Get Your Pup on the Path to Recovery with a Dog Brace After CCL Injury

What Are the Common Causes of a CCL Tear?

While certain breeds seem more prone to experiencing these types of injuries, a CCL injury can happen with any breed. The two leading causes are trauma or degeneration of the ligaments in the joint.

Acute trauma can occur when the dog is running and suddenly changes direction. Excessive rotational force is placed on the cruciate ligaments, causing an injury. Chronic damage occurs from a gradual weakening of the ligaments due to repeated trauma or arthritic disease.

Physical Health Can Increase the Risks

Dogs that are obese seem more susceptible to developing a cruciate rupture. Even a minor incident may cause an injury to dogs with pre-existing knee problems. Additionally, most dogs who rupture one CCL are more predisposed to having another CCL tear in the other knee.

Dogs that are very active and disposed to make sudden turns can be susceptible to a CCL injury.

What Are the Common Complications Involved?

A dog’s CCL tear is a painful medical condition that can lead to other issues if left untreated. The lack of healthy cranial cruciate ligaments will cause the bones to rub against one another. A CCL tear is associated with the development of bone spurs, increased pain, the development of arthritis, and decreased mobility.

A common complication involved is meniscus tearing because of the instability of the knee joint. Menisci are cartilage located on the inner and outer sides of the joint, acting as a shock absorber. Meniscus tearing may occur during the initial injury or even after the surgical repair of the CCL.

What Are Effective Non-Surgical Treatments?

CCL repair surgery can be costly. There are non-surgical solutions available for dog owners who can't afford the cost. A holistic treatment protocol with a leg brace, rehabilitation, medication, and rest can help recover a dog's CCL tear, depending on severity.

Limiting Activity and Using Anti-inflammatories

Typically, non-surgical care involves limiting your dog's activity and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to aid recovery. Limiting activity will help to prevent further injury but will not necessarily assist with healing a rupture or CCL tear.

How Rehabilitation Therapy Can Help

Whether your dog is recovering from a CCL repair surgery or you have decided to forgo surgery, rehabilitation therapy by a trained rehabilitation practitioner is essential to your dog achieving full mobility. OrthoPets recommends Canine Rehabilitation Institute-trained professionals. Therapists from the facility receive training in the latest canine rehabilitation and acupuncture techniques.

Utilization of Customized Knee Braces

A customized dog knee brace can be a critical tool to assist in the healing process and prevent further injury. A custom-made brace will allow your dog’s mobility and support the knee joint while periarticular fibrosis develops and the area heals. It stabilizes the dog's femur and tibia bones, preventing cranial tibial thrust, and lessens the stress on the joint.

It is crucial to select a custom-fitting brace that provides optimal support for the joint, fits better, and is more comfortable overall while less prone to causing pressure sores.

What are the Top Benefits of Using a Dog Leg Brace?

Using a leg brace after your pet has a CCL injury or surgery can benefit healing in several ways. Take Dondi, for example. A 9-year-old, 129lb, neutered male, Cane Corso, from California. He was diagnosed with CCL disease and a history of suspected bilateral CCL tears.

OrthoPets fabricated a standard dog knee brace for Dondi to minimize medial and lateral instability of the right stifle. After some initial adjustments were made, Dondi's gait improved.

Whether your dog is recovering from an injury or surgery, a leg brace provides practical, active support while allowing your pet’s knee joint to heal.

What Are the Features of a Brace Designed for CCL Recovery?

If your pup is recovering, dog leg braces are designed specifically for this purpose. Because the mount is designed exclusively to aid in a CCL injury, it provides the necessary support and improves weight distribution. Features of a CCL brace for dogs should include:

Polycentric hinges
Force coupling to stabilize the stifle joint injuries
Mechanical strapping
Waterproof materials

What Factors Should You Bear in Mind Before Using a Dog Brace?

With your veterinarian's recommendation, selecting the correct leg brace for your dog is essential. If your dog has had a CCL injury, you'll want to choose a brace explicitly designed for that purpose. There are vital factors to consider before deciding to use a dog brace:

Comfort
Customized fit to the individual
Easily adjustable
Easy to remove or put on
High-quality, lasting materials
Adequate support to the injured area

Why it's Important to Choose a High-Quality Brace

Because your dog may be wearing the leg brace for an extended period, choosing a leg brace made of quality materials will provide you with more durability. A high-quality brace will offer greater functionality and durability.

Most high-quality braces are made of waterproof materials, allowing your dog to engage in low-impact activities such as swimming.

How Long Before My Dog is Used to the Brace?

It's essential to consult with your veterinarian or physical therapist for guidance on what's recommended for your dog. Dogs should gradually be introduced to a custom leg brace over 7-10 days. Your dog should begin wearing the brace for only one-half hour the first day and then increase it by half per day. If skin irritation occurs, stop using the brace for at least one full day.

Examination of the Brace and Pet's Skin

It's imperative to examine the brace's condition regularly and your dog's skin after every use. Look for any rubbing or areas of irritation where the brace may be rubbing. A brace typically must be put on every morning and removed every night.

Expect that you might make periodic adjustments based on changes in your dog’s body or the initial process. Increased activity will reveal any underlying fit issues and if adjustments are required.

Proper Hygiene and Application

The dog's skin that's in contact with the brace and the brace itself must be kept clean. Keeping these areas clean helps to prevent issues such as contact dermatitis or other skin conditions. The dog's leg brace should be cleaned regularly with the recommended cleaning guidelines for the specific brace type and material.

What Distinguishes the Custom Dog Knee Brace from the Standard Dog Knee Brace?

When treating a dog's CCL tear, it's essential to realize that one size doesn't fit all. Because the body sizes of dogs vary so much, a standard off-the-shelf brace will not provide the support necessary to achieve mobility and healing goals. The benefits of a custom dog knee brace are:

It provides a more accurate and snug fit which prevents slipping or rubbing
Easily adjustable and more straightforward to remove and put on
More comfortable for your pet to tolerate
Offers more support to the injured area

Ensure that Your Pet Achieves Mobility with OrthoPets!

Helping your pet to make a successful recovery from a CCL injury or surgery is part of being a good pet owner. Successful recovery can be assisted by utilizing available medical technology to make the process easier.

Whether you have a toy breed or a mastiff needing a brace for post-surgical recovery, OrthoPets can offer you a product that will help. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help and get your four-legged friend fitted for the perfect brace. Contact us today to get your dog moving in the right direction.