Dog Knee Braces & Dog ACL Braces in Guelph
If your vet has recommended a dog knee brace for a torn ACL (a canine stifle brace) it’s important to choose one that works correctly to provide reduced pain and improve the quality of your dog’s life.
Get your pet the support they need and contact our team today.
Choosing The Right Dog Brace
If your dog needs support and stabilization due to a knee or ACL injury, you could aggravate the problem further by choosing a dog knee brace that is not correctly fitted.
This could result in further damage to the leg, increased discomfort for your dog, and the possibility of increased vet bills over time.
At Applied Biomechanics we provide customized braces for dogs with a torn ACL, so you know that your canine friend is getting the best treatment available for help with problem knees.
Our Knee Bracing Solutions: Dog ACL Brace / Dog CCL Brace
If your dog has a problem with its knees, then it is most likely related to your pet’s ACL/CCL. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) — which is called the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) for dogs — is a common source of knee injuries for both humans and animals.
Although CCL is the proper canine name for this ligament, you will typically hear vets refer to it as the ACL for convenience, as this is a term that is frequently used when discussing knee injuries for athletes and most people will recognize it.
The ACL/CCL is one of the ligaments that connect a person’s (or a dog’s) femur (thighbone) with their tibia (shinbone) and helps keep the two bones in proper alignment during motion, i.e. walking, running, etc. However, repeated strain over time can cause damage to the ACL/CCL, causing it to rupture and leading to pain, inflammation, and further damage to the knee area.
A dog ACL brace or dog CCL brace can help control the motion of the tibia against the femur and reduce the symptoms mentioned above. A brace can be used in a situation where knee surgery is not possible (due to advanced age or high costs), or it can be used to support recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery and allow healing to take its natural course with a reduced risk of re-injury.
Our Dog Brace Fittings
Lightweight
Many pet owners worry that a dog brace is uncomfortable for their pet and therefore wearing one creates discomfort and distress.
Our braces are made from extremely lightweight material. They not only provide the needed level of support for recovery but are also comfortable and non-invasive to your pet. This makes our custom orthotics the best dog knee brace for a torn ACL.
Adjustable Strapping Accommodates Muscle
Braces provide support to allow your dog to remain mobile while undergoing treatment for a damaged or torn ACL, and can even act as an alternative to surgery.
The custom-made ACL braces for dogs that we fit have adjustable strapping to provide your dog with greater comfort and to allow you to easily remove the brace when your pet sleeps.
Support Movement
The design of our braces also incorporates mechanical hinges that replicate the movement of your dog’s knee joint – so your cherished companion has added support and stability while also enjoying a full range of natural motion.
Other Types of Dog Leg Braces
While knee braces are the most common type of bracing provided for dogs, our team can also provide a range of other canine bracing solutions, including:
- Dog Ankle Braces (Rear Leg)
- Dog Tarsal Braces (Rear Leg)
- Dog Elbow Braces (Front Leg)
- Dog Wrist Braces (Front Leg)
These braces can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as:
- Arthritis
- Collapsed Pastern
- Cruciate Tears
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Dysplasia
- Joint Instability
- Nerve Injury
- And more
While bracing is most often used in the case of chronic conditions, it can also be a helpful way to support recovery after surgery.
Common Signs of Knee Injury in Dogs
Lameness in the rear legs is one possible sign of a knee injury in dogs — and an indication that you should take them to your vet in Guelph for a check-up. Other signs include inflammation and swelling around the knee, a clicking noise in the knee, or abnormal sitting behaviour.
If your dog does have a knee or ACL injury, then your vet may recommend surgery, depending on the age of your pet and their current health condition. Whether you decide to move ahead with surgery or not, a dog knee brace can provide an excellent way to reduce pressure on the knee joint, alleviate pain in the area, and prevent the condition from worsening.
At Applied Biomechanics, we can provide a range of customized leg bracing solutions for dogs, including options for both single and double braces.
Post Surgery Dog Bracing
If your dog has undergone surgery to treat a damaged or torn ACL, a dog knee brace can speed up the healing process.
A combination of rest and controlled movement is the best way to encourage the body’s natural healing process – our customized leg braces support your dog’s ability to move, while also preventing further damage to the body.
By wearing a knee brace, after its operation, your dog will be able to walk more easily and may recover faster as a result.
Depending on a range of factors, including the age and weight of your dog, we recommend continuing to wear bracing for between 8-13 weeks after an operation to treat a torn ACL.