Dogs’ ACL Tears and Braces to Help Them

Like humans, our beloved pets, like dogs, get into accidents that may lead to injuries. Canine injuries that hit their knee joints are especially concerning because they affect daily activities like walking, running, jumping, and playing. The most common injury is an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear.

The damage to your dog’s ligaments could be due to various, including strenuous activities, obesity, and age. Some breeds are also more at risk of ACL tears, like large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, St. Bernards, and Rottweilers.

The symptoms might range from limping, difficulty in standing, or complete lameness, depending on the severity of the tear. If you observe any of these symptoms, it is always recommended to visit your veterinarian.

Concerns On Surgeries

When an injury like an ACL tear happens, a dog will need some rest, immobilization, and often surgery. Yet, concerns are usually raised, especially for old dogs undergoing anesthetic surgery.

Though dogs are never too old to receive the best care possible, the estimated risk of anesthetic death increases seven times for dogs older than 12. This is due to the natural physiological deterioration that arises with age.

Your veterinarian might not deem surgery to be necessary for some situations. Some dogs, especially the smaller ones, can heal within 3-6 weeks with support or immobilization. Due to these concerns, other non-invasive options, such as a Hero brace or orthopedic braces and supplements, are available with your veterinarian’s approval.

You must be careful to select knee braces designed to support your dog’s structure and way of moving or walking. You wouldn’t want to strap in props that will make them suffer more than they already have; thus, being meticulous is a must.

General dog knee braces in different sizes are available in the market, but having a custom-made brace would offer greater comfort and the best chances of recovery.

When are Braces Advised to Be Used?

It is essential that before deciding on the best possible care to give your dog, you must always consult and consider the assessments and opinions of an expert like your veterinarian. Though some situations may give you more room to decide on several options, you can use braces in these conditions:

• ACL tear of the knee, as approved by your veterinarian
• Back leg limping or fatigue.
• Strain or sprain of the knee joint
• Knee stabilization
• Post-operative recovery support
• Arthritis

What Type of Brace Should You Get?

There are various kinds of dog braces depending on what body part your dog needs: wrists, knees, ankles, etc. Dog braces often come with two material types, fabric and plastic.

The usual fabric used for a brace is soft neoprene wrap made of stretchy, soft materials which are comfortable to wear. These are breathable, providing stability to your dog’s legs without sacrificing flexibility. These braces are best for minor injuries, strains, sprains, or mild arthritis support.

These wraps are not designed to be of help to a specific injury, and they have limited sizing options. For this to fit, your dog must fall within a specific size range. That’s why very small or very large breeds won’t likely be able to fit into these braces. Your dog’s unique shape is not considered in making these braces, so the fit isn’t always guaranteed.

On the other hand, plastic braces made from medical-grade polypropylene plastic are more sturdy compared to fabric wraps. Usually, these knee braces include hinges that allow for a full range of motion without sacrificing support.

These braces are usually custom-made to support your dog’s joints, especially since professionals will tailor them to your dog’s specific injury. These are also generally snug with their comfortable padding. These braces are often used for injuries like ACL tears or other severe injuries.

That said, these braces are usually selected for long-term use. Depending on your dog’s situation, you might need to change them to ensure the most significant support and comfort.