[ad_1]
How can a knee brace help my dog?
A dog’s knee or stifle joint is where the tibia meets the femur and is supported by four ligaments, the cranial cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, lateral (outer), and medial collateral ligament ( interior). Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries are among the most common injuries to your pup. The CCL is most similar to the ACL in humans.
Wearing a suffocation splint will stop excessive movement between the femur (the upper half of your dog’s leg) and the tibia (the lower leg). Limiting the stretch between the upper and lower leg allows the tendon to tighten and heal. It will also stop lateral rotation and give the crusader the support they need to heal.
How a dog knee brace works:
A knee brace is designed to support the CCL to help heal the injury or prevent further damage. The knee joint is regularly subjected to excessive movements; a knee brace can help control the forward sliding of the tibia over the femur, which is the key function of the cranial cruciate ligament. Supporting and stabilizing the knee joint with a brace can help your dog continue normal daily walks and play without damaging the CCL.
Types of cross wounds in dogs
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
- Dislocation of the patella
- CCL degeneration
- Arthritis
- Dislocated knee brace
Carrying extra weight puts extra strain on a dog’s joints. Dogs at risk for knee injury or joint problems should be kept at an optimal weight to minimize their risk.
Can a dog knee brace be worn on both legs?
When a dog knee brace is worn on both hind legs, it is called a bilateral brace. A double knee brace may be necessary for various reasons. Due to the high likelihood that a dog with a torn ACL or CCL will injure their remaining knee within a year. Further injury can be prevented by bracing and stabilizing the uninjured knee.
For dogs with double knee injuries, supporting both stifles can reduce joint inflammation and help the animal stay active while it heals. Knee injuries that may require bracing on both rear legs include:
- Cruciate wounds or tears
- Patellar dislocation
- Arthritis
When should I consider using a knee brace for my dog?
If you’re starting to notice your dog showing symptoms of a knee injury, supporting the joint is a great way to help your pup until you can get to the vet for a checkup.
Symptoms of knee injuries include:
- Hind leg box.
- Joint stiffness is more noticeable at rest after physical activity.
- Difficulty jumping or getting up from the ground.
- Sit with one leg to the side.
- Audible click when your dog walks.
Giving extra support to your dog’s stifle joint while it’s injured can help prevent a more serious injury as it heals. Your dog could have a torn CCL which can be prevented from a complete rupture by the use of a knee brace!
Do I need a prescription for a knee brace?
The Walkin’ Stifle splint is custom made to fit the animal’s leg and condition perfectly. Although a prescription is not necessary, dogs in need of a canine knee brace should always be seen by their veterinarian first. Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s range of motion, overall condition, and determine if a dog knee brace is right for your pet.
Your veterinarian will play a vital role in the ordering process. Each custom splint should start with a fiberglass impression of your dog’s hind leg. A qualified veterinary professional can ensure that you get a good cast of your dog’s paws and that the impression is taken correctly the first time. Before ordering a choke splint, ask your veterinarian to speak with the CPO who manufactures your splint. If the orthotist knows your dog’s diagnosis and treatment plan, the brace can be customized for optimal support. Even the severity of a dog’s cross tear can be critical in making the brace.
Different knee pad joints:
There are two different joint styles used in custom strut splints, a tamarack joint or a stainless steel pivot joint. These joints coincide with the severity of the dog’s knee injury.
- Roasted tamarack – a gummy, rubbery joint is a much stiffer joint. A tamarack gasket is best for a full CCL tear. The tamarack joint limits movement, allowing dogs to heal a little faster.
- Stainless steel swivel joint – an articulated metal joint that allows the knee to move naturally. A pivot joint is used for less severe or partial crucial tears. This style is ideal when a dog needs more freedom of movement.
Helping Your Dog Heal From a Stifle Joint Injury
It is important to immediately restrict your dog’s movement if you suspect a knee injury. Crate rest is always the safest option to avoid further damage. While you’re limiting your dog’s activities, it can be helpful to get a body support harness to help lift your dog while he heals! The added support of a back harness reduces the amount of pressure on a dog’s injured joint. Getting a dog back on his feet is essential to recovering from a cruciate tear or knee injury. An assistive device like a dog harness or wheelchair can improve independent mobility while taking the weight off the joint.
When your dog is cleared for activities by your veterinarian, using a knee brace during daily walks and playtimes can help prevent further injury. Low-impact activities that don’t put too much pressure on the joint are ideal for rehabilitation, such as swimming or, in a more clinical setting, hydrotherapy.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.