Dog Bracing Made Simple
Tips and tricks to help your dog succeed with added support
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
Boo Boo, Melts a Heart, Saves a Life
Boo Boo saved his owner’s life, then his owner saved his. A severe car injury severed a tendon, but a Hero Carpal Brace helped him regain strength and mobility.
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
Herniated Disc In Dogs? Support With A Back Brace
We usually think of the long-backed Dachshunds when we think of back pain. Turns out many breeds can have back problems called IVDD.
How can we best help those dogs so they can still chase, jump, and play? WiggleLess, the dog pain relief Superstore has some ideas for you....
Their dog back brace designs come in 5 stylish designs to support your dog's back so their pain does not stop them from smiling.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
From Roof Jump to Squirrel Chase: Farley's Inspiring Tale
After a painful jump led to severe carpal injuries, Farley faced $6500 in surgery. Discover his inspiring non-surgical comeback with custom Hero Wrist Braces.
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
Dog Knee Brace Review - Dr. Michelle Beck
Not sure bracing fits into your practice?
Initially a skeptic, Dr. Beck shares how her veterinary practice has grown to use bracing.
100% of my professional time is devoted to healing animals. You could say I come by it naturally. My father and I are both veterinarians. I took it a step further and am a certified canine rehabilitation therapist.
Our private practice still believes surgery, with rehab, is the best way to treat orthopedic injuries. AND not all dogs can have surgery.
My first experiences withe bracing were in 2010. Initially, I was skeptical about bracing for cranial cruciate disease (torn ACL). After bracing many patients I have found it extremely useful when used in combination with rehabilitation therapies.
I have had many cases where bracing has made a dramatic difference in a pets life.
One patient tore both CCLs in the course of two years and chose to brace one leg and rest for the other (conservative management). While both knees are now stable, the braced knee has better range of motion and less scar tissue that the knee that went unstabilized (no surgery, no brace). I think that speaks to the biomechanics of the brace in preventing tibial thrust.
I had a 150 lb. Boerboel dog tear both cruciates within 30 minutes of each other. He had surgery on one knee and the other knee was braced. Otherwise he would not be able to walk and he was certainly to large for his mom to carry.
I had a labrador retriever patient that lived on the second story apartment building with no elevator. Bracing allowed her to use the stairs without pain, and she could still go for walks with her mom in downtown Omaha.. This treatment certainly made life easier for her mom!
The Brace
Honestly, I think what makes Hero Braces exceptional is their customer service. I feel like Ben, the orthotist, has a deeper understanding of the needed fit and support because he is an amputee and wears a prosthesis everyday.
I have always believed that the more empathy you can have for your patients, the higher quality care you can provide them.
The Hero Braces are very high quality and durable for all the wear and tear a dog can do. Dogs do very well with the application of the braces, and most owners do a great job monitoring the leg for any changes from the brace.
Michelle Beck, DVM CCRT
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Facing amputation after a severe injury, Luke's owner chose hope. A custom Hero Brace completed his recovery, allowing this active dog to run and hike the mountains again.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Alternatives to the Cone: What Can I Put on My Dog for Comfort and Healing?
When our furry friends undergo surgery or face injuries, the dreaded "cone of shame" is often recommended by veterinarians to prevent them from licking or biting their wounds. While the cone serves its purpose, it can be uncomfortable and distressing for dogs. Thankfully, there are alternatives available that provide comfort and healing without the discomfort of a traditional cone.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore three innovative alternatives to the cone, each designed to promote your dog's well-being and recovery:
1. Medipaw Protective Boot: Keeping Wounds Clean and Dry
The Medipaw Protective Boot is another fantastic alternative to the traditional cone, especially for dogs with foot or leg injuries or post-surgery wounds.
Key Features:
Waterproof and Breathable: Medipaw boots are designed to keep wounds dry while allowing airflow to promote healing.
Easy to Put On: These boots are simple to put on and secure with adjustable straps, making it a breeze to keep your dog comfortable and protected.
Reusable and Washable: You can wash and reuse Medipaw boots, ensuring they remain a cost-effective choice.
With Medipaw Protective Boots, your dog can enjoy comfort, mobility, and wound protection, all without the discomfort of a cone.
2. DogLeggs Surgi-Sox Torso with Anti-Microbial Protection: Comfortable Recovery Wear
For dogs that require specialized care following surgery or injury, DogLeggs Surgical Suit offers a tailored solution.
Key Features:
Tailored Fit: DogLeggs Surgi-Sox are customized for your dog's specific measurements, ensuring a perfect fit.
Easy Application: Using Velcro brand fasteners, these leggings are simple to put on and remove.
Comfort and Healing: The soft, breathable anti-microbial fabric provides comfort and aids in the healing process, making it an ideal choice for post-surgery recovery.
DogLeggs Surgi-Sox Torso is an excellent option for dogs requiring a higher level of care, as they provide both protection from infection and support.
3. WiggleLess Dog Back Brace: Supporting Your Dog's Back and Torso
First up is the WiggleLess Dog Back Brace, designed to provide support to your dog's back and torso. This product is particularly helpful for dogs recovering from spinal surgery, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), or other back-related issues.
Key Features:
Support and Stability: The WiggleLess brace is carefully crafted to offer stability and support to your dog's spine, reducing the risk of further injury or strain.
Comfortable Fit: The brace is designed to fit comfortably around your dog's body, allowing for easy movement and ensuring your furry companion stays happy.
No More Cone: With this back brace, there's no need for the traditional cone. Your dog can move freely, eat, drink, and even go on short walks with ease.
The WiggleLess Dog Back Brace is an excellent choice for dogs with back problems, as it provides gentle support while allowing them to maintain their normal activities.
In conclusion, when you ask, "What can I put on my dog instead of a cone?" the answer lies in these innovative alternatives. Each product offers unique benefits, from spinal support and wound protection to customized care. Choose the one that best suits your dog's needs, and ensure a comfortable and stress-free recovery journey for your beloved pet. Say goodbye to the cone of shame and hello to a happier, healthier pup!
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Discover the heart behind the brace: Trina's passion for quality and family drives the precision manufacturing of every custom Hero Dog Brace. Read her story here!
Dog Bracing Made Simple
Kepa tore a knee ligament, but couldn't have surgery. Read how a custom Hero Brace got this adventure dog back to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail pain-free!
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
The Importance of Biomechanics
Why does biomechanics matter? Read how analyzing canine movement allows Hero Braces to provide superior support, preventing trauma and restoring full mobility.
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
The Drama Behind Ear Trauma: Everything you need to know about aural hematomas.
Your dog has been shaking his head a lot lately, and then suddenly, you see something disturbing: His ear flap has swelled up.
Aural hematomas are also known as ear hematomas or even blood blisters. An aural hematoma usually forms from trauma to a dog’s ear — often from head shaking — that causes a blood vessel or vessels to break and bleed into the area between skin and cartilage that make up the ear.
Aural hematomas are often a result of an underlying issue like allergies, ear infections, or something in the ear canal like a tick, mites, or a grass lawn. These will cause a dog’s ears to feel itchy or uncomfortable, leading to shaking and scratching at his head and ears — and resulting in ear trauma.
Effective treatment involves treating the hematoma while also treating the underlying condition.
Conditions Leading to Ear Hematoma
Environmental and food allergies can both lead to a lot of itching and discomfort in pets. There are many potential triggers for both kinds of allergies — from chicken and corn in food to pollen, grass, and mold in the environment. Allergies in themselves can take some investigation to figure out, but elimination diets and allergy testing may be a good place to start if these are suspected.
An ear infection is another condition that may cause a dog to shake his head excessively. They are painful and uncomfortable. When ear infections are chronic, there may be underlying conditions — including allergies and hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism, for example. So if your dog is getting a lot of ear infections, it’s important to figure out the root cause.
Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors may end up with something in their ear — like a tick or grass awn. As you can imagine, this is highly uncomfortable for a dog and will cause him to shake his head. Fortunately, once the foreign body, like a tick, is removed from your dog’s ear, the problem should rectify itself on its own.
If you have a younger dog with itchy ears, he may have ear mites. Some signs of these tiny parasites include head shaking, scratching ears, ears that droop when they’re usually upright, smelly ears, and a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge. Puppies and young dogs are more prone to get ear mites than adult dogs.
Of course, there are other reasons why a dog might shake his head enough to cause an ear hematoma, like a bug bite, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye if you notice any excessive shaking by your dog.
Aural Hematoma Treatment
There are a few ways an ear hematoma is treated. Surgery is one common treatment and involves draining the hematoma and suturing the ear flap while the dog is under sedation. A vet may also choose to use a syringe to aspirate the fluids out of a dog’s ear flap or place a drain to remove the blood until it heals and bandages the head and ear.
Holistic remedies may include homeopathy, topical applications of yarrow oil and/or witch hazel, and compression wraps. The Surgi-Sox Aural Compression Bandage is an alternative for head and ear bandaging. It helps prevent damage to the ear during head shaking. It can also reduce head shaking and help keep ear medications inside the ear to treat underlying ear conditions. A compression wrap may help a hematoma from getting worse or keep a new one from forming.
An ear hematoma may actually heal on its own over time. However, it can result in scar tissue and deformation known as “cauliflower ear,” which can block the ear canal. It’s best to consult a vet to develop the best plan to treat your dog’s ear hematoma, which should also include addressing any underlying conditions.
Prevention
Ideally, a dog never gets an ear hematoma in the first place. If you start to notice your dog shaking his head or scratching at his ears excessively, take note and act quickly before it turns into something worse. Check his ears for foreign objects and make sure he’s not hurting himself. If it continues, start looking into possible causes, including allergies, infections, and ear mites, and schedule a veterinary visit.
Dog Bracing Made Simple
2Grow your veterinary practice by offering non-surgical dog bracing options. We simplify the process so you can confidently treat patients when surgery is not an option.
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.
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
Achilles Ruptures in Dogs - Hunter's Story
It’s been a relaxing spring day at your house. As you leave the kitchen, you realize that your senior Golden Retriever is no longer by your side.
You look back to see him struggling next to the dishwasher, one rear leg caught under the sharp sheet metal edge. You act quickly. Minutes later, you have untangled his leg and are confronted with a deep cut above his ankle.
Your mind races as you prepare to go to the vet. Is this repairable? How long will it take to recover? Who has the knowledge to help?
Hunter’s Journey
This is what happened to Hunter, Amy’s low-key Golden Retriever. Amy knew that he needed immediate attention and had the Achilles tendon on the back of his ankle repaired by a veterinarian.
Amy was told Hunter would be in a cast for 8 weeks and then start several months of physical therapy or “Rehab”. During rehab, the tendon would still be healing and would need support if Hunter were to go back to his normal play quickly. Who could help guide her through the healing process and provide a quality brace?
His Therapist to the Rescue
Luckily, Jolene, Hunter’s rehab therapist at VCA PineRidge, suggested supporting the leg with a custom ankle brace from Hero Braces. Their team guided Hunter through the process to create a brace to support his hock. This brace allowed Hunter to be more active right away and served to protect the Achilles tendon as he regained strength.
Amy felt that wearing the Hero Brace gave Hunter more confidence to move and play during his recovery, and now, a year later, he continues to do well. Even though Hunter has been given permission to go without his Hero Brace, ”Hunter is more confident when he wears it,” Amy noted, and “Hunter won’t jump or use stairs without his brace.” He is “just as mobile now with the brace as he was before” his injury.
“His brace gives him confidence so he can let his playful spirit shine!”
Healing Achilles Injuries in Dogs
Achilles tendon injuries can be debilitating if left alone, and even after corrective surgery, the tendon is never quite as strong and can require continued custom support. Hero Braces has a custom Ankle Brace that allows your dog to play sooner and fits in nicely with traditional Rehab.
Although Hunter still wears his brace daily, many pets graduate and no longer use the brace daily or use it only when playing hard or going on hikes. As an owner, it’s comforting to know that Hero Braces is there to help speed recovery and prevent re-injury.
Does your dog have an Achilles injury? Consider a hock brace.
Update: After a full life, our gentle-souled Hunter recently crossed the rainbow bridge. He will always be close to our hearts. Hunter's mom, Amy, made a beautiful video of his life. Please watch it here.
Helping Pets live fuller lives
Helping Pets live fuller lives