countries I can order WIMBA products?

Currently, we are operating in EU, USA, Switzerland, Scandinavia & Australia. But WIMBA can be anywhere! If you are a citizen of any other country, reach out to us to start a partnership or ask your veterinarian to do so.

Question How to help the dog start using the orthosis?

It is important to introduce the orthosis gradually. Initially, we recommend using positive reinforcement by way of treats, petting or toy engagement for when the dog is first introduced to the new object. Care should be taken to create a positive experience and environment when placing the orthotic on the affected limb. The first few times, the dog should only have the orthosis on for a few minutes. Wear time is recommended to be gradually increased once the pet demonstrates comfortability with the orthotic. Never leave the dog alone with the orthosis on.

Question How to put the orthosis on the dog? How should I set the angles?

The angle of the orthosis should be determined by a veterinarian or physiotherapist according to Wimba Therapy assumptions. Detailed information for veterinarians can be found in the Introduction materials.

Question Can the dog wear the orthosis all the time?

Absolutely not! WIMBA orthoses should not be worn all the time. This could lead to undesirable effects. The dog can and should wear the orthosis for functional mobility and activities of daily living. It is recommended for the pet to take breaks from wearing it, even during the day. The orthosis should be removed at night and in the absence of the caregiver.

Question Can the dog go for walks with the orthosis on?

Certainly! It’s best to use the orthosis during functional weight bearing activities, when the dog’s limb requires support.

Question If the dog has physiotherapy sessions, should the orthosis be on or off during them?

It depends on the type of rehabilitation. Typically, physical and kinetic rehabilitation (exercises, treadmill, UWTM) should be performed while wearing the orthosis. Other therapeutic procedures (laser, shockwave, electrostimulation) should be performed without them. Ultimately, this is at the discretion of the professionals providing these services.

Question Are the orthoses waterproof?

Yes, WIMBA orthoses are fully waterproof. Dogs can swim, participate in underwater treadmill therapy, and walk on rainy days while wearing them. It is important to rinse the salt water, or water treated with chlorine or bromine off of the orthoses and to thoroughly dry them to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Do not use a hairdryer for drying to avoid deformation.

Question How do I clean the orthosis?

Cleaning the orthosis is very simple and does not require special products. Use mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry. Do not use any abrasive products. It is important to allow the orthosis to fully dry to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Do not use a hairdryer for drying to avoid deforming the orthosis.

Question Are 3D printed orthoses durable enough?

Yes. WIMBA uses the best quality methods in the production of orthopedic supplies for animals. The materials used in the production of our orthopedic products have been tested and are proven to uphold. Our high quality products are extremely durable yet very lightweight.

Question What materials are orthoses made of?

The base material of the brace is nylon based from HP- Hewlett Packard and called PA-12 and it’s approved for skin contact and thus great for use in animal bracing. Nylon base makes it incredibly light, but durable. It’s chemical resistant and waterproof, the dog can rehab in their brace in water.
Our braces have been cycle tested in development to 2-million cycles, the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day for 365 days at a Bernese mountain dog size load (145lbs).
The squishy “pillow” of the brace is called TPU which is a spongy, spring like version of the 3D printed material. Even at its most compressed state (fitted on the dog) the material allows for airflow through it, helping prevent pressure sores.

Question The orthosis does not fit the dog - what can I do?

Contact us! It’s essential that you attach videos and photos showing the problem. We will discuss the specific case in detail – it might be a fitting issue, a technical issue, in which case we will explain how to deal with it. If it is a production problem, we will send a new orthosis with the necessary corrections.

Question Can I form the orthosis with high temperatures?

No. You should not make any modifications to the orthosis on your own, as it could could alter its structural integrity.

Question While wearing orthosis, dog's paw is swollen - what can I do?

Immediately remove the orthosis from a swollen paw. When putting it back on, check if the orthosis is properly applied – make sure it is not too tightly fastened. It’s also important to monitor the time the animal spends in the orthosis and not forget to take it off to allow the paw to rest.

Question The orthosis irritates the dog's limb - what can I do?

It is important to make sure it is properly fitted. If it causes skin irritation, you can use a vet wrap to protect the area from chafing.

Question The dog does not tolerate the orthosis - what can I do?

If the orthosis is causing the dog clear psychological discomfort, we recommend that you seek help from a behaviorist. Professional help may be indicated to best guide you and acclimate the animal to the orthosis. Do not punish or force the dog to wear the orthosis as this may have unintended consequences.

Question The dog is bitting on the orthosis - what can I do?

Make sure the orthosis is not too tight and assess the skin’s integrity to determine if irritation exists. If the orthosis was introduced too quickly, try gradual re-introduction training with positive reinforcement. If none of the above advice helps, try introducing a command to interrupt the dog’s behavior and reward the behavior that is the dog not focusing on the orthosis. Offer them something to engage with instead – natural chews, a Kong, toys, etc.

Question I believe the angles of tokens are not correct. How can I check it? What should I do if I'm right?

To check if the tokens are set up correctly and the angles match the assumptions of the Wimba Therapy, please reach out to us via help@wimba.vet with videos demonstrating tokens, paw movement in the orthosis etc. We will help you assess the situation and apply fixes if needed.

Question The orthosis frequently unbuckles - what can I do?

There may be several reasons. It’s possible that there’s dirt (soil, sand) inside the straps, preventing them from correct fastening. Some elements may have come loose, or it may also be a design defect. Send us photos of the buckles (clear, preferably taken close up) – our consultants will assess what the problem is and will suggest the best solution.

Question Token is falling off - what can I do?

There may be several reasons. Perhaps the token is installed incorrectly, or it may be a design defect. Send us photos of the token (clear, preferably taken close up) – our consultants will assess what the problem is and will suggest the best solution.

Question Insert is falling off - what can I do?

There may be several reasons. Perhaps the insert is installed incorrectly, or it may be a design defect. Send us photos of the inserts (clear, preferably taken close up) – our consultants will assess the cause of the problem and will suggest the best solution.

Question I'm not happy with the orthosis - what can I do?

Contact us to inform us of the issue. Please remember to describe in detail what the problem is and attach photos and videos of the orthosis in use. This will help us to best understand the situation and to be able to offer a solution. Your satisfaction is important to us and we are happy to process a complaint upon your request.

Question How do I send a complaint?

Send us a message describing the problem in detail. Be sure to also add photos and videos. In response, you will receive confirmation of receipt of your complaint and further instructions.

Question How long will it take WIMBA to reply to my complaint?

We will try to respond as soon as possible! You will receive an initial response from us within 3 business days. In many cases, this will also be the final answer. Sending us photos and videos showing the problem will definitely speed up the processing of your complaint.

Question What will be taken into consideration with a complaint? What is our guarantee?

A complaint covers all manufacturing defects in the orthosis/prosthesis. It will not cover damages caused by the dog’s biting, nor incorrect measurements.