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
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
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, Benson has 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
Magoo is a 7 year old Springer Spaniel who loves to spend his days running after squirrels, swimming, chasing birds on the beach in Massachusetts and doing serious amounts of snuggling. And as the beloved dog of Joe and Brooke's young family, he has lots of opportunities to do just that.
At the end of August, Magoo was out for one of his morning runs and came back to the house holding up his back right leg. Two days later, when he still was favoring the leg, Joe and Brooke brought Magoo immediately to the vet.
As with most vets unfamiliar with bracing, Magoo's vet initially recommended surgery. Joe and Brooke were hesitant to put Magoo under the knife. They were concerned about Magoo's age and how he would be able to recover from the process. Everyone they had talked to who had similar procedures done on their dogs discovered the other leg eventually needed to be operated on as well. And with a growing family, the $4000 surgery was difficult to fit into the budget.
Joe combed the internet looking for a solution and discovered Hero Braces.
Four months after keeping the Hero Brace on Magoo regularly, Dr. Andra DeTora from Massachusetts Vet Referral Hospital reported that Magoo was 90% healed. She anticipates close to a full recovery with six more weeks of regular wear. Dr. DeTora is also thrilled at the results and will be using Hero Braces as a valid alternative for her patients in the future.
"Seriously, try this brace before going the surgery route," Brooke recommends. "It is light-weight and very comfortable on Magoo. He actually seems to like wearing it."
Brooke and Joe are thrilled to have their Magoo back to playing and having fun. And the entire family is glad to get their snug
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Zoey, Thankful for Thanksgiving
They found her at a rescue home for homeless pregnant dogs. Zoey was 11 weeks old and the daughter of a German Shepherd/Husky mix. It was an instant connection.
Seven years later, Zoey is an integral part of the Parker family. She loves to play with her "brother" Toby and in fact, it was while playing with Toby when the family believes she injured her CCL. Erin and her husband were out of town in the beginning of October when they received a text message from the dog sitter; Zoey was limping. It didn't seem to be a serious injury, but they decided to keep an eye on her just in case.
Within three days, Zoey was unable to put any weight on her leg at all. The vet and the X-rays confirmed a torn CCL. The vet immediately suggested surgery and even went so far as to set up an appointment with a surgeon four days later.
Erin panicked. Over the past year, Zoey has been battling liver problems which have been improving with medication. But Erin was very concerned that Zoey's liver condition would make any surgery very dangerous. She insisted that they run her liver numbers and do a bile acid test before she would agree to surgery. They told her that her only options were surgery or doing nothing. No one had ever mentioned bracing.
That's why it is so important to have friends. One of Erin's friends had heard of Hero Braces and suggested that bracing could be the answer for Zoey's injury. After talking to Crystal from the Hero Team, Erin decided that this was the right decision, regardless of the results of the tests.
Sure enough, the bile acid test results were not good, and the vet recommended treating the liver before any more talk of surgery on Zoey's CCL. Erin was concerned about Zoey's other leg and worried that the 90 lb. dog would injure her other knee by having all of her weight only on one rear leg.
Luckily the casting kit was already on its way. They weren't able to get back in to see the vet for another week. Monica from Hero walked them through the process and provided all of the videos, tips and instructions that they needed.
"The people at Hero were awesome! They got the brace to me the day before we left for Thanksgiving," Erin reports. It took a day or two for Zoey to adjust to wearing the brace, but now she loves it. "First thing in the morning she lays down in front of us to allow us to put the brace on before she goes outside. She will wear it all day long running and playing in the backyard and then takes it off at night when it is time to sleep."
Erin has decided that Zoey is doing so well with her knee brace that they are going to avoid surgery on her CCL altogether even when her liver condition improves.
At Hero, we want people to know there are always options. The important thing to remember is to do what is right for your animal and your situation. You don't have to give up hope for your pet.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Caleb, Happier than a Pig in Slop
It was an exciting day nine years ago in Massachusetts. It was the week before Thanksgiving, and Greg's family had decided to adopt a new puppy from the local no-kill shelter. Greg and his youngest son were waiting in the greeting area when two dogs enthusiastically rushed up to greet them. Both were full of exuberance and playfulness, looking for a forever home. Both sniffed and wagged and showed off total adorableness. One scampered off. One stayed.
Caleb is half English Springer Spaniel and half Black Labrador Retriever. He is now nine years old and in great shape due to the quality time he spends with Greg enjoying the woods and the outdoors. But three years ago it was a different story, the day Caleb came back to the house with a limp.
Caleb's vet originally thought it was only a hypertension of the dog's leg muscle, and the injury seemed to heal after a week. Six to seven months later, the injury resurfaced but again seemed to heal quickly. Last April, Caleb injured his knee once again but this time didn't recover.
Greg is proud that his dog is a typical New Englander, stoic and strong. This was the first time he had ever heard Caleb cry. When Caleb wasn't able to jump up in the chair with Greg for comfort the night of his injury, Greg got down on the floor himself and spent the night with his dog.
Greg is familiar with his own knee injury and remembers feeling such excruciating pain that he was sick to his stomach. Knowing his dog was in similar agony was more than he could take.
Greg went on the internet to do some research. The most popular solution for a dog with a CCL tear is surgery, but Greg was not impressed with the results. While there is an 85% success rate from the surgery, Greg was concerned about the rates of re-injury. He was also concerned that if the surgery wasn't successful Caleb could actually be worse off. Because Caleb has never been crated, Greg was hesitant of the 13 week recovery period that requiring crating. Greg was also very concerned about the emotional recovery of Caleb and was worried that being crated for so long would do damage to Caleb's psyche.
Then Greg discovered Hero. He picked up the phone and spoke to Monica, finding her extremely helpful and able to answer all of his questions. He worked with a local vet and was impressed with the entire casting process.
A few weeks later, Caleb received his Hero Brace, and he took to it almost immediately. He had been taking Truprofin for pain management, but since receiving his brace, Caleb hasn't needed any pain medication. Because the knee brace supports his leg correctly, Caleb is able to put his full weight on his leg and not worry about re-injury or pain.
Greg does insist on Caleb wearing his brace for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. "Know that the brace is not giving your dog a new knee," Greg advises other dog owners. "But you're giving your dog a better quality of life and giving him the chance to play without pain."
Greg can tell how happy Caleb is to be back to his old self again, whether out walking in the woods or jumping up for a rest on the couch, "You can tell when an animal is happy. You can see it in his eyes, in his ears, in his tail. I look at Caleb and I can just tell that he is happier. Caleb is happier than a pig in slop."
Well, wherever Caleb is happiest, on the couch or in the woods, we are glad that we were able to help.
Play, Caleb. Play.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
When you're a soccer star like Roxy, a little bump here and there is to be expected. In August 2013, Roxy received a little bit more than a bump.
Born to humble beginnings, Roxy was the runt of her litter. She has now grown to a 70 lb. playful Boxer/German Shepherd mix who is the star of Pete and Debbie's team and their hearts.
Roxy is an extremely playful and active dog who especially loves frisbee and soccer. One of her specialties is a twist move that she does when catching a toy mid-air. When she came down hopping around on only three legs, Pete was immediately concerned. He hoped she may have only strained her leg, but made sure to keep an eye on her.
A veterinarian confirmed that Roxy had completely torn her CCL and suggested a few options for the family: 1. Surgery on her knee to repair the injury or 2. A new Hero leg brace.
The family was hesitant to go the surgery route. Roxy just had surgery six months prior to remove a benign mast cell tumor from the same leg. Her vet had been hearing success stories of other dogs who had used a Hero Brace and suggested that as a primary option.
That's when the team got busy. The vet ordered and received the casting kit to make the cast of Roxy's leg. Pete studied the videos on the Hero website in order to best put the brace on Roxy's leg when it arrived. Roxy was very patient with Pete and he attempted to get the fit just right. Roxy and Pete went for a short walk as Roxy gingerly attempted to put some weight on her paw, but wasn't completely sure about her new device.
After a video evaluation from the Hero team and some tweaks to the fit, Roxy was so comfortable with her knee brace she began walking normally again. She never fought Pete when it was time to put it on, nor did she try to chew it off.
For the first few months of wearing her brace, they kept Roxy confined to the main floor of their house. She was able to walk normally, putting full weight on her leg. As Roxy became used to her brace, she was given free reign and immediately began to rebuild her strength. Her leg has now healed to the point that she only needs her brace for long walks, for runs and other rigorous playing.
Because she likes to have so much fun and is so athletic, Roxy's brace had to be returned recently to Hero to replace the Velcro. While the brace was being refurbished, Pete took Roxy for a walk without the brace and let her off-leash in the woods. Pete reports that after walking a couple miles, she broke out in full play mode, running full speed and jumping over ditches.
"She was playing super dog!" Pete smiled. "It has been 15 months since the vet diagnosed her with a full ACL tear. We got the brace back this week all spruced up. We are very grateful for Hero and their support. Thanks to them, Roxy is happy and enjoying life. In fact, she is looking at me right now asking if we can go for a walk."
We're glad to have been able to help. If we can help a dog score the winning goal, catch a frisbee, jump over a ditch or just feel like a super dog again, we know we've done our job.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Bowa's Comeback: From Injury to Obedience Champion
All dogs win a place in our hearts. Bowa actually wins in the arena. He is currently the #4 Australian Shepherd in the United States right now for upper level obedience trials. Bowa is named after the MLB baseball player and manager, Larry Bowa, and shares the shortstop's love of competition.
Bowa also competed successfully in herding trials but injured his CCL two years ago. He was put on the DL list for a month and turned his attention to competing in obedience trials only. Nine-year-old Bowa is part of an entire family of Australian Shepherds owned by Laura H., who treats each and every dog like they are her own children.
Recently Bowa was out playing with his siblings and accidentally re-injured the same leg. Laura knew to be concerned this time when Bowa wasn't able to just "walk off" his injury, and she contacted her vet immediately.
Joe Consigli, DVM works at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic in Pennsylvania. The clinic is a top-notch facility in the area helping animals for over 100 years with 24/7 care. Dr. Consigli originally recommended surgery for Bowa.
But Laura had reservations, "At Bowa's age, I couldn't see him going through the surgery and laying around in a crate for 10-12 weeks, watching the other dogs playing, going in and out, and going to shows. I just knew it would age him mentally." She was also apprehensive how Bowa would react to the anesthesia and was worried about complications. She did some research online and shared information about Hero Braces with her vet.
The concept of bracing is not new to the Quakertown Veterinary Clinic. They currently have four other dogs with braces for CCL tears, but Dr. Consigli was very impressed by the quality, craftsmanship and functionality of the Hero Brace. They decided to have Bowa serve as the trial dog for Hero Braces.
The casting process went smoothly. Dr. Consigli and Laura watched the Hero casting videos before casting Bowa. While some dogs may need some mild sedation, Bowa was able to just lay down still on the floor while Dr. Consigli and a vet assistant made the cast. Dr. Consigli was impressed with the the casting kit as a whole. The buffer strip and hook knife made the removal of the cast a simple process.
Bowa received his finished brace a few weeks later and was a little apprehensive when it was first put on. After faithfully following the adjustment process, he now knows he can trust it. Bowa is walking, running, swimming and using all four feet instead of three. "He can even jump up into the truck and on the bed," says Laura. "Which I really don't encourage but that's Bowa. At this point in his life, if that's what makes him happy, then it's OK. I love to see him happy."
Just eight weeks after Bowa's injury, Laura is now able to take him on two mile walks with the rest of her fur family. He does wear the brace faithfully all day and only has it off at night when he's in his crate.
"I hope he keeps getting better to the point where he won't have a limp at all and we'll be able to return to the show ring," Laura says. "But if not, at least I have my happy, sweet, mommy's-boy Bowa, and he's able to get along just fine with the brace on."
While he might not win the World Series, and his winning of show trophies may be put on hold for a while, Bowa definitely knows how to win hearts.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Jack's Triumph: Overcoming Knee Injury with a Hero Brace
What decisions would a vet make if they were treating their own dog?
Dr. Sarah Bradley works at All About Pets in Citrus Heights, Ca. Her best buddy is 8-year-old Jack, an Old English Sheepdog who often accompanies her to work and loves to go camping with the family.
While jumping into the back of Dr. Bradley's SUV, Jack suffered a traumatic patellar luxation (dislocated knee cap).
Dr. Bradley worked closely with a veterinary surgeon through four surgeries over six months to fix his leg. She kept him on strict cage rest for seven months and wanted to find a solution to support his knee (stifle) while increasing activity.
Dr. Bradley chose a Hero Brace based on a recommendation from a former classmate. The Hero Brace allows Jack to be mobile while supporting the leg and protecting him from re-injury. Now Jack wears his Hero Brace every day when he comes to the clinic with her and when he plays with the boys in the family's backyard.
"This brace is exactly what I was looking for. It's custom fit for him and he is able to wear it all day without a problem. Now that I know that the brace is effective and wonderful, I now have another option to offer my clients!"
Dog Bracing Made Simple
They first saw her as a puppy at a shelter, six months old and full of puppy-ness, all licks and tail wags. They weren't sure but guesses were that Kepa was part Rottweiler, part German Shepherd, part grizzly/teddy bear.
Two years later, Kepa found her permanent home with Rich and Diane in Ashland, Oregon. One of the perks to living so close to the border of California and Oregon is the network of superior hiking with close proximity to three mountain ranges. Rich and Kepa have spent many hours over the past 10 years soaking in the gorgeous scenery on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Recently, Rich thought he noticed Kepa favoring one of her rear legs, but didn't know if maybe she just strained a muscle or had another minor issue.
Their family friend, who happens to be a mobile veterinarian, came to visit and diagnosed Kepa with a torn ligament in her knee. Because the vet also discovered some other physical issues, they agreed that surgery was not an option for Kepa.
Rich worked with his veterinarian to research options for Kepa and happened upon Hero Braces (formerly Ace Ortho Solution). He was particularly attracted to the fact that a dog can recover from their CCL injury and still remain mobile.
Rich didn't have to give up sharing his walks with his dogs. Since Kepa has gotten her brace, Rich has noticed no limping. The biggest difficulty she experiences is climbing over the other dogs in the rush to get out of the car and onto the trail.
Rich has become such a champion for Hero Braces that he tells everyone they run into on the trail, "It has worked out so well. You wouldn't even know she's had an injury. Monica and the crew at Hero have been so great to work with. It's so simple to put on and then, off we go!"
Rich and Kepa have been able to maintain their hour and a half walks, and while some days Rich feels like he could just keep going and going, enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer, Kepa does eventually want to return to the house and her end-of-the-hike bone.
Well, who can blame her? Who doesn't love a little treat after a job well done?
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 braces 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. Which 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, meant the brace did a better job 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
It was a cold January day in an already cold and snowy Illinois winter. Diane noticed that her 8 year old yellow lab, Chloe, had come limping back into the house after playing in the snow. Diane dismissed the idea of anything serious, thinking that maybe she had just slipped on some ice and would heal on her own.
A few months later, Chloe needed to have some teeth pulled. She did not do well with the anesthesia, and the experience was traumatic for Chloe and her owners. Her vet did get a chance to check her leg again at the appointment but, not noticing any obvious injury, wanted to monitor her condition.
A week later, Chloe was playing in the backyard. She took off running and returned to the house hobbling on only three legs. She was unable to put any weight on her right rear leg at all.
The vet confirmed that Chloe had torn her ACL and recommended surgery. She thought that Chloe had probably suffered an initial injury sometime in January, and it was her vigorous playing that caused the final damage.
After Chloe's unfortunate dental experience, Diane was very hesitant to put her beloved pet under anesthesia again. Surgery also can sometimes be expensive and traumatic for certain dogs. She didn't think that surgery was the best option for her dog, so she did a little research.
Diane found out about Hero online and discussed the idea of bracing with her vet. The vet and Hero worked together to make sure that Chloe was properly fitted for her custom leg brace and worked with the family on a plan for her rehabilitation.
"I can't express how relieved my husband and I are that we were able to help Chloe without having to put her through surgery. She is so excited to go for walks again. She had a rough few months and I actually believe she was depressed. It was painful for her to go outside in the yard and walks were totally out of the question at that point. I realize it's only been a few weeks but what a change it has made in her. I'm so relieved and excited!"
Diane is a hero in our book!
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 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 in patients that 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.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Latest Research on Stifle Braces
Super excited about the research coming out on the Hero Brace.
Special thanks to Dr. Kelly at Online Pet Health for the interview on the research presented by Kiki Haeusler at the IAVRPT at the University of Cambridge in August of 2022.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
4 Tips - The Perfect Dog Brace Cast
Creating the perfect Casting can be summed up in four essential tips.
Position. Tight. High. Criss-Cross. Understand each to make yourself the Casting superstar for Custom Orthotics!
Let’s be clear on what “Casting” means in this article. Old school casts meant a kid with a broken arm had white plaster wrapped from elbow to wrist. These aren’t your old school casts!
The word “Cast or Casting” is used because it sounds like “cast.” The material is fiberglass casting tape, used to make an impression of the limb.
Position - The "Magic" of Walking Easily
This is where Hero Dog Braces really differ from other custom bracing. We ask for a cast with the dog lying on its side instead of standing.
This is important for a couple of reasons.
First is gravity. Gravity is really what feeds any deformity. The body weight pushes down on the legs, worsening the deformity. Casting a dog while lying down neutralizes gravity, allowing you to focus on getting the limb into the corrected position.
Second is rational. Can you really get a dog to stand still for 15 minutes while the cast sets? Much less "correct" the leg while doing this. In our vet clinic, our team holds the dog to trim its nails. Casting is no different.
So how do we correct the position? It is important to remember what deformity we are trying to support. The cranial drawer of a cruciate tear is a unique motion. We reduce it differently from angular deformities like varus or valgus.
When casting for the Knee Brace, pull the leg straight down perpendicular to the body. This will reduce the cranial drawer. Trying to cast in a “natural” standing position can cause the tibia to shift forward and adversely affect the fit and function of the custom orthotic.
For the Ankle Brace, place the foot and ankle in a natural standing position.
The Wrist Brace reduces any varus (foot angled towards midline) or valgus (foot angled away from midline) deformity and places the foot in a natural standing angle. Typically, the pet is straight through the wrist, but it can vary with breed. If this one is confusing, give us a call, and we can help guide you through the process.
Tight - Show us the Boney Landmarks
A Tight Casting is necessary for precision work. When the Hero Braces lab has exact dimensions taken from the Casting, they can create the best custom fit.
The Casting tape should be wrapped snugly to outline the bony prominences or bumps on the leg. If the Casting tape does not have sufficient tension, it will droop and fail to outline the prominences. This creates guesswork for the lab or necessitates another Cast.
Remember, no padding is added, just a layer of stockinette to protect the limb. This keeps the Cast true to the leg's shape. Because the Cast will be removed as soon as it hardens, you don’t need to worry about pressure points.
High - Capture the Groin
For the stifle, make sure the protective stockinette goes high into the groin or beyond the area to be cast. This is really important to have your helper focus on keeping the stockinette high. Notice where the hands are; it really helps to pull the stockinette high in the inside of the leg.
When starting the Cast, casting tape is spiraled up the leg with a 50% overlap. The Casting tape wraps high into the groin for Custom Dog Knee Braces or to the joint above for the Wrist and Ankle Braces. Be sure to wrap to the end of the foot for our Custom Wrist and Ankle Braces.
This technique enables the Hero Brace lab to identify landmarks, take measurements, and plan the proper dimensions of the Custom Brace.
Criss-Cross - Make it Strong AND Thin
This tip will make you happy when it comes time to cut off the cast. A thin cast is so much easier to cut through.
A 50% overlap of the Casting material wrapped around the limb is completed by spiraling down at a 45-degree angle, like the spiral on a candy cane. Criss-crossing the material's weave creates a strong yet light Cast. The three layers created are thin enough to be cut off easily, yet they stay together during shipping and at the lab.
For reference, download our Casting Tips PDF.
For a more in-depth video about casting. Watch our course from the UT Canine Rehab Lab
If you have any questions or need a little help, we are here to support you. Make a quick phone call or send us an email.
Hero Braces want to help you help more pets.
Helping Pets live fuller lives
Helping Pets live fuller lives