The Science Behind Dog Knee Braces

1. Canine Cruciate Ligament Injury (CCL injury): The one of the most important stabilizers inside the knee joint is the canine cruciate ligament (CCL). It serves many important functions in the joints. Rupture of the CCL is one of the most common reasons for hind limb lameness, pain, and subsequent arthritis. The most common risk factor of CCL injury are poor physical condition and obesity. 
   
   
2. Fractures: A broken bone, or fracture, often occurs due to trauma such as being hit by a car, falling, or fighting with another animal. Fractures usually need emergency veterinary care since they are painful and are often combined with other traumatic injuries, like cuts or scrapes. If your dog has a more severe fracture, also known as a compound fracture, surgery and non surgical option will be helpful.
   
   
3. Luxating Patella: The patella, or kneecap, typically sits above your dog’s hind leg knee in a small grove between thigh and shin. If the patella is luxated, the kneecap has become dislocated or moved out of its normal position. As a result, you may see your dog limping, skipping a step, or running on three legs. The treatment ranges depending on it's severity of the condition.
    
4. Osteoarthritis: It can be very painful and severely limit your pet’s quality of life. Common symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include lameness, being less active, and less interest in playing/hiking/walks. There is no cure for osteoarthritis and reversing the disease process is unfortunately not possible at this point. The best treatment for arthritis is prevention.

The Best Treatment Option

No to surgery? dog knee braces can be an alternative treatment for your dog's leg injury. Knee bracing is relatively new to canine orthopedics and hence there is little scientific evidence available. Most veterinarians are familiar with bracing that are made for a specific dog’s injured leg using modern technologies. The key to success is the brace’s ability to hold the leg in a correctly aligned stable position while allowing the dog to move naturally. 

A dog knee brace can definitely be part of the process, especially when the client is looking at conservative management. And veterinarians and users have seen good results. Dog knee braces for dogs create stability within the joint so the dog can gradually be functional and enjoy life as an active dog. When using a knee brace, over time the body adapts and creates scar tissue. That means, the goal of using a dog knee brace is to provide stability and create scar tissue. 

Dog knee braces can help your dog start the healing process. A custom leg brace or knee brace is designed to provide extra support and stability to the injured area, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort. A dog knee brace often has the ability to be adjusted or modified as the dog’s condition improves, or until they have fully recovered.

It is better to consult with a veterinarian first before choosing a knee brace for your dog. Depending on the issue and the age, breed, and medical history of your dog, experts may recommend any number of possible remedies and a knee brace may be one of them. They can also help to prevent further damage and provide support post-surgery. But still, prevention is a best cure.

The Evidence Behind Dog Knee Braces

Veterinary Evidence Online did an impressive article related of the Dog Knee Braces. On this part, we will show you the evidences and science behind the dog knee braces with the help of VEO's article.

Total Pressure Index
In the unaffected limb, the average total pressure index (TPI%) was 21.6% (range: 14.6%–25.7%), while in the injured limb, it was 13.4% (range: 7.3%–18.8%). When dogs were walked over the pressure mat 90 days or more after the orthotic was implanted without it, the average TPI% was found to be 22.1% (range 19%-25.3%) in the unaffected leg and 15.5% (range 11.7%-18.9%) in the affected limb (p=0.0020). 


There was also a statistically significant increase in affected limb TPI% without the orthotic when compared to baseline data (p=0.0195).


An average TPI% of 21.3% (range 17.7%-24.9%) was detected in the unaffected leg and 18.5% (range 13.9%-22.1%) in the affected limb when dogs were walked over the pressure mat while wearing their orthotic (p=0.0098).


We discovered an average rise in TPI% of 5.1% in the afflicted limb that was statistically significant when compared to the patient's initial appointment when they were using their orthotic. We discovered a statistically significant average increase of 3% in the afflicted limb when comparing the effects of using the orthotic with not wearing it on the patient's final recheck analysis (p=0.0020).


Result
When compared to the baseline, the damaged limb's TPI% significantly increased by 5.1% (p = 0.0020). When the orthotic was removed for the final gait examination, TPI% in the afflicted leg increased by 3% more than it did in the unaffected limb (p = 0.0020).

Owners were asked to complete the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index 90 days after the orthotic placement. The survey was only completed by five of the ten owners. The ability of the patient to walk, trot, gallop, jump, rise, move after extended periods of rest, and move after strenuous exercise were all evaluated by the patient's owners. In all cases, client follow-up (mean, 180 days; range, 90–540 days) showed general improvement in terms of function, demonstrating that patients were able to resume nearly normal (pre–stifle instability) activity levels. Despite the fact that only five out of ten owners completed the survey, all owners said they were happy with the orthotic. Only two of the owners stated the orthotic required minor adjustments after the initial placement and fitting appointment.

The Dog Knee Braces from Tailwindpets

Dog Knee Braces from Tailwindpets can perform different benefits for your dog. It can give fit and support your dog to it's healing process. They are made form neoprene to make your dog feel comfortable. Tailwindpets' dog knee braces are commonly used by many veterinarians on dogs with cases of acl, ccl or general joint problems.