Dog Bracing Made Simple
Tips and tricks to help your dog succeed with added support
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Cecelia and Ozzie's Triumph Over a Volleyball Injury
Rising from a torn ACL and multiple surgeries, in the end a simple knee brace allowed Ozzie to return to comfort a Mom battling dementia.
Ozzie and Harriet...er...
Cecelia and Ozzie have been best friends for the past 11 years.
Not only is the 12-year-old, black Chow mix a lifelong companion to Cecelia, but he’s a great comfort to her mom, who has dementia.
"Sometimes my mom won't remember who I am, but she'll always recognize her dog,” says Cecelia of her mom’s love of Ozzie.
Cecelia moved back home in 1994 to help take care of her ailing mom. Dementia doesn’t just affect one family member — it can take its toll on the whole family. Cecelia says Ozzie has been a great help, with his calming and steadying presence, for all members of her family.
Cecelia found Ozzie back in 2004 on a pet-finding website. She drove from just outside of Lincoln, Nebraska all the way to St. Louis, Missouri that Memorial Day weekend. Ozzie was only about 1 1/2 years old then.
Adventure takes a turn
Besides having a therapeutic nature, Ozzie also has an adventurous spirit. On a recent visit to a friend’s house, Ozzie injured his leg playing sand volleyball with the other dogs. When he was trying to get back in the car after the visit, Ozzie whimpered.
While it occurred to Cecelia that it could be hip dysplasia, it turned out that Ozzie had actually torn the ligament in his knee.
Ozzie's veterinarian recommended surgery. Unfortunately, the first surgery was not successful. As a result, a second surgery was performed.
But Ozzie wasn’t out of the woods yet. While he was recovering from his second surgery, he tore the ligament in his other knee. Ozzie then underwent a third surgery to help repair the ligament in that knee.
Cecelia knew she had to do something to help Ozzie. After three surgeries, she had to find some additional support to help him heal properly and avoid further injury. She thought about what is available to humans for similar injuries. Humans often use leg braces. Was something like this an option for dogs?
The knee brace
After some research, she discovered Hero and its dog leg braces. After Cecelia connected Ozzie's veterinarian, Dr. Pat McInteer at Hillcrest Animal Clinic, with Hero Braces, the company sent a casting kit. Within a few weeks, Ozzie's brace arrived at the door.
After the brace was placed on Ozzie, he was able to stand up and bear weight on his leg immediately. Within a few hours, Ozzie was almost back to walking normally.
Ozzie is getting up there in years — but don't tell him that — and he is undergoing treatment for arthritis of his toes. He doesn't run as much as he used to, but he is able to go for short strolls and live pain-free.
He continues providing companionship and therapy to Cecelia and her mom. While Cecelia does all she can to help the dog that has given her family so much to live a full, happy life.
(Ozzie’s story was originally posted on June 12, 2015.)
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Bodhi is a survivor. She's a 14-year-old, lovable Cattledog and has been battling cancer for the last year and a half. She's been through two surgeries and two rounds of chemo, but nothing can keep her down. Literally.
A few months ago, Bodhi was playing in the backyard when she made a quick turn and immediately yelped, falling to the ground in pain. Doctors determined that she had completely torn her back left ACL. She was unable to put any weight on it at all, with all movement excruciating. Bodhi need to be carried around everywhere, even outside to relieve herself. This was another obstacle to a dog who has already gone through so much.
Because of Bodhi's cancer and her age, her oncologist recommended against surgery since it would require months of rehab. Out of options, the family considered putting Bodhi down. Then her chiropractor suggested a Hero Brace as an option. She had seen success for other clients and referred the family to Dr. Annette Richmond in Carmel, CA.
Dr. Richmond examined Bodhi and created the cast for the brace. After three weeks, the brace for the ACL tear arrived. It only took a day or so for Bodhi to get used to the brace. Now she wears the brace from morning until just before bedtime and has about 80% of her mobility back.
Bill, Bodhi's owner, reports that her attitude improved immediately, and her quality of life has returned. "Shortly after she started wearing her Hero Brace, she got her "silly" back and is thoroughly enjoying her golden years," Bill says. "I just wanted to say thank you for such a great product. I can't speak highly enough of the results."Bohdi has overcome so much in her dog life. We are happy to be a part of her survivor story. Go. Bohdi. Go
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Bionic Pickles - Dog ACL Success
When Alisha says "hold the pickles," she's not talking about a burger. She's talking about her almost three-year-old Great Pyrenees/Akbash-mix Pickles.
Alisha has been holding and snuggling Pickles since the rescue dog was six weeks old. Pickles had been battling a severe case of parvovirus and struggled with respiratory issues for months with a less than 50% chance of survival. After fighting back with a mix of medications, steroids and a whole lot of moxie, Pickles pulled through.
Just this spring, Pickles was playing with her sister Popcorn (I know. Adorable.) when she made a quick turn on the wet grass and let out a yelp. Alisha's father-in-law, a veterinarian, knew immediately that Pickles had torn a ligament.
The family's local vet recommended surgery, but Alisha was apprehensive. She was concerned about complications with the hardware required for the recommended surgery. She was worried about future injury after the surgery. She was also apprehensive about the 6 months recovery time and wondered how Pickles would be able to remain immobile with three other active dogs in the house. Alisha decided to look for other options.
Alisha's husband had torn his ACL a few years earlier (a similar injury to a dog's CCL tear). One of the options his doctor had recommended had been a non-surgical route with bracing. Alisha knew that if that was an option for humans, there would have to be something similar for dogs. That is when she found Hero Braces.
"The durability and the science behind the brace is pretty impeccable. Now Pickles and her dad have matching braces; it's crazy how much the braces function and resemble one another."
Since Pickles has received her ACL brace, the family is amazed at how active she has become again. She runs and is able to keep up with her pack. When Pickles is in her brace, she acts like a puppy again. Alisha says that Pickles gets excited to put it on and has never shown any discomfort, "We call her our little bionic pup."
Bionic Pickles. Sounds like a great superhero name to us.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Swelling and the Custom Orthotic
Swelling post-surgery and post-injury is a common occurrence in our pets. The circulatory system is very good at actively pumping blood into a leg but needs muscle contraction and movement for the tissue fluid to be removed through the venous and lymphatic systems.
This is why in people, we typically elevate an injured limb. It allows gravity to help move the fluid that has left the blood supply to nourish the tissues to return to the heart and get back in the blood. A process that uninjured tissue does naturally.
One way we typically handle post-operative care of an orthopedic injury is to place the ankle or wrist in a Bi-valve cast. The foot, ankle/wrist, and lower leg are wrapped in layers of padding then the cast is applied. This provides stability to the repair but also applies light pressure all around the limb and limits any swelling.
The cast is usually replaced every few days to weekly for several weeks while we wait for the Custom Orthotic to be made which will take its place. The Custom Orthotic will allow the pet more mobility yet protect the repair and allow us to remove the Orthotic frequently for Topical/Complementary therapy, Early Range of Motion, and Targeted exercises.
Swelling is a minor complication we can see when a pet first starts to wear a Custom Ankle or Wrist Orthotic after being in a cast. The leg is accustomed to being surrounded by padding and a hard fiberglass shell. Now the Hard plastic of the Custom Orthotic is only in the places it needs to be to apply a corrective force. Other areas are left open to allow air movement, decrease weight and increase comfort. These areas may swell a bit in the beginning because the leg is not being treated the same.
Blood flows in and fluid may pool a bit in tissue that is by the open areas. This can be from a lack of muscle contraction. One of the major forces that move lymphatic fluid up the leg. As muscles contract, they squeeze lymph vessels and veins to push the fluid back toward the heart. Some of the lymph vessels may be in the repair stage and are not functioning fully yet. The pathway may be narrow like a partially closed road during construction. The tissues of the leg will also need to get used to the light pressure that is applied by the straps that hold the Custom orthotic in place.
No one would intentionally leave a new pair of shoes on all day. They would take breaks to rub their feet and adjust the laces of their shoe. The same type of break-in is necessary for Custom Orthotics. It is especially important in cases where we need to provide 24-hour support to a surgically repaired injury like Achilles tendon repair or Arthrodesis/fusion of an ankle or wrist.
Giving the pet a 15-20 min break out of the Custom Orthotic every 2-3 hours in the first few days allows for monitoring the leg for rub areas as well as light massage to move fluid out of the leg. Within a few days, the swelling between breaks begins to lessen. The pet becomes more accustomed to using the brace and is walking for short periods more frequently. This improves muscle contraction and the natural movement of fluid out of the leg. The leg also adjusts to and accommodates the strap tension.
Swelling is part of the healing process and can be easily managed in most cases. When using a custom orthotic remember to Check the fit frequently. Every 2-3 hours in the beginning. Light massage (not deep tissue massage) starting at the foot and moving up the leg will help with the natural removal of fluid. Once the pet has been in the brace for a few days we can usually start checking the fit every 4-6 hours. Work with your Veterinarian or Rehabilitation Therapist to find what’s optimum for your pet.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Talking to Your Veterinarian About Knee Braces for Dogs
Knees are joints. They give out over time. That’s certainly true of humans, and it’s also true of dogs. Dogs depend on knee ligaments for their joints to work much like we do, and when something goes wrong with a dog’s knee, it can be extremely painful and debilitating.
We all love our dogs, and we will do whatever we can to give them a happy, healthy and comfortable life. If your dog injures his or her knee, you’re most likely going to research the issue before you can see your veterinarian. During that research, you’re going to see information regarding surgical procedures and other treatments.
You may also come across information regarding knee braces for dogs. A dog knee brace may seem like a strange thing to ponder, but much like humans, there are situations where knee braces for dogs are a better option than surgery. Every case is different, but having an understanding of knee braces for dogs isn’t a bad thing before you speak to your vet.
However, suggesting a treatment to your veterinarian can be tough. We all care for our animal so much we want to learn as much as we can to help our pet. We tend to lean on Dr. Google in these times, just like how we learned about knee braces for dogs in the first place.
To make the conversation go smoothly, it's important to remember your Dr. went to many more years of veterinary school than Dr. Google. They did it because they care about animals very deeply. Appreciating this goes a long way with someone that may have had to deal with a deathly ill animal earlier in the day.
As with any conversation, people do not like to be surprised. If you can, get the info about the dog knee brace to your Veterinarian before you meet. Or at the very least give them time to process any new info you bring to them.
Here is an dog brace information sheet you can share with your veterinarian.
It is also important to understand the background. For many years, surgery was seen as the gold standard for treating a CCL/ACL injury in dogs. "A chance to cut is a chance to cure" has been a saying in the veterinary profession for a long time.
And for a long time, surgery was the only solution. There were simply no knee braces for dogs on the market that could adequately support a dog's leg, allowing them functionality and proper movement.
There were fabric wraps available, but they just didn't do the trick.
Then along came Hero. The Hero Brace was designed by both a veterinarian and an orthotist-prosthetist with a dog's knee unique biomechanics in mind. After many different designs and materials, the Hero Stifle Brace was created.
Our Hero Brace starts with the neoprene sleeve customized to a dog's unique anatomy and then uses a black polypropylene shell for lightweight durability. The placement of our Velcro wraps holds the dog knee brace in the optimum place to ensure a secure fit and maximum functionality without relying on a harness or heavy piece of equipment. The brace effectively allows the dog's knee to develop scar tissue and heal on its own while keeping the dog active and happy.
Sometimes Veterinarians can be resistant to the idea of knee braces for dogs simply because they haven't seen a product that works as effectively as Hero. Canine bracing is on the forefront of veterinary medicine, and gaining popularity all of the time. In the coming years, as more Vets graduate with the bracing skills, you are going to see more knee braces for dogs than you have to this point.
Our Hero Braces have been endorsed by Dr. Carrie Adrian, the first PhD recipient in Canine Biomechanics and veterinarian and Michelle Beck, DVM and canine rehabilitation expert. Another CCRP who has worked extensively with animals using Hero Braces is Robert Porter who will be speaking at the STAAR conference in April. We also teach bracing with the University of Tennessee Canine Rehabilitation Program, a world-renowned canine rehabilitation program.
If you have decided that you would prefer a non-surgical route because of concerns about complications of surgery, anesthesia, recovery time, financial reasons or just don't like the idea of surgery in general, tell your veterinarian. Great veterinarians continually want to learn more. They love working with you to make sure that your dog receives the best care possible. If that involves a dog knee brace, then that must be what's best for your furry friend.
Let her know that you are not comfortable with the idea of surgery and then tell her about Hero. Heck, give her our phone number.
We would love to discuss with her about what makes Hero braces so effective and how we can best put together a plan to help your dog get back on his feet.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Stifle Braces in Dogs: Freedom Without the Top Strap
As devoted pet parents, we witness the sheer exuberance our dogs bring to life. But when injury strikes, it’s our duty to find solutions that restore their mobility and joy. Enter the canine stifle brace, a remarkable aid for dogs suffering from CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tears.
Canine CCL Tears
Canine CCL tears can severely impact a dog’s stifle joint (akin to our human knee). These tears result from factors like obesity, strenuous activity, genetics, and aging. Certain breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Staffordshire Terriers, and Saint Bernards are more susceptible. Symptoms vary from limping to complete lameness. If your furry friend shows signs of ligamentdamage, consult your veterinarian. They’ll perform a physical evaluation and X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.
Surgery and Beyond
While surgery is recommended and considered the standard of care, it’s not always feasible due to health issues or cost. That’s where non-invasive treatments come into play:
• Joint Supplements: Fish oil, turmeric, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate aid in comfort.• Diet and Exercise Modifications: Proper nutrition and controlled activity help maintain a healthy weight.• Integrative Therapies: Acupuncture, Laser therapy, Extracorporeal Shockwave, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field, Animal Chiropractic, and Physical Rehab support recovery.• Pain Management: Medications alleviate discomfort.• Custom Bracing: Supports the stifle and applies corrective forces to help prevent excessive movement.
The No Top Strap Solution
Hero Braces revolutionized canine stifle support. Unlike traditional braces, they skip the top strap, offering unparalleled comfort and freedom. Here’s how they work:• Stabilization: Hero Braces focuses on increased stability for rear legs and knees.
• Custom Fabrication: Each brace is tailor-made to fit your dog’s unique body structure, ensuring optimal support.
Why Hero Braces?
• Durability: Hero Braces withstand rough play. No worries about stretching or tearing fabric.• Sleek Design: Lightweight and sleek, they won’t hinder your dog with extra weight.• Custom Fit: With over 200 dog breeds, customization matters. Hero Braces nails it.
The Science Behind the Top Strap Removal
Hero Braces initially explored the force-couple concept, akin to approaches used in human medicine for addressing cruciate tears. However, canine biomechanics posed unique challenges. The origin and insertion of hamstring muscles in dogs differ from humans, affecting brace fit. Canine thighs change shape significantly during hip and stifle (knee) movement, causing fitting issues. The top strap often loosened during walking due to changing thigh size. To address this, Hero Braces consulted biomechanists at the University of Nebraska. They found that maintaining tension without design changes was mathematically impossible. By removing the strap, Hero Braces reduced fitting issues while still mitigating tibial thrust and cranial drawer. Our clinical experience showed that pets continue to do well without the top strap. For a deeper dive, watch out for Drs. Millis and Levine’s upcoming textbook on Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.
Remember, a stifle brace isn’t just a device; it’s hope for your beloved companion. Whether your pup is a playful Labrador or a dignified St. Bernard, consider this simple solution to restore their zest for life.
I hope this blog sheds light on the innovative design of no-top strap stifle braces. If you have any questions, visit Hero Braces.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Dog ACL Brace Review - Dr. Carrie Adrian
If you ever wondered where stifle bracing started, Dr. Adrian was there from the beginning. She has played an integral roll in the evolution of several braces and has worked with most manufactures helping dogs.
Devoting her professional career to helping further canine physical therapy, she was the first person to earn a PhD in canine biomechanics from CSU Veterinary School.
Below is an interview from dvm360 about her experiences with cruciate bracing.
Dr. Adrian started working with Hero Braces in 2005 and has help us refine our brace designs to help thousands of dogs. We appreciate her insight very much!
Owners appreciate veterinarians that offer bracing for the dogs that cannot have surgery.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Torn ACL in Dogs - How Braces Help
Not all dogs can have surgery, but we still want to reduce their pain. Dog braces help your dog walk sooner.
The field of bracing is relatively new to Veterinary medicine, so not all doctors are familiar with how bracing works.
We started designing braces to help these doctors over 15 years ago. After helping thousands of dogs recover, this is what we know....
What The ACL Does
The ACL is a ligament that connects the bones above and below the knee. This ligament limits the bottom bone (the tibia) from sliding forward underneath the top bone (the femur.) This bad motion is called the cranial drawer. Veterinarians test to see if the ACL is torn by a cranial drawer test. Your vet pushes forward with their thumb and pulls backward with their fingers as shown by the red arrows. When the ACL is torn, the cranial drawer happens easily in your dog's knee. It scares and hurts your dog to put weight on the leg when this motion happens. So they quit using the leg, and over the following weeks, muscles start shrinking from disuse.
Arthritis Forms
If the cranial drawer motion is allowed to continue long term, arthritis forms in the joint. Arthritis can be painful and slow your dog's activities later in life. So it is important to limit this cranial drawer motion as much as possible to slow the formation of arthritis.A torn ACL is the most common leg injury in dogs. It can be caused by strenuous activity, obesity, age, breed or a combination of all of those factors.Talk to your veterinarian about a dog brace as a treatment option when your dog tears his ACL. The brace applies the opposite forces (green arrows) to limit the cranial drawer.
The Hero Brace is the only brace that provides support in these two areas with plastic versus trying to support the leg with velcro that will fail when a dog gets it dirty.Play sooner? Used alone OR to support surgery, a dog knee brace can provide a cost-effective permanent solution for your dog to play again.
Robert Porter shows off his rehab of torn ACL in a Golden Retriever without surgery. Watch below
About Hero Knee Braces for Dogs
With such a high risk of additional injury -- some estimates say that 60 percent of dogs with one ACL tear are likely to tear the other side -- there's no time to waste if your dog has a sudden and significant leg injury. That's why we advise all owners, whether you plan to pursue surgery or not, to devise a plan of action to prevent further injury, minimize arthritis and reduce atrophy of the muscles.
Working with veterinarians on the front lines of treatment, we've seen firsthand how our knee braces for dogs instantaneously provide mobility, confidence and a reduction of pain to suffering dogs of all ages. Just like with a person, an ACL tear is a serious injury, and hoping it'll get better on its own is no way to be a pet parent. But once you see how light, unobtrusive and easy it is to install and remove the Hero knee brace, we're confident that you'll do right by your dog.
Unlike typical straps and convoluted velcro contraptions, the Hero dog knee brace is made from durable co-polymer plastic, which provides the rigidity your dog needs to prevent further injury without weighing them down. Better yet, the Hero brace is great for all kinds of activities, so not only will your dog get back their sense of independence and freedom, but games of fetch, frisbee and even a dip in the pool are all sure to get their tails wagging.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Tech Tips: Custom Brace Break-In Schedule
Just like “Breaking-in” a new shoe, it takes some time to get a dog used to wearing a custom wrist, ankle, or knee brace. When I first fit a brace I always go over the “Break-In Schedule”. By following this schedule your pet can quickly be wearing the brace 8 to 12 hours a day.
Here’s my Break-In Schedule
Day 1 wear 30 mins 2-3 times a day
Day 2 wear 1 hour 2-3 times a day
Day 3 wear 2 hours 2-3 times a day
Day 4 wear 3 hours 2-3 times a day
Day 5 wear 4 hours 2 times a day
Day 6 wear 6 hours
Day 7 wear 8 hours
Continue up to 12 hours a day.
Off at night while sleeping.
Pets rarely chew on the brace because it has a custom comfortable fit. It is wise to monitor your pet the first week to see how they do. If your pet does start chewing anywhere on the Brace please contact Hero Braces.
Being Successful with Proper Strap Tension
Straps and Neoprene cuffs should be adjusted several times a day. Just like you need to adjust your boot laces on a hike, the custom brace will need to be adjusted several times during the day. This happens because the hair coat compresses, swelling moves out of the limb, or the straps and padding stretch a bit during the “Break-In” period. Once a pet has worn the brace several days in a row you will get a feel for how often to adjust strap tension.
Remember any hair loss from rubbing should be reported immediately so the problem can be addressed by Hero Braces. Early reporting prevents sores and time out of the brace.
Taking Care of Your Investment
Remember to have your pet wear the brace daily, wash the brace weekly with dish soap and remove hair from the Velcro with a toothbrush. Parts should be air-dried.
Don’t use a wire brush for cleaning any of the custom brace parts. It is too harsh and will damage the brace.
At Hero Braces we are always ready to help and support you and your pet. Give us a call with any questions on our custom wrist, ankle, and knee braces.
By Paul Brumett DVM, CCRP, cAVCA
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Wheeler Conquers The Great Outdoors With A Torn ACL
Yearning to return hiking and his camping lifestyle, Jason Darrah of the Primal Outdoors Channel needed to find a way to help his dog Wheeler avoid surgery for his torn ACL.
Looking for an alternative to surgery he found Dr. Lisa Plumb of Klamath Animal Hospital and Go Hero Braces.
Watch his journey below:
And if you are really in the mood, buy some of Wheeler's coffee here!
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Benson Battles Cushing's and ACL Tear: Wins!
Benson was born November 21, 2001. He is a parti-colored Cocker Spaniel that sat up and begged for Maria Lowe to take him home 13 years ago. Since then, he has been the joy of the Lowe family's lives. They love to dote on him and treat him like royalty. As a matter of fact, anyone who comes into contact with the family jokes about a desire to be reincarnated as a Lowe family pet.
As a young dog, Benson loved to play frisbee and seemed to fly through the air to catch it. As Benson aged, he slowed down, and although some of that had to do with the normal aging process, he also had some tough times physically. During his 13 years, Benson has had several surgeries for tumor removal and is currently battling Cushing's Disease.
Two years ago, Benson became very sick, running a fever of 105. The family quickly brought him to the ICU, but the prospects seemed grim. After the tests and blood work, Benson's vet, Dr. Gordon Schmucker from Lisbon Vet Clinic in Lisbon, Ohio was unable to determine what was wrong. He suspected there were complications with the Cushing's Disease and Benson's immune system. Benson did make a recovery but lost some of his hearing and became sensitive to different medications.
A few months after he recovered, Benson tried to jump up on the bed and fell back, crying with a limp. During a quick phone consultation, Dr. Schmucker recommended aspirin and monitoring. A few days later, the vet was able to examine Benson and made the official diagnosis of a torn ACL. Worried about what it could do to Benson's weakened body, Dr. Schmucker did not want to recommend anesthesia. Surgery was ruled out as a treatment option. He recommended seeing how Benson would do, letting it heal on its own.
Maria's son, Eric, is a local middle school assistant principal and athletic director. He knew that humans benefit from proper bracing when they injure their ACLs and thought he could find something similar for animals online. He found Ace Ortho Solutions, now known as Hero Braces.
Dr. Schmucker was unfamiliar with bracing for dogs but agreed to cast Benson. He did express concern that Benson would wind up just chewing the brace because of previous experiences with him, but was interested in trying it as an option.
When the knee brace arrived, Benson never looked back. It almost seemed like he knew it made his leg feel better and totally accepted that fact. He never chewed or bothered his brace.
Nowadays, Benson doesn't play as much as he used to due to his age. He can still run along the fence and chase the mailman and the UPS man, who really get a kick out of him. All around, the family reports that he gets around very well. The veterinarians at the clinic are amazed, and Benson is a celebrity there.
Maria and her family would recommend Hero Braces to anyone who may be looking for options for their pet. "Thank you so much for creating them and for all of your compassion and help. Hero is an outstanding place to deal with, and Monica is so helpful. Cannot say enough about what this brace and Hero have done."
Dog Bracing Made Simple
ACL tear recovery: See why Magoo's family chose a non-surgical Hero Brace over a costly surgery. His vet was thrilled with the results—Magoo snuggles again!
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Zoey, Thankful for Thanksgiving
Zoey's liver condition made ACL surgery too risky. Read how a custom Hero Brace provided the non-surgical stability she needed to run, play, and recover fully.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Caleb, Happier than a Pig in Slop
When Caleb tore his CCL, his owner refused 13 weeks of crating. Read how a custom Hero Brace provided a non-surgical solution that made Caleb "happier than a pig in slop."
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Even after a full ACL tear, Roxy returned to "super dog" status! Her vet recommended a Hero Brace over surgery, allowing this athletic Boxer-mix to run, jump, and play again.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Bowa's Comeback: From Injury to Obedience Champion
When surgery threatened Bowa’s career, his owner found a custom Hero Brace. Discover why this non-surgical solution was the perfect choice for a competitive dog's recovery.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Jack's Triumph: Overcoming Knee Injury with a Hero Brace
When four surgeries couldn't fix Jack's patellar luxation, his owner (a vet) chose a Hero Brace. Read how this custom knee brace prevented re-injury and restored his activity.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Do knee braces really work for dogs?
The quick answer is yes. So why didn't my Veterinarian offer bracing as an option to help my dog? Many Veterinarians didn't have much success with early brace designs, which left them with a bad taste in their mouths. So much has changed over the past 15 years.
Early braces were made by do-good pet parents. They all started by looking for solutions to help their limping dog. Yet, these pet parents didn't quite understand some mechanical principles to make the knee braces effective.
Today, braces are made by actual orthotists (people trained in brace making) who have researched mechanics and materials that work for dogs.
To better understand what has changed, let's look at dog knee braces from 3 different perspectives.
1- Fabric Vs. Plastic Braces
To better answer the question, you need to have a simple understanding of what "bad motion" we are trying to limit with a brace. In dogs, an ACL tear allows a bad motion called a cranial drawer. This motion is the tibia slipping forward under the femur.
This slipping startles your dog because its leg feels unstable. It can also be painful. Over time, slipping causes inflammation that results in arthritis in the joint.
If dogs want to play... they won't really put weight on their foot unless their knee feels stable. This is likely why they also tear the other ACL.
Fabric braces were the first braces used to address this problem. The big problem is that fabric stretches. Because of this stretching, it is physically impossible to stop the slipping, so they didn't work.
Also, fabric braces need some sort of harness to hold them on the leg. The harness made it very complicated to put on. It also limits the motion in the hip joints, so your dog cannot move very easily.
Today, we use plastic that is more durable and can actually limit bad motion.
Some worry about the comfort of plastic, but I can vouch as an amputee that wearing a stable plastic device is so much more comfortable than a fabric piece that rubs back and forth. The fabric feels like a rope burn.
To replace the harness, plastic braces actually form-fit around bones so they can stay on the leg. This allows the dog to move more fluidly.
Some are tempted to start with a fabric brace until they can afford a plastic brace. Knowing how well a fabric brace works, you really are better off saving your money until you can afford the support you need.
2- Surgery Vs. Surgery Not Possible
Many people cannot have surgery. This has led people to look for other options to help their dogs. Surgeons know surgery works, so it can be hard to look at other options like bracing. In the end, we want to help all the dogs.
Surgeries like TPLO or TTA change the geometry of the bones and do not need added support from a brace. Surgeries like lateral suture or extracapsular work better with bracing. Heavier dogs can break the suture in these surgeries. Adding support from a brace is beneficial to help prevent too much pressure on the suture from failing.
Dogs that cannot have surgery need some extra help until their body forms a medial buttress. (The medial buttress is the scar tissue that stabilizes the knee.)
Veterinarians always like to see proof. Studies have been done by veterinarian colleges to help us know that braces do work. If you are a big researcher, you can access those here.
If not, here's a quick synopsis.
A study done at Colorado State Veterinary School showed surgery wins out over bracing 98% to 85% for owner satisfaction. So though not perfect, there is merit in bracing dogs that CAN NOT have surgery.
University of Georgia Veterinary School did a study in a gait lab (complex measuring camera model.) It showed the braces cause a shift in the knee motion when a dog puts its weight on the leg (when the bad motion happens). However, it is not clear if this means that the brace stops the bad motion.
The University of Louisville did a study simulating a dog's leg and a torn ACL, which showed the brace did as well as any surgery, limiting the bad motion. And that the more rigid the joints, the better the brace did at limiting the bad motion.
Most credible companies are supporting more research to validate what they have seen with thousands of successful patients. However, there will always be skeptics.
Surgery is best, AND if you cannot have surgery for whatever reason, you have to figure out how you can best help your dog.
In human medicine, we do surgery AND a brace because insurance pays for both. In veterinary medicine, we generally choose surgery OR a brace.
Ultimately, how you help your dog is your choice.
3- Custom-Made Braces Vs. Small, Medium, Large Fit All
People who think braces don't work likely don't understand this difference. So, let me try to simplify it...
If you were to tear your ACL, you would have 14 different sizes to fit your leg.
Do you know how many breeds of dogs there are?
The World Canine Organization recognizes 364 different breeds with a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
So, how many different sizes of knee braces would you need for dogs?
14 x 364 = 5096
Okay, this is a large overstatement, but you get the picture. Fitting dogs can be really tough with a few sizes.
It is important to remember the bad motion we are trying to correct. The movement is so small that we really need a good-fitting brace to limit that cranial drawer motion.
Simply put, one size fits all is really one size fits NONE for dog knees. Ready-to-fit knee braces do not work. Custom is key to playing again!
Custom just means you have to do a little bit more work upfront for the best chance for success. The casting process is pretty simple. Check out our casting tips to help.
Ultimately, if you are here, you are trying to help your dog. We want to help you help your dog, too!
Dog Bracing Made Simple
After a traumatic experience with anesthesia, Chloe's owner was hesitant about ACL surgery. Find out how a custom Hero Brace saved this Lab from the operating table.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Understanding CCL Tears in Dogs and How Braces Can Help
Understanding Cruciate Tears in Dogs and How Braces Can Help
Cranial Cruciate tears, or CCL tears, are a common injury in dogs and can be seen in most breeds, although sporting and working breeds are seen more often. The CCL is a crucial ligament that stabilizes the knee joint, and when it tears, it can cause significant pain and mobility issues for your furry friend. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for CCL tears can help you provide the best care for your dog.
Causes of CCL Tears in Dogs
CCL tears in dogs can occur due to various reasons. Cruciate disease is a recent term that describes the gradual weakening of the fibers of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament over time. This leads to progressive tearing of the fibers that results in partial or complete failure. This is different from people who can tear their ACL from a fall or accident. Dogs that are overweight, have poor conditioning, or have patella luxation are also at risk of CCL tears due to the added stress on their joints.
Symptoms of CCL Tears in Dogs
Recognizing the symptoms of a CCL tear in your dog is crucial for early intervention. Some common signs include:• Limping or favoring one leg. Can be persistent or off and on.• Difficulty rising or jumping• Swelling around the knee joint• Pain when the knee is touched or moved• Decrease in activity or reluctance to play or jump
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing a CCL tear typically involves a physical examination, testing for Cranial Drawer/Tibial Thrust, and radiographs or an MRI. Once confirmed, treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the tear and your dog's overall health.
Surgical Treatment
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. There are several surgical techniques available, including:
• Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and CORA-Based Leveling Osteotomy (CBLO): This procedure involves making a semi-circular cut under the tibial plateau to allow altering the angle to stabilize the knee joint.• Extra-Capsular Suture Technique: This method uses sutures to mimic the function of the CCL and stabilize the knee.• Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA): This surgery changes the alignment of the Tibial Crest and Quadriceps muscles to reduce stress on the knee. Surgery is considered the Gold Standard for patients who can have anesthesia. Recovery time depends on the severity of the damage to the Cruciate ligament and other structures of the knee.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For less severe cases or dogs that may not be good candidates for surgery, non-surgical treatment options are available. These can include:•: • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the joints and improve mobility.• Physical Therapy: Exercises and therapies can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability.• Pain Management: Medications and supplements can help manage pain and inflammation.• Custom Bracing
How Braces Can Help
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for CCL tears in dogs is the use of custom braces. Custom Dog knee braces are designed to provide support and stability to the injured knee, allowing your dog to move more comfortably and reducing the risk of further injury.
Benefits of Dog Knee Braces
• Support and Stability: Braces help stabilize the knee joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.• Prevent Further Injury: By providing support, braces can help prevent additional damage to the knee.• Comfort: Modern braces are designed to be comfortable and adjustable, ensuring a proper fit for your dog.• Cost-Effective: Compared to surgery, braces are a more affordable option for managing CCL tears.
Choosing the Right Brace
When selecting a knee brace for your dog, it's essential to consider factors such as size, fit, materials and whether it will be custom made for your pet. Custom braces have a better fit and function than soft over the counter braces. Consulting your veterinarian for recommendations and aftercare will ensure the brace is properly fit to provide maximum support.
Conclusion
CCL tears in dogs can be a challenging and painful condition, but with the right care and treatment, your furry friend can recover and enjoy a happy, active life. Whether through surgery, physical therapy, the use of a Custom brace, or a combination, there are options available to help manage CCL tears and improve your dog's quality of life. Always consult your veterinarian for the best course of action and provide your dog with the love and support they need during their recovery.
Helping Pets live fuller lives
Helping Pets live fuller lives