When a dog suffers from injuries or chronic conditions affecting both legs, the impact on their mobility and quality of life can be significant. This is where bilateral braces come into play, offering support and stability to both limbs simultaneously. This article explores the benefits of bilateral braces for dogs, the conditions they address, and what to consider when choosing one for your canine companion.
Bilateral braces are designed to provide support and stability to both legs at the same time. They differ from single-limb braces, which focus on just one leg. These braces can be used for various conditions affecting the hips, knees, hocks (ankles), or a combination of these joints. They are typically custom-made or highly adjustable to ensure a proper fit and optimal support.
Double Brace can be beneficial for dogs with several conditions, including:
Using a double brace offers several advantages:
Bilateral braces come in various designs, depending on the specific needs of the dog. They can be categorized by the joints they support:
Selecting the right bilateral brace requires careful consideration and consultation with your veterinarian or a veterinary orthopedic specialist. Factors to consider include:
Bilateral braces can be a valuable tool for improving the mobility and quality of life for dogs with conditions affecting both legs. By providing support, reducing pain, and enhancing stability, these braces can help dogs stay active and enjoy their lives to the fullest. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if a bilateral brace is the right choice for your furry friend. For more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook page.
Posh dog brace is the only dog brace for a torn knee ligament which uses a flexible shell and frame system, instead of the rigid and problematic inflexible plastic all other dog leg brace companies still use. Our patent-pending design is called our “flexi-shell” system. Our dog braces are fabricated from high grade professional orthotic materials which dramatically reduce irritation, rubbing and other fit problems still experienced by the other stifle braces made by other companies.
Our flexi-shell frames allow for total conformation of your dog’s leg, without losing any of the structural integrity of the device, which suppresses the tibial thrust while correctly aligning the femur and tibia bones.
We recommend that your dog wear our brace during physical therapy exercises such as walking and periods when your dog is more active. Most older dogs lay around for much of the day, in which case the brace is not needed all day. Yet other dogs with ACL tears are more active. If you have a younger dog who is still quite active, then bracing may be appropriate more frequently during the day, under supervised conditions. The posh dog knee brace is needed during any activity, including: using stairs at anytime, walks, playing around, etc.
Only one other company actually recommends that a dog wear their custom made brace for an unnecessarily long 18 hours PER day. Our opinion regarding usages is quite different. We know that many dogs cannot tolerate such excessive and unnecessary wearing time. This other company states that their $1,200 dog knee brace should be worn: “ALL DAY – EVERYDAY.” Dog leg braces made by other companies which are worn “all day – everyday” can create irritation, chafing, open sores, and can be comfortable for your dog.
Use our dog brace only when it is needed during exercise and activity, not for 12 – 18 hours a day. If your dog does not chew on the brace, you may leave it on for longer periods. Doing conservative management for your dog with a torn CCL, is a critical part of the recovery process.
When you take your dog outside for a potty break, you should keep your dog leashed for 3 – 4 weeks after the initial injury, until the knee starts naturally healing. Using a brace for a potty break when your dog is leashed is not necessary. Leashing prevents your dog from chasing things like lizards, birds or just running around and stressing the injured leg. Then after some healing has occurred, you can likely abandon the leashing for potty breaks, and put the brace on instead, so your dog can use your backyard as a play spot.
You can resume short walks with your dog, while using our dog brace, usually within a week after the initial injury. As time goes by, you can increase the distance of the walks. Many dogs walk for over an hour each day within a few weeks of wearing our brace. For more information about our brace you can contact us via or contact page or visit us on Facebook.
Some dog knee brace companies are telling dog patents that the only way to make a correct mold of a dogs’ leg is with a cast. Up until almost two years ago, that was mostly true. After a year of research, development and testing, our innovative company figured a few considerations about the out-dated casting requirements still used by everyone (but us).
Price: depending on whether your vet is honest, they will charge you $100 to as high as $600 for “anesthesia, lab work, x rays” etc.
Effectiveness: The first vet who made a cast of our dogs’ leg was highly recommended by western brace company in May 2013. That vet made a cast which was defective, unnatural, and incorrectly molded our dogs’ leg, which was 30 degrees outward during the casting appointment, and the brace which we paid for and we received never fit correctly. DOf with a CCL injury will often tilt their injured leg outwards from their body to mitigate pain.
Remakes of defective casts: Recently we were contacted by a customer who intended to use a competitors brace. That person paid for a casting kit, then paid the vet made the cast, then sent it overnight to my pets brace. Total charges exceeded $285. The computer brace then advised the customer that the cast was not correct, and told them to pay for another kit and another vet fee.
This loving dog parent contacted us; since we have eliminated the dog knee cast process. Because of the delay, she had already endured from competitor brace and her former vet, we rushed her order, with no extra rush charge. Six days later, her dog was wearing our posh CCL dog leg brace, which fit beautifully.
With our patent pending, proprietary system, you need not worry about any of these problems. Just expect a truly custom fit like no other dog knee brace manufacturer can deliver, in half the time. Our company own by dog parents, not dog “owners.” Your dog is our customer, and our priority.
Making our measurements is very easy and takes less than 30 minutes with us on a video call: so easy that any lay person can take simple measurements we need, along with 4 pictures. If you do it yourself, you only need a soft measuring tape, watch our measuring video, and read our instructions we send [after payment]. We do not require that you or your vet make a cast of your dogs’ leg, because we make an accurate mold of your dogs’ leg without using a casting impression.
You just send us the measurements and pictures, then, using technology and our software program, we use our proprietary system to convert that data into an extremely accurate mold of your dogs’ leg. It took over a year of research, development, and testing to launch our groundbreaking system. Since mid-2015, we eliminated casting with great results! See our testimonial page. Our posh brace fits better than any other company.
From there, we make the custom dog stifle brace for your dog which fits even better than what we used to make when we relied upon casts sent to us. As we have said: old fashioned, obsolete casts, even from vets, are often quite defective and do NOT reflect the correct topography and anatomy of you dogs’ leg provided by our software system.
We hope that you understand, but please do not ask us questions or specifics about our patent pending proprietary methods, processes, techniques, software, etc. as we will be unable to answer them. We closely guard that sensitive information from competitors [proxies for same] and outsiders. It took us a lot of time and capital investment to develop our unique system. We are happy to answer any general questions you can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page for more information.
Sept 15, 2018: The AVMA Admits That TPLO Surgery Causes Bone Cancer,
Which Is Very Often Fatal
“There Is No Real Proof That Any Of These Surgeries Are Truly More Effective Than Non-Surgical Management.”
Regardless Of Whether You Get A Posh Dog Knee Brace, You Need To Read This Entire Page Before You Get Surgery On Your Beloved Dog For A CCL Injury. Then You Will Learn Why We Never Had CCL Surgery On Our 11 Year Old Beloved Golden Angel Pasha, In 2013.
The data on this page was presented by vets, veterinary organizations, and veterinary trade publications. We did not create this data or write these articles, only honest, knowledgeable vets and veterinary surgeons did.
Our singular loyalty and sole commitment is to helping YOUR injured Dog recover from a Dog ACL injury without surgery. A torn ACL in Dogs, is a serious problem for over a million Dogs a year.
We not only offer the best Dog knee brace for your injured Dog, but also the most current and relevant information about the various surgeries, like TPLO, TTA, etc, so that you’ll find the best solution for your Dog with a torn CCL (ACL).
There Are Many Cases Where A Dog Is Not Really A Suitable Candidate For Dog ACL Surgery, Including: Older Dogs, Dogs With Other Medical Issues, Lack Of Funding, And Dog Parents Who Would Rather Do More Conservative Therapy First.
With Human ACL Injuries, Surgery Is Done Only After Bracing And Conservative Management. But With A Torn ACL In Dogs, Vet Surgeons Rush A Dog Into Surgery. This Page Can Help Dog Parents Decide: Is Surgery The Best 1st Choice For Treating An CCL Injury? Or Should You Do Surgery, When All Else Has Failed? You Will Still Need A Brace To Minimize The High Chance Of Your Dog Suffering From A Surgically Induced Bilateral Injury.
A Well-Respected Veterinarian Trade Website, VeterinaryPracticeNews.com, Published An Illuminating Article In October 2012, About The Epidemic Of Lucrative CCL Surgeries, Written By Dr. Narda Robinson DVM. Click Below:
“Questioning Canine Cruciate Ligament Surgery”
A Vet At Tiggerpoz.com:
(More Quotes Below)
“TPLO, TTO, and TTA have become cash-cows for a number of veterinary ortho-surgeons who are making huge profits selling these questionable procedures by misrepresenting potential outcomes and risks to clients.”
The problems that can develop during and after one of these bone alteration surgeries can be very serious.
With TPLO or TTA you have these risks, plus the risk that unavoidably exist in all surgeries, and all without a potential outcome superior to other treatment options. There is seldom a good reason to choose to subject your dog to these risks.
We are contacted every day by people who were never told of dog knee braces, most of these dogs THEN had a bilateral injury, i.e. the other cranial cruciate ligament failed, as a direct result of the stress on the good leg during the painful and arduous “recovery” period of 2-3 months- (barring the high severe complication rate of 35% admitted by the veterinary industry).
Letter From A Prospective Customer Sharing Their
CCL Surgery Experience – (Names Have Been Changed)
NOTE from Posh Dog Knee Brace: Although there are many CCL surgeries performed every day, this is an example of the “35% severe complication rate” the veterinary industry concedes. Note that our Golden child Pasha NEVER had to risk going through this massive debilitating trauma of surgery – we did not do the $5,000 + TPLO surgery and she recovered completely with our own Dog brace, with NO bilateral injury.
“Bonnie is a VERY active Dog that loves to run, jump and swim. She injured herself about a year and a half ago while playing with some of our family’s dogs. Bonnie has had a previous surgery to repair her lateral collateral ligament and her cranial cruciate ligament. The surgery worked for a while, but she developed a severe infection that we did not know about until recently. She became depressed and laid around the house, which I’m sure was a mix of depression and feeling bad from her infection.
Bonnie has been in physical therapy and it did help some, but she ultimately needed to have a second surgery on her knee to reverse the previous surgery and to take a culture and biopsy of her bone to see the severity of her infection. We are currently treating the infection and having to go back to the specialist every six weeks or so for a biopsy/culture of her knee until she is free of infection.
The infection has deteriorated her bone to a point that a Custom Knee Replacement would be needed. We simply cannot afford the $12,000 quoted to us, but we want Maggie to have the freedom to run and play without serious pain. We were told we could amputate, but she uses the injured leg, she has a pretty good limp, but I cannot just bring myself to amputate a limb that she can clearly use.
We are spending between $1,550 and $3,000 at each specialist appointment we go to. We were lucky to have enough saved for the $3,000 bill and we were also very blessed to have gotten enough in our tax return to cover the $1,550 bill. We still have to go back in 6 weeks for another culture and biopsy if her infection hasn’t completely resolved. One of her antibiotics is $275 for a months worth and she has to be on that for a while yet.
A FEW STATISTICS TO CONSIDER ABOUT DOG KNEE SURGERY FOR CCL RUPTURES
Every CCL surgical procedure has its advocates and many veterinary surgeons claim high success rates, but the results of research studies can be sobering.
In 2005, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published a study comparing the results of lateral suture stabilization (LSS), intracapsular stabilization (ICS), and TPLO surgery on 131 Labrador Retrievers with ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments and injury to the medial meniscus. Limb function was measured before surgery and again two and six months after. Treated dogs were also compared to 17 clinically normal Labrador Retrievers.
Study Results
Compared with the clinically normal dogs, only 14.9 percent of the LSS-treated dogs, 15 percent of ICS-treated dogs, and 10.9 percent of TPLO-treated dogs had normal limb function.,/
Overall improvement was seen in only 15 percent of dogs treated with ICS, 34 percent of those treated with TPLO, and 40 percent of those treated with LSS.
* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15706973
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CANINE CCL SURGERY BUSINESS
FROM WWW.TIGGERPOZ.COM
CREATED BY A SEASONED VETERINARIAN
www.TiggerPoz.com Author and DVM: “In addition to in-depth study of the research literature on this subject, I have communicated with hundreds of vets experienced in treatment of these injuries, and with researchers who have studied all the various treatment options. Since this website was first created I have heard from thousands of people who have dealt with these injuries in their own dogs about their experiences with surgery and non-surgical recovery.
I have reached these conclusions:
Note from PoshDogKneeBrace.com: This article was written years before we ourselves experienced firsthand, 100% of the aforementioned issues from several vets when our Golden suffered a complete CCL rupture May 2013.
“I have read over your website. I think it is fantastic. I am a veterinary surgeon and have been board certified for 10 years. I have performed almost all of the procedures described for cruciate rupture. I have worked at multiple surgical practices with many surgeons. As you mentioned there is no real proof that any of these surgeries are truly more effective than non – surgical management. I feel that a large number of people are unhappy with the outcome of surgery regardless of the procedure. In addition, people forget that surgery can do harm. I have seen more than one dog that required an amputation due to surgical complications. I have yet to see a dog require amputation when surgery was not performed. Over the past 2 years I have managed more and more patients without surgery. I find that it is uncommon that people are disappointed in the outcome. Unfortunately, not all patients do great, but then again, not all patients that have surgery do great either. Needless to say my view on the treatment of cruciate disease is not popular among my peers. My thoughts on cruciate disease have caused me great grief with other veterinarians. However, I feel confident I’m doing the right thing for clients and patients.” (Name withheld), DVM, MS DACVS
QUESTION:
What Is Considered A Significant Underlying Cause Of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury & Other Serious Health Problems In Dogs?
ANSWER
Early Spay & Neuter – Click Here to Read More
Citations:
THIS Article and THIS Video By An Well Known Vet: Dr. Will Falconer DVM
THIS Article And THIS Article From DogsNaturallyMagazine.com
Considering the numerous unnecessary and significant risks of major surgery for a Dog with a partial or complete CCL rupture, it makes sense to treat an ACL tear with a Dog brace and conservative management first; surgery should be the last option.
If your veterinarian is not knowledgable about using a Dog knee brace to treat ACL tears in Dogs, please invite them to look through our site, read all our success stories, and then to feel free to contact us about bracing and conservative protocols for treating Dog knee injuries.
When TPLO Surgery Goes Wrong, It Really Goes Wrong
Dog Knee Brace Comparison Solutions Between Soft and Custom Dog CCL Braces
Read What You Need To Know About A Dog CCL Brace. Learn The Facts – Before You Get One For Your Injured Dog.
Just like us in 2013, we never thought we’d have to learn about Dog knee braces. When our Beloved Golden Pasha had a serious CCL injury, our vet (we’ll call her “dr. Whitecoat”) insisted only that we get the $5,000 TPLO surgery in 3 days, and said nothing about Dog knee braces. Too late. We had already found out about them online. We believe that anyone who is learning about a Dog CCL brace is wayyyyy ahead of the hundreds of thousands of people who unwittingly trust the “dr. Whitecoats,” and dreadfully get the surgery (which is at least 3 – 6 times more expensive, and lucrative for a vet clinic than a custom made Dog knee brace).
What It’s All About: Suppressing The “Tibial Thrust.”The cranial cruciate ligament a/k/a CrCL or CCL is one of the ligaments between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone “tibia.” it helps stabilize the knee. In people, a similar ligament is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Many vets call it an ACL injury since ACL injury in athletes is a common injury that most people are familiar with. The CCL helps holds the tibia in the correct alignment with the femur. When it is partially or completely ruptured, it becomes a serious orthopedic problem. Ligaments do not grow back. When the knee bends, the tibia is loose and slides forward away from the femur. Now the stifle alignment is off and no longer bio-mechanically correct. This very painful condition is known as “tibial thrust.” think of a wheel on a bicycle having a slight bend in it – it no longer functions correctly or rolls smoothly.
Did you know that: surgery and a good quality custom knee brace for Dogs BOTH accomplish the same goal: they both suppress, or stop, the tibial thrust, which must happen so that the knee (stifle in dogs) can start to develop fibrous scar tissue and re-stabilize the knee and stop the tibial thrust.
A custom Dog CCL brace is a comfortable, custom-molded, adjustable Dog brace that stabilizes your Dogs’ injured knee as it naturally builds restorative scar tissue, as surgery does. By effectively stabilizing the stifle, a custom Dog leg brace provides a therapeutic alternative to TPLO, TTA, and other Dog knee ligament surgeries, without the numerous risks and higher costs involved with surgery.
Types Of Dog Knee Braces For Cruciate Injuries:
Non-Custom “Ready To Wear,” And Custom Made.
“Ready To Wear” – “Soft” Non-Custom |
Custom Made For Your Dog |
|---|---|
| Do Not Fit Closely On Your Dogs Inured Leg, And Will Not Actively Suppress The Tibial Thrust Or Prevent Internal Tibial Rotation | Closely Mimics The Topography Of Your Dogs’ Leg. Fully Suppresses The Tibial Thrust And Prevents Internal Tibial Rotation |
Most Are Made From Flimsy Materials Like Neoprene, Fabric, Or Rubber. They Are Not As Durable As A Custom Built Brace. They All Do NOT Have Human Grade Tamarack Flexure Hinges, Which Allow For Natural Movement & Articulation Of The Knee |
Made From Orthotic Grade Components That Are Very Durable. Almost Every Custom Dog Brace Has Tamarack Flexure Hinges, Like Human Braces. These Hinges Are Also Energy Absorbing & Help Take A Lot Of The Load Off The Dog Knee, Which Facilitates Faster Healing |
Easily Slide Side- To-Side Around The Knee |
Doesn’t Slide Around On The Knee. Stays In The Correct Position |
Usually Needs A Veterinarian To Fit It Correctly, If You Can Find One Willing To Help You |
Requires A Vet To Fit It Correctly On The Dog. (Except The Adjustable-At-Home Posh Brace) |
Will Often Require An Over-The Back Harness To Hold It Up |
Doesn’t Need A Harness To Stay Up On The Leg |
Cost From $100-$495. Can Be Made In About An Hour Without Any Real Attention To Detail |
Cost From $945-$1,765. Requires A Multi-Step Process And 4-6 Hours To Fabricate One |
Little To No Service After The Sale |
Different Levels Of Services After The Sale |
Buying a non-custom Dog knee brace will not really save you money. Often, our customers had bought a non-custom brace and then had to get a custom Dog brace, to really help their Dog recover from this serious orthopedic injury. If you can afford it – get a custom Dog brace. You’ll get real results and your Dog will recover without surgery. You’ll be glad you did – and so will your Dog!
Compare Custom Brace Features |
Posh Dog Knee Brace |
Western USA Dog Knee Brace Company #1 |
Western USA Dog Knee Brace Company #2 |
Eastern USA Dog Knee Brace Company #3 |
Eastern USA Dog Knee Brace Company #4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Custom Make & Ship Brace | 3-5 Days |
2-3 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
| Is Risky, Stressful Casting Needed? | NO-This Saves You $150-$600 |
Yes – Only by affiliate vet = $$$ |
Yes – Only by Vet = extra fees |
Yes requires cast by someone |
Yes requires cast by someone |
| Is Brace Shipped Directly To? | Yes |
No – Only by affiliate vet = $$ |
No – Goes to a vet you must pay |
No-Goes to a vet you must pay |
Yes |
| Live Video Fitting By Our Vet Tech | Yes- included With Every Dog |
Optional = more ss |
No |
No |
No |
| Is Case Manager A Vet? | Always, On Every Single Dog |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
| Had CCL Injury On Their Own Dog? | Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Easy Adjustable By Customer | Yes – A Posh Brace Exclusive |
No – requires mailing brace back |
No – requires mailing brace back |
No – requires mailing brace back |
No – requires mailing brace back |
| No Rubbing Flexible Comfortable Brace | Yes – Flexible Frame Conforms To Dogs’ Leg |
No – rigid frame causes irritation & rubbing issues |
No – rigid frame causes irritation & rubbing issues |
No – rigid frame causes irritation & rubbing issues |
No – rigid frame causes irritation & rubbing issues |
| Innovation Design | Yes – Advanced Technology |
No-older design obsolete brace |
No-older design obsolete brace |
No-older design obsolete brace |
No-older design obsolete brace |
| Precision Hi-Tech Micro Buckles & Ladder Straps | Yes – Straps Stay Clean- Have Lifetime Warranty |
No- Velcro straps need frequent replacement |
No- Velcro straps need frequent replacement |
No- Velcro straps need frequent replacement |
No- Velcro straps need frequent replacement |
| Completely Waterproof | Yes and we use rust free parts |
No-and their screws rust |
No-and their screws rust |
No-and their screws rust |
No-and their screws rust |
| Requires Fitting Appt With Vet | No-and their screws rust |
Yes – “affiliate” vet=extra fees |
Yes- extra fees |
Yes- extra fees |
No-But no live video support |
| Total Price | $945 Shipped No Vet Casting or Fitting Fees |
$950-$1,800 + Casting Fees |
$950 and Up + Casting Fees |
$950 and Up + Casting Fees |
$775 and Up + Casting Fees |
Click HERE And Read Why The Posh Dog Knee Brace Is The Most Effective, Most Comfortable And Most Advanced CCL/ACL Dog Knee Brace You Can Get, Anywhere.
Human orthopedic MD’s almost always first put a brace on their patients with CCL injuries. That is why there are hundreds of human knee braces ranging in price from $300 to $3,000 (for a custom brace). We’re not here to annoy anyone, but we need to illuminate certain facts. In 2013, a customer of ours who is a lawyer, whose Dog healed with a Posh brace, may have answered the foregoing question.
Why do veterinarian surgeons seldom mention putting a brace on a Dog with a very similar knee injury as a person? Why do they almost always recommend TPLO and other lucrative ($2 billion annually) surgeries?
Did you know a Dog is 8 times more likely to get surgery on knee ligament injury than a person? Unlike human doctors, veterinarians are largely exempt from costly legal claims and hefty settlements if they cause harm to an animal. Why? Because courts in the USA regards a loving, beautiful, Dog as: “property.” most people are unaware of this.
U.S. courts don’t recognize that your Dog is a sentient, loving being who fills your world each day, with unrequited and boundless love. According to the law in this country, an animal is viewed as: “an item of personal property,” and most courts limit a legal recovery, i.e. settlement of a lawsuit or verdict, to the cost of replacing the companion animal with another animal.
This is tantamount to a court ruling, after an orthopedic surgeon seriously maimed you after an ACL operation on your injured knee, that your surgeon only needs to cover the cost of a shiny new wheelchair. That is why veterinary surgeons need not worry about expensive lawsuits if a CCL operation has serious complications, as 35% + of them do. Is this the reason the number of veterinary surgeons has doubled in the past ten years?
See Our Success Stories Of A Torn CCL In Dogs Who Recovered With No Surgery!
Our Dog CCL brace promotes healing by allowing Dogs to exercise while protecting the knee from further injury. This helps to maintain muscle tone and normal range of motion during the healing process. Exercise and activity also helps to improve the morale of your Dog suffering from the injury. A torn CCL in Dogs can be treated with a high-quality Dog leg brace, conservative management, and proper supplementation.
Many vets are recognizing that non-surgical treatment options such as a Posh Dog Knee Brace can be an effective treatment alternative to Dog knee surgery for a torn CCL in Dogs.
Even Dogs with complete cruciate tears can heal without surgery using conservative management and our Dog brace during activity. Our Golden Retriever is just one of thousands of case examples of a complete non-surgical recovery from a full CCL rupture using a Dog CCL brace built by Posh Dog Knee Brace.
Using high quality components coupled with groundbreaking innovation, we create an orthotic Dog knee brace which is specifically fabricated to fit the anatomy of your Dogs’ leg, and when worn correctly, will prevent the unwanted and painful forward movement of your Dogs tibia (also known as “drawer movement” and/or “tibial thrust”).
Our Dog CCL stifle brace helps your Dogs leg begin to heal by correctly positioning your Dogs’ tibia relative to the femur so that your Dogs’ leg is incorrect bio-mechanical alignment during flexion (moving) states. Our brace should only be worn during daily periods of physical therapy and exercise, not all day.
We Specialize In One Dog Brace: A CCL (ACL) Brace For For Stifle Injuries. Compare The Groundbreaking Features Of Our Stifle Brace To All The Others, Our Proprietary No-Cast System, And Compare Our Prices With Theirs (See Order A Brace Page). You’ll See That We Deliver Higher Quality & Real Innovation At A Lower Price For Your Dog. And We Have Been Where You Are Today…
Each Posh Dog Knee Brace Is Individually Crafted And Overseen By In The USA By Certified Orthotists And Fitters With 21 Years + Experience. We Make The Highest Quality Brace Available Today Using Only The Finest Materials, Including:
Effective Tibial Thrust Suppression |
Anti- Migration Suspension |
|---|---|
 | |
Durable Hi-Tech Fastening System |
No Casting Needed |
Since Our Own Golden Has Suffered & Fully Recovered From A Complete Rupture Of Her CCL, We Offer A Unique Perspective That You Won’t Find At Other Companies. We Know First Hand That You Want:
ALLOWS AN IMMEDIATE HEALING PROCESS FOR THE
INJURED LEG AND HELPS PREVENT A BILATERAL INJURY
Unlike surgery, our brace for CCL tears in Dogs immediately helps your Dogs recovery, not after months of painful and problematic recovery from surgery. After surgery, a Dog will bear most of its’ weight on the uninjured leg, greatly increasing the stress on that leg and the risk of an eventual CCL rupture of the uninjured leg. Vets have told us what we long suspected: that CCL surgery, in many cases, may actually cause a bilateral injury. A disproportionate weight load upon your Dogs hind legs for an extended period may also cause other problems for your Dog.
ALLOWS TIME TO EVALUATE WHETHER SURGERY IS EVEN NECESSARY.
SURGERY IS NOT REVERSIBLE. YOU CAN ALWAYS GET SURGERY LATER.
Since a Posh Dog Knee Brace accomplishes the same end goal of allowing the affected region to begin to heal naturally, this raises a critical question: why should your Dog be subjected to TPLO surgery and other canine knee surgery, when it may not even be necessary? Why not benefit from the conservative management option of no surgery, and managing the activity of your Dog for months, which you must do even with surgery? With our CCL stifle brace, your Dog begins to recover right away, not after months of painful post-surgery recovery, and with none of the surgical complications.
HELP PREVENTS RISK OF POSTOPERATIVE RE-INJURY. BILATERAL INJURIES
CAUSED BY THE 1ST SURGERY, (NOT BRACES), ARE EXTREMELY COMMON.
If you elect to have canine CCL surgery, the advanced stability provided by a Posh Dog Knee Brace is a form of an “insurance policy” for your Dogs’ recovery, to help prevent post-operative re-injury of the leg. After a CCL Surgery, there exists a substantial occurrence of a CCL tear in the uninjured other rear leg. Unfortunately, this dreadful occurrence of a bilateral injury happens more frequently than you may think. After surgery, the “parents” of the Dog must be very careful to restrain it from running, jumping, playing, etc for several months. A Posh Dog Knee Brace helps the CCL stifle injury heal and greatly reduces the risk of post-operative re-injury.
What You Can Expect From A CCL Surgery On Your Dog: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
A Surgery Induced Bilateral Injury |
Months Of Post Op Recovery Infections |
Depression From Surgery And “Crating” |
High Veterinary Costs, Including Bilateral Surgery |
What You Can Expect From A Posh Dog Knee Brace: |
|||
No Surgical Complication Risks |
An Immediate Healing Process For Your Dog |
Therapeutic Increase In Mood |
Your Dog Gets To Walk & Be A Dog Again. |
Dog Compression therapy isn’t just for humans anymore! It’s increasingly being used in veterinary medicine to aid in healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility in dogs. This article explores the benefits of compression for canines, the various ways it’s used, and important considerations for pet owners.
Dog Compression therapy involves applying external pressure to a specific area of the body. This pressure can have several positive effects:
Compression therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs, including:
Several methods are used to provide compression for dogs:
Dog Compression therapy is not appropriate for all conditions. It should be avoided in cases of:
Compression therapy can be a valuable tool in managing various conditions in dogs, offering pain relief, reducing swelling, and promoting healing. However, it’s crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure it’s the right approach for your dog’s specific needs. With proper guidance and application, compression can help your canine companion stay comfortable and active. For more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or visit us on Facebook.
Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead Vet tech with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about signs that your dog may need a cart or a wheelchair. Unfortunately, just like us humans, sometimes our furry friends need a little extra help to get around. There are a lot of devices, such as our posh dog knee brace, that can be used with a limb injury such as a CCL tear, or even elbow and carpal issues, but sometimes that is just not enough.
Dog’s like to have their independence, just like we do. If you have a dog that used to be very active, loved to go outside for walks and enjoy playing, and now they are unable to really stand on their own, it may be time to consider a wheelchair. They are not as hard to put on as you would think, and most dogs will adapt to them quite fast.
I have worked with a few patients in wheelchairs, one had two legs that needed to be amputated due to cancer. She could fly in her little cart, go up and down stairs, there was no stopping her. Her attitude changed from depressed and unable to go play to immediately taking off in her cart. I have seen several great outcomes like this, and definitely feel carts are a great resource for patients that otherwise can’t walk.
Some patients with hip dysplasia may just be in too much pain to stand and walk. Those back leg’s have probably atrophied, and they are not strong enough to get up and go outside. Having a cart lets them have some of that freedom back, so that they can once again go outside, walk in the park, or even go to the bathroom without aid.
There are many great companies now that make carts and wheelchairs, be sure you do your research and find the right fit for you and your best friend. Wheelchairs can be anywhere from $100 to over $1000. Make sure you find a custom chair that is comfortable for your pup. I’m not a big fan of amazon braces or medical parts, so I would find someone that has great reviews, and good customer service like we do at Posh Dog Knee Brace
Again please let me know if you have any questions! You can contact us via our contact page or visit us on Facebook.
Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead Vet tech with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about PROM and stretching, especially after an injury like CCL tears. So to explain better, let’s first dive into what happens when we injure a ligament. Those fibers are gone forever once torn. There is no surgery to re-attach them; they will be absorbed by our body. Then, our bodies do something quite amazing. They replace those collagen fibers of our ligament tissue with new collagen fibrous tissue, called scar tissue. So scar tissue can be a good thing, or it can be a bad thing.
Ever had a car accident or injury? Did the Dr. say to just rest for 6 months and never move that joint? I sure hope the answer was a big NO!! Letting scar tissue form, but not doing any stretches or PROM after an injury while scar tissue forms, will result in a joint recovering, sure, however, there will be no range of motion after. The joint will be stiff, the scar tissue hard and unforgiving.
I see these patients come in, months after the CCL injury, and their dog is stiff and sore still after the allotted recovery time. This is from lack of stretching those joints most likely. Scar tissue is strong stuff. Sometimes it takes surgery to remove scar tissue once it forms incorrectly, and we start over. The second time around, hopefully you would be doing the recommended stretches and PT.
When we do stretch and PROM after an injury, it not only tells our joints to produce lubrication to keep things healthy, it also makes those scar tissue fibers more elastic, and healthy. These patients have a much more comfortable long term success rate than those that do not do any PROM. They will have full function of their knee and joints, and much less discomfort long term.
Takeaway? Please follow our PROM and stretching recommendations when using the Posh Dog Knee Brace, or even the elbow and carpal braces. Find a physical therapist if you are unfamiliar with PROM, or uncomfortable doing it yourself. It is definitely in your pups best interests.
Again please let me know if you have any questions! You can contact us via our contact form or follow us on Facebook.
Hey guys! This is Nikki, Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s go over six fun activities you can still do with your braced pup.
First activity, walks, walks and more walks! We include a full rehab and walk schedule for you, so you don’t have to guess how long is too long. When starting out, nice and slow up to 10 minutes twice daily is perfect, if your dog is feeling up to it. Then, you can slowly increase the amount you are walking each week.
Second activity, swimming! Just like Dory says “Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” Swimming takes all the pressure off those limbs and joints, so that your pup is using all of the muscle, without all the pressure on those legs. There is no overcompensating on joints with swimming, so enjoy some fun times with your furry friend at the beach, or a pool!
Third activity is hydrotherapy. Similar to swimming, hydrotherapy is done with a controlled setting, usually at a rehab facility. Exercising with an underwater treadmill is one of the most common forms of hydrotherapy. Make sure to find a facility that will accommodate this activity. This is one of the best options, as it is controlled, and helps strengthen those atrophied muscles.
Fourth activity is finding something that will help strengthen the core. This helps support our hips and spine, and keeps things happy and in alignment. This is why with the posh program, we include tips on doing dog ups and downs, sit ups, even doggy yoga specific for dogs!
Games that are less of an impact, such as nose work, obedience training, or something fun mentally like a puzzle treat game. Play hide and seek with your dog, have them try to find you. Have them try to sniff out their favorite toy or treat. Give them fun things to do.
Lastly is physical therapy. This can be done with a physical therapist, which is the best option, or at home. While a physical therapist can tailor a routine for your dog, you can find similar exercises to do online as well, such as passive range of motion, ladder work, curb work, sit to stands, ect. We do provide a lot of these with our PT handouts, as suggestions to our clients for use.
Thanks, and feel free to reach out with any questions via email Poshintake1@gmail.com or through our website and you can visit us on Facebook.
People sometimes assume that a dog isn’t in pain if it isn’t screaming out or whining. However, a limp is a clear indication of pain and a warning that your dog is unwilling to bear weight on the injured leg.
Dogs are typically energetic, active members of the family, which makes them prone to accidents. These can include systemic infections, fractured bones, and strained muscles.
If your dog is limping, it’s time to take him to the vet. Depending on how serious the issue is, they might want you to keep an eye on your dog at home for 24 to 48 hours while you rest him. If your limp doesn’t get better or gets worse, they’ll probably want you to make an appointment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that in this situation, over-the-counter pain relievers should not be used. Dogs can safely take aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol), but overdosing can cause bleeding issues and liver failure. Do not take these drugs without first talking to your veterinarian.
To find out why your dog limps, the veterinarian must perform a complete physical examination. An examination from head to toe should involve taking your dog’s vital signs, feeling its lymph nodes, listening to its heart and lungs, manipulating the achy limb, and watching it while it walks. In order to identify potential reasons, it is critical to identify which limb and which part of the limb is afflicted.
Dog limping has a very wide range of causes. Infectious ailments like Ehrlichia and Lyme disease, inflammatory disorders like panosteitis, vascular disorders like blood clots, and orthopedic issues like fractures are some of the broad categories that encompass soft tissue strains or rips (ligaments, tendons, and muscles). These can be further separated into front and back limbs. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is one particular issue that can only occur in the back limb, however the majority of lameness issues are comparable in the front and back legs.
With a history and your dog’s age and breed, you can frequently determine the triggering cause (this is called the signalment). For example, panosteitis, a typical inflammatory illness of the breed, would be a strong suspect in a German shepherd puppy with acute onset of shifting leg lameness. If an elderly dog suddenly became lame in one leg and could not bear any weight, this could be a sign of a bone malignancy such as osteosarcoma and a fractured bone. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a common tick-borne infection, could be the cause of a young limping Coonhound with a history of tick exposure, fever, and abnormalities on bloodwork.
Your veterinarian may offer a variety of tests, such as bloodwork, tick disease testing, and/or x-rays, depending on what they discover. The optimal course of treatment will also be decided by them.
Additionally, your veterinarian will advise resting your dog. There won’t be much exercise involved—leash walks will only be taken to use the restroom. Icing or using heat can be helpful in certain situations. The cause determines the appropriate course of action.
Consult your veterinarian right away if your dog starts to limp, give them some rest so they can heal, and refrain from giving them over-the-counter medication without first talking to them. There are many different reasons why dogs limp, and your veterinarian should be able to assist your dog based on a comprehensive medical history and physical examination.
If you are interested in more information or would like to know more about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or visit us on Facebook.
These ten weight-loss suggestions for senior dogs will help them live longer, better lives!
Like senior people, older dogs find it easier to move around if they don’t weigh too much. Dogs of all ages may find it difficult to lose weight, but this is more true as they mature. Dog weight loss is still worthwhile, though. Not only do slim dogs move around easier, but they also have longer lifespans. Dogs fed 25% less calories than their littermates that were fed freely lived over two years longer, had fewer outward symptoms of aging, and had an additional three years of pain-free mobility before developing canine arthritis, according to a 14-year research. Senior dogs can enjoy longer, healthier lives with the help of these weight loss methods!
Pancreatitis, diabetes, heart disease, disc disease, torn cruciate ligaments, hip dysplasia, various joint diseases, surgical complications, weakened immune systems, and several cancers are among the health issues that are more prevalent in overweight dogs. Regretfully, research indicates that over 50% of senior dogs in the United States are overweight, yet almost all of their owners are unaware of this! It’s time to face facts and put your dog on a diet if you can’t feel your dog’s shoulder blades and ribs easily, if her waist is invisible (tucked behind the ribs), or if there’s a roll of fat at the base of her tail.
The proportion of carbs to fats and protein is more important for weight loss than calories. It is hard to lose weight on most prescription weight-loss diets because they are low in fat, high in carbohydrates, and poor in protein. Senior dogs don’t require any carbohydrates at all and thrive on a diet strong in protein, which helps them gain lean muscle. A diet that is moderate in fat, low in carbohydrates, and high in protein will help dogs lose weight by satisfying their appetites.
More fiber, which is the indigestible portion of carbs, won’t make your dog feel fuller and too much of it can obstruct their ability to absorb nutrients. Grains are a frequent source of fiber, and as long as they don’t include too much fat, many grain-free diets can be helpful for weight loss because they are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates
Creating your own moderate-fat, low-carb, high-protein diet is an additional choice.
Instead of most grains and starches, use lean meats, low-fat dairy, and green vegetables if you feed a homemade diet. Take off the skin from fowl (except the breasts) and trim meats of any removable fat. Steer clear of fatty meats like lamb, hog, and high-fat beef, or cook them until the majority of the fat is gone. Eggs are OK to use, but only in small amounts. Additionally, you can substitute up to 25% of a commercial pet food with these foods, increasing the overall protein content and lowering the amount of carbs in the diet.
It’s a common misperception that feeding your senior dog a lot of green beans will make them feel less hungry, Green beans and other non-starchy vegetables are safe to include in your dog’s diet, but if you’re giving them too few calories or too little fat, the extra bulk won’t make them feel full. Adding mass alone is insufficient to satisfy your dog; fat is what makes the biggest difference. A protein shortage brought on by consuming an excessive amount of green beans can result in the loss of lean muscle rather than fat.
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oil help dieters feel more content with their diets and aid in weight loss, according to recent research on humans and dogs. For healthy senior dogs, according to Straus, fish oil containing 1 to 1.5 mg of combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight should be given daily; for dogs with health issues (heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, arthritis, allergies, and other conditions causing inflammation or affecting the immune system), the recommended dosage is up to 3 mg. Vitamins D and A are included in some cod liver oils, such as Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil with Omega 3s, for further health advantages.
Remember that oils are pure fat and provide about 40 calories per teaspoon when adding them to your dog’s food. Many liquid fish-oil solutions have label directions that are greater than they should be, which means your dog’s diet is getting too many calories. If your dog need higher dosages of DHA and EPA, search for softgels that are more concentrated. To make sure you’re not adding too much fat, measure other oils carefully, such as coconut and olive oil.
Reduce your senior dog’s food by roughly five percent and feed that slightly reduced amount for a week or two instead of making big changes all at once. Approximately 1 ounce is reduced for every pound of food, or 1/8 cup for every two cups. Weigh your dog now, and then again in a week or two. If she doesn’t lose weight, cut her food intake by an additional 5% and stick with it for a week or two. Once your dog starts to lose weight, keep lowering the amount of food they are fed, and then stick with that level.
This tactic is beneficial since it prevents your dog’s metabolism from changing unexpectedly, which makes it more difficult for them to lose weight and more likely for them to gain it back. The likelihood of long-term success is higher for gradual, consistent weight loss.
Reduce the amount by up to one-third if you go to a food that is significantly more in fat and protein than the one you are currently eating. This is because foods that are higher in nutrients will supply you more calories in smaller quantities. Your dog might be happier even though he gets less in total than he did previously.
Giving your senior dog smaller meals more frequently will make them feel less peckish. Add some canned or fresh high-protein food in place of some dry food to give him the impression that he’s getting something exceptional. Make him work for his meals by putting them in a Kong, Buster Cube, or other food-dispensing toy. This will make him feel more content. To extend the life of a meal, freeze his wet food, which is a combination of dry food and nonfat yogurt, inside a Kong toy.
It’s critical to measure your dog’s food accurately. Some senior dogs gain weight when you try to eyeball their food, a lesson learnt the hard way. We’ve discovered that the only way we can consistently regulate the weight is to weigh everything he eat with an electronic scale. Scales are available online and at office and kitchen supply stores. The majority can accurately measure up to five pounds to the tenth of an ounce, and for really tiny measures, they can convert to grams.
Keeping a food diary or diet book for your senior dogs and measuring everything will help family members understand how much the dog is consuming. If Fido is receiving training goodies, afternoon snacks, and breakfast leftovers all day, feeding him a tiny dinner won’t make a difference. Get the participation of everyone who feeds your dog by discussing the diet plan with them. To keep your dog engaged, assign a set amount of little training treats to each member of the family. In addition, encourage everyone to focus on calorie-free activities like games, walks, fetch, and other favorite activities.
If your senior dog is small, you can use a postal scale used for packages or a baby scale to weigh her. If your big dog is agreeable, take her to your veterinarian every one to two weeks; they have a walk-on scale that fits dogs of all sizes. If your dog has bad memories of the clinic, try to rehabilitate her attitude with high-value, low-calorie treats. Short visits consisting of treats, excited jumping on the scale, and a minute of sitting or stillness before returning home are often well-received by most dogs.
Aim for weight loss of three to five percent of body weight per month, or one percent per week. About half a pound should be lost per week, or two pounds, for a 50-pound dog. After your dog starts dropping weight consistently, you can wait longer between weigh-ins, but make sure you’re still on track by checking in once a month. It’s simple to revert to overfeeding your dog and fail to detect the problem until they’ve put on a significant amount of weight.
Your dog’s calorie requirements may also alter as he gets older, after being neutered, or if his level of activity changes with the seasons. Frequent weighing will enable you to detect and address any weight gain in your dog before it becomes a more serious issue.
It is more satisfying for a senior dog to receive multiple small goodies rather than one large gift because dogs are more concerned with the quantity of treats they receive than the size of each treat. Slice treats in half or quarters lengthwise before dicing to create lots of small pieces.
High-fat and high-calorie treats, including peanut butter and hot dogs, can make you gain weight. Try raw baby carrots, slices of zucchini, other crunchy vegetables, or tiny pieces of melon, apple, or banana as an alternative. Use low-fat organ meats, such as liver or heart, to make your own confections. Because they can be poisonous to dogs, grapes, raisins, and products containing the sugar substitute xylitol should not be used.
Giving your senior dog snacks during the day made of some of his supper is another tactic. Just make sure you adjust the size of her meal appropriately.
Dogs enjoy chewing, so finding a long-lasting, low-fat chew can keep your pooch occupied, content, and out of trouble with the calories. Steer sticks, dried tendons, and other like chews are effective as long as they are not small enough for the dog to swallow.
If you use rawhide, we suggests using thick, premium rawhide that is made from a single, solid piece and is unbleached (not white), preferably made in the United States, without any additional flavorings or smoking.
While raw, fresh bones can also be chewed, we cautions that this should be done with caution because “bones, like any hard chew, have the potential to break teeth, particularly in older dogs whose teeth are more brittle.” Knuckles, for example, are too huge for dogs to jam between their molars and chomp on, so they are less likely to cause issues than marrow bones, which are heavy and hence not a suitable option.
If you would like any information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or you can check out our Facebook Page.
Dogs with heat pad therapy can have less pain, less stiffness, and more relaxed muscles.
Can your dog’s arthritic pain be relieved by heat therapy? Indeed. In addition to providing your dog with certain benefits, an orthopedic dog heating pad can also be comforting on a chilly day.
Your dog with arthritis may find that heat helps both relieve and heal chronic pain over time. Not only can heat relieve your dog’s sore joints, but it also promotes blood circulation. Warmth frequently relieves muscle spasms and causes stiff joints to relax. Using heat on your dog can help him benefit as much as possible from stretching exercises or rehabilitation.
Heat treatment lowers muscular spasm, improves local tissue oxygenation and metabolism, and raises the pain threshold and extensibility of connective tissue.
Cold therapy works best to reduce inflammation after an acute injury. Consider using cold compresses for the first 24 hours if your senior Labrador aggravates a previous stifle injury, for instance. After surgery, cold therapy is the most beneficial alternative for up to 72 hours.
When using heat or leaving your dog on a heating pad, exercise caution. It’s possible to unintentionally warm the region and exacerbate the trauma. Pet-specific heating pads come with heat settings that are ideal for a dog’s requirements. It is possible to set a human heating pad too high, and overheating is particularly dangerous for elderly, injured, or young dogs.
Always make sure your dog is comfortable by checking on them often. Placing a covering, such as a towel, between your dog and the heating pad is usually the best option. Applying heat to your dog for longer than 30 minutes is generally not recommended, while your dog might benefit from as little as 10 minutes.
You may create a low-cost heating “pad” at home by heating a moist towel in the microwave. Keep in mind that your dog will find it too hot when you remove it if it is hot to the touch. You can apply the warm, damp cloth straight to a sore joint. The same goes for rice or maize kernels; keep them away from the dog, as well as hot water bottles. For your dog’s arthritis pain, warm therapy works great—but it’s important to use warm, not hot, therapy.
If you are interested in more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace or treatment for your dogs leg injuries please contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
Dogs undergoing physical therapy sessions can heal from wounds or surgeries more swiftly and with wider range of motion. Additionally, visiting a canine rehabilitation therapist doesn’t cost much.
Although it’s incorrect to refer to professionals who help humans as “physical therapists,” canine rehabilitation therapists offer the same services to dogs. With the increasing availability of dog physical therapy, some veterinarians have pursued post-doctoral studies in acupuncture, chiropractic, pain management, and other rehabilitation modalities.
For instance, the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) provides information on the efficacy of this method for managing pain and function loss resulting from disease or injury to veterinarians, veterinary surgeons, and pet owners. In an effort to better serve the special needs of working and athletic animals, including those with chronic conditions like arthritis and neurologic impairments, the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation was established more recently.
Dog physical treatment typically starts with a referral to a canine rehabilitation therapist if your veterinarians do not specialize in rehabilitation themselves. These experts complete credentialing programs that concentrate on canine anatomy and physiology, common medical conditions and injuries, assessment methods, pain recognition, and rehabilitation programs to obtain credentials like CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) and CCAT (Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist). Among the therapies they provide are:
It’s crucial to remember that the field of canine rehabilitation treatment is evolving quickly due to the availability of new technologies and methods as well as ongoing research, which makes continuing education and staying up to date for rehabilitation therapists essential.
Dog physical therapy can be used to treat both acute and chronic diseases, much like comparable human treatments. A canine rehabilitation therapist may be able to assist with techniques, specialized equipment, and at-home exercise routines if your dog is in pain, has lost strength or flexibility, has an uneven gait or loss of balance, is recuperating from an accident, injury, surgery, or illness, or has chronic symptoms that interfere with favorite activities.
Certain therapies call for tools that you may use at home, like ramps, platforms, balance pads, cushions, and discs. Clinic consultations are necessary for other equipment, like swimming pools, treadmills for dogs, and electronic/magnetic gadgets.
In order to ensure that their dogs have comprehensive physical assessments and that the therapist can contact the veterinarian with any necessary medical treatments or diagnoses, the majority of canine rehabilitation therapists choose to collaborate with veterinarians. Meanwhile, other dog owners have put together their own teams for physical therapy, working directly with holistic practitioners such as massage therapists, chiropractors, and canine acupuncturists. Go to AHVMA.org, the website of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and select “Find a Member” to locate veterinarians who specialize in nutrition and complementary therapies that improve healing and rehabilitation.
A physical examination, which includes noting the dog’s stride, movement, structure, flexibility, strength, muscle tension, sore spots, and mobility, is the first step in seeing a canine rehabilitation therapist. The therapist will have time to get to know the dog and owner, go over the owner’s improvement and treatment objectives, and talk about the dog’s medical history and behaviors during what may be an hour-long session.
It could be beneficial to record your dog walking or moving in various directions both inside and outside as canine rehabilitation specialists concentrate on mobility and movement. Include the dates, diagnoses, and treatments of any specific illnesses, injuries, or incidents that have impacted mobility in your documentation.
The primary objective of the first visit is to create a strategy using the technology, tools, and therapies that are suitable. This frequently includes the suggestion of certain workouts to improve the muscles weakened by disease or trauma. Usually, these are made specifically for the patient to incorporate into an at-home workout regimen. Dogs that are healing from surgeries or accidents, or whose hind legs are weakening, may find that at-home exercise is very beneficial.
A follow-up plan can contain notes to distribute around family members to ensure that everyone can take part in the rehabilitation process and encourage the dog’s progress. This way, everyone in the family can help your dog heal.
Your dog’s progress will be meticulously documented by your canine rehabilitation therapist, who will also keep track of the specific therapies your dog has received, evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation plans, create exercise schedules that you and your dog can follow at home, schedule check-ups to record the healing process, and assess your home for any potential effects on the dog’s functional status.
Costs for veterinarian visits vary based on the type of treatment required, the therapist’s training and experience, and the location. Individual treatment sessions can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 or more, and initial consultations usually run between $100 and $200. The number of sessions needed for treatment determines the overall cost. Costs can be cut by using do-it-yourself therapies and home fitness regimens.
As long as the dog is insured prior to being sick or wounded, several pet insurance companies will pay for holistic and alternative therapies, including canine rehabilitation. For this reason, insurance specialists advise getting coverage for young, healthy dogs well in advance of the onset of any pre-existing conditions that might prevent coverage.
You understand the value of rehabilitation therapy if you have ever worked with a physical therapist following a disabling injury or illness, a broken bone, or a torn ligament. When the time comes, as an informed pet owner, you can be prepared to provide the same hands-on care for your dog by locating a canine rehabilitation therapist.
For more information on your dog physical therapy and how our Posh Dog Knee Brace helps in your dogs recovery contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook page.
After knee injury surgery, custom braces can benefit your dog and in certain cases, can take the place of surgery.
It has been ten years since WDJ investigated the nonsurgical treatment of knee ligament problems, or “conservative management” (see “Saying ‘No’ to Surgery,” February 2010). Since then, there has been an increase in consumer demand for alternative therapies, such as the usage of custom-designed knee braces, even though surgery is still by far the most common therapy for knee injuries.
Canine ligament injuries are so common that almost every veterinarian has seen one. A dog may be completely unable to bear weight on the limb, exhibit a noticeable limp, or show signs of hind-leg lameness, depending on the severity of the damage. A partial or complete tear of a ligament could be the injury.
The terms “torn ACLs” and “bad knees” are well-known in the canine community. Knowing what these terms represent will be helpful if your dog sustains a knee injury that needs to be treated by a veterinarian.
The phrase “canine cruciate ligament disease” refers to a number of injuries that can harm a dog’s knee in this article. In general, the phrase uses the word “disease” appropriately because most dog knee ligament ruptures occur during normal exercise, despite the fact that the majority are the result of catastrophic injuries.
Additionally, several studies indicate that the majority of knee ligament injuries are caused by chronic degenerative changes within the ligament, as stated in an article titled “Review of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs” that was published in the World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings in 2011.
Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that strengthen and support joints by joining bones to cartilage.
With the patella (kneecap) in front and the fabella (a tiny bean-shaped bone) behind, the stifle (knee) joins the tibia (leg bone) and femur (thigh bone). Ligaments hold everything in place while cartilage (the lateral and medial meniscus) cushions the bones.
Within the knee joint, the cranial (front) and caudal (back) cruciate ligaments cross. The tibia cannot move out of place beneath the femur because of the cranial cruciate ligament. While the words “cranial cruciate ligament” (CCL) and “anterior cruciate ligament” (ACL) are used in veterinary medicine and human medicine, respectively, they relate to the same ligament and are used to characterize knee injuries in dogs.
Despite the fact that radiographs, or x-rays, do not show soft tissue and cannot be utilized to distinguish between a partial and total tear or diagnose cruciate injuries, they are frequently used to screen for cruciate ligament illness. However, they can rule out other illnesses that might be the source of leg discomfort, such as bone cancer. Dogs rarely undergo advanced imaging tests like MRIs because they are costly and necessitate anesthesia, even though they can show tears in the ligaments.
The “drawer test,” which involves a veterinarian holding the femur in one hand while manipulating the tibia in the other, is the primary diagnostic method for CCL rips. Should the tibia be able to be pulled forward, as though opening a drawer, there has been a tear or rupture in the cruciate ligament. nervous patients may be anesthetized prior to the drawer test since it can be inconclusive if the stiff muscles of a nervous dog briefly stabilize the knee.
Another test for ligament damage is the tibial compression test, in which the dog’s ankle is flexed with one hand while the femur is kept steady with the other. The abnormal forward movement of the tibia is caused by a damaged ligament.
According to a recent estimate that has been cited by a number of veterinary websites, over 600,000 dogs in the US undergo cruciate ligament surgery annually.
Canine cruciate ligament disease risk factors include genetics, obesity, poor physical condition, conformation (skeletal shape and structure), age of the ligament (degeneration), and breed, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (acvs.org). Rather than being ruptured due to an acute impact to an otherwise healthy ligament, most ligament ruptures occur as a result of slow, subtle degeneration that has occurred over months or even years. Between 40 and 60 percent of dogs with damage to one cruciate ligament later have damage to the other knee. According to the ACVS, if a partial cruciate ligament rupture is not treated, it is likely to eventually become a full tear.
According to the ACVS, CCL injuries can occur in dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages, although they are most frequently seen in Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Akitas, Saint Bernards, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.
There is a significant correlation between neutering before one year of age and ruptured cruciate ligaments. The study “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence” (Benjamin Hart, et al.) was published in the journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science on July 7, 2020. It revealed that early neutering of male Bernese Mountain Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Miniature Poodles; male and female German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers; as well as female Saint Bernards and Australian Cattle Dogs significantly increased risk of cruciate ligaments.
The study’s conclusion was, “A likely mechanism related to disruption of the closure of the long-bone growth plates by gonadal hormone secretion as the animal approaches maturity is related to early neutering may cause a joint disorder.” According to our theory, neutering a dog well before the growth plates close allows its long bones to grow slightly longer than average. In some cases, this can cause enough joint alignment problems to cause a clinically noticeable joint condition.
Similar findings were observed in mixed breeds, particularly for dogs weighing 44 pounds or more and neutered before one year of age, according to a related study, “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for Mixed Breed Dogs of Five Weight Categories: Associated Joint Disorders and Cancers” (Frontiers of Veterinary Science, July 31, 2020, Benjamin Hart, et al.).
There is nothing owners can do to reverse a dog’s neuter status, but there are plenty of things we can do to save our vulnerable pets’ knees. Excessive body weight and poor physical condition are risk factors for the development of canine cruciate ligament illness, as stated on the ACVS website. Pet owners have the ability to alter each of these aspects. Maintaining a lean body mass requires careful meal control, regular exercise, and consistent physical conditioning.
Custom braces—which go by numerous names including knee, stifle, ACL, or CCL braces—are made by several manufacturers using various materials and techniques. Braces are also made to fit the hocks, hips, ankles, and wrists of dogs.
In order to assess how strong the brace needs to be in order to support the dog’s weight and activities, as well as any unique features the brace might need, the first step in designing a bespoke brace is to analyze the patient’s size, breed, medical history, activity level, and environment.
Next, casts or detailed measurements create a model of the dog’s knee. The last step is to schedule a fitting visit, where any necessary modifications are performed and images and videos of the dog exercising while wearing the brace are taken.
The dog wears the brace during the day after a break-in period. “Most dogs put it on in the morning and take it off in the evening before bed,” the owner says.
The majority of custom brace designs are based on leg models that were cast at the client’s house or in a veterinary clinic using supplies supplied by the brace maker. For the purpose of designing the brace to fit, the resultant cast is supplied together with supporting measurements. Castings that are damaged during shipment or that were made erroneously may require repeat castings. The visit raises the price of the brace if it is performed at a veterinary facility.
The 77-pound Golden Retriever Pasha, then 11 years old, suffered a left hind leg injury that led to the creation of the Posh Dog Knee Brace seven years ago. Pasha’s veterinarian determined that he had a torn meniscus and a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. He advised surgery immediately once, stating that if the damage was not repaired, Pasha would suffer a similar lesion to his right leg, develop severe arthritis, and be unable to live an active life again.
Although Jim Morison and Beth Scanlon, who live in Florida, could afford the $5,000 surgery, they were concerned about Pasha’s age and past medical history, which included a bad anesthetic response. Pasha’s recuperation started when they ordered a custom-made knee brace rather than arranging surgery.
Although Morison was pleased with Pasha’s development, he felt that the brace might be made better in a few areas. He started creating modifications and, in the process, established his own knee brace business, which he called Posh after one of Pasha’s pet names. Pasha was swimming at the beach and running through tide pools six months after donning her upgraded brace, and she was fully recovered in nine months.
“We now use a different design, but we started with the type of brace that requires a casting mold,” says Nikki Bickmore, lead veterinary technician at Posh, who also manages the service department and production.
“Posh assembled a group of orthotists and veterinarians to create a new system that would do away with casting,” Bickmore adds. As a result, the brace has many padding layers and is semi-rigid rather than hard plastic, allowing it to adapt to the dog’s muscles as they contract and flex. The only brace that incorporates double-reinforced hinges from the Tamarack brand, positioned on two layers of plastic, to strengthen the brace at important stress locations is ours. The brace fastens with quick-release microbuckles, which are common in expensive snow and water sports gear, and fits without causing any rubbing, irritation, or slippage.
Ordering is sped up and slowed down by using measurements rather than casting to create a replica of the dog’s leg. Most braces come within a week after precise measures are given, but buying takes longer since clients need to watch instructional videos and take measurements with two individuals during a live video conference while a veterinary technician watches over them. A Posh vet tech must supervise the fitting of a brace during a second video chat before it can be worn.
The fact that our braces fit well and are simple to use is what most people appreciate about them, according to Bickman. They appreciate that our solution uses buckles and straps instead of Velcro, which can tangle in a dog’s hair. Because we use a soft shell instead of a hard one, the brace is more pleasant to wear, has greater range of motion, is long-lasting, and is very simple to clean.
Three-year-old Howdy, an Australian Cattle dog, was born with incontinence, spina bifida, and nerve damage in his hind end. Bickman states, “He’s a favorite of the Posh staff.” He was adopted by Alicia McLaughlin at the age of six months. Shortly after, he had a tear to his CCL and also had a luxating patella. Many believed that he ought to be put to death, but thanks to bracing, Alicia, and a lot of love and patience, he is now happily living in the country in New York.
Don’t think that just because your dog starts favoring one leg over the other, the issue will go away. That could be, but it could also be a sign of cruciate ligament damage. To be sure, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Both surgery and brace use need to be carefully considered. The proper usage of the custom-fitted braces discussed here requires time and attention commitments, and they are not cheap. Not every owner or dog is a suitable candidate for bracing. Information collection and a realistic grasp of the issues at hand are essential for making wise judgments.
For more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
Absolutely, custom-made braces can be a great solution for dogs with a torn ACL (also known as the cranial cruciate ligament or CCL). Here are some points to consider when looking for a brace for a dog with a torn ACL:
Your dog’s veterinarian might suggest surgery if he/she tore his/her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). That may cause stress for your wallet, your dog, and you. You may be wondering if you can give your dog appropriate comfort and care while using an ACL dog brace in order to avoid surgery for your dog’s torn ACL. Indeed you can, but only if you get your dog a quality ACL brace, like our Posh Dog Knee Brace.
If you’re wondering if your dog has an ACL tear, the symptoms of an acute rupture are quite typical. Usually, the dog yells and stops bearing any weight on its rear leg when it is running and playing. The dog will frequently still walk around but may sometimes run on three legs and hike up or hang the injured limb.
For the majority of cruciate tears, surgery in the form of a tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is the best course of action; however, ACL braces are also showing to be an effective remedy.
Dog owners who participated in a study comparing TPLO surgery and custom stifle orthotics reported high levels of satisfaction with both procedures. The phrase “custom stifle orthotics” was used in the study. You might be tempted to order an all-dog cloth brace online in an effort to get one quickly and at a low cost. Your dog doesn’t require that in order to support its torn ACL. Your dog requires a specially made brace composed of durable material. Although many excellent companies make custom braces for a dog with an ACL tear, Posh Dog Knee Brace is a good option to take into consideration.
Restoring stifle joint stability is the aim of treatment for your dog’s torn ACL. The famous “drawer sign,” which happens when the veterinarian holds the femur in place while the tibia can be pulled forward like a sliding drawer, is caused by your dog’s unstable stifle due to the loss of an intact ACL/CCL. It’s a sign that the CCL has ruptured. Pain results from this laxity, which also promotes the growth of osteoarthritis.
It follows that neither braces nor surgery are a quick fix. A brace may occasionally be recommended by a veterinarian to aid in your dog’s recovery following surgery or be recommended as a alternative option instead of surgery as well.
Whichever approach you decide on, consult your veterinarian or one of our Posh Vet Tech for advice and direction as you help your dog heal as well as to ensure that you have the right diagnosis.
If you think a brace might be a good option for your dog, contact us today via our contact form or call us at 509-412-3065. You can also visit our Facebook Page.
