When my Rottweiler partially ruptured her CCL, the last thing we wanted to do was put her through surgery.
Our original plan was regenerative cell therapy. However, by the time we’d be able to do that, the tear was full. So as it turned out, surgery was what we did.
However, what if regenerative treatment or surgery isn’t a good option for your dog?
Dog CCL injury conservative management
Conservative management of knee injuries in dogs includes
- activity restrictions
- physical therapy
- pain management
- adjunct therapies
Braces or wraps can be instrumental in achieving better joint stability while it heals.
Further reading: CCL Tears Conservative Management
CCL braces
We did a lot of research into non-surgical options for Jasmine’s knee injury. One of the things we considered was a stifle brace. When I searched for stifle braces, I had a picture in my mind. Except I wasn’t finding any. Some of the products I came across I wouldn’t even recognize as being a brace!
If a brace requires tying over the back, how could it stabilize anything?
Then I stumbled upon the OrthoPets’ stifle brace.
Now, that one looked like what I thought it should! I read all I could about it,, but I still had questions. I ended up talking to the founder of OrthoPets and asked a lot of tough questions. All his answers really impressed me. Should we have gone with the brace option, this would be the one we’d use.
The braces are adjustable and custom based on a mold of the leg. In addition, they used diabetic foam to identify areas of pressure to fine-tune the fit. Overall, they’ve put a lot of thought and ingenuity into it.
The cast molding process looks a bit scary,, but I’m sure your veterinarian could handle that just fine.
The original design looked like the brace would be pretty heavy. However, when I got to hold one, it was way lighter than it looked.
Even though we eventually opted for surgery instead, I remained impressed. There are more similar products out there now, better than they used to be. Yet, when considering an orthotic device, Orthopets is the first place I look. Their products are held in high regard by the orthopedic department of Colorado State University (yes, I talked to them then also).
Orthopets
Stifle brace isn’t the only product OrthoPets offer. They provide support devices for many common injuries such as:
- knee injuries
- CCL tears
- luxating patella
- ankle and back legs and paws
- hock/ankle hyperextension
- achilles tendon injuries
- degenerative myelopathy
- wrist and front legs and paws
- carpal hyperextension
- osteosarcoma
- elbows
- elbow dysplasia
- shoulders
- medial shoulder instability
- prosthetic devices
- prosthetics for limb amputations
Further reading: Common injuries and Orthopets orthotic and prosthetic devices
I think that the OrthoPets’ orthotics and prosthetics are well thought out and well designed, and it would be what I’d choose should I need one for our dog. You can view their orthotics and prosthetics options and solutions on their website.
Orthopets teams up with Dassiet
Dassiet
Dassiet is a materials company that was established in 2008. It develops efficient and ecological super materials for various industries, such as health care, sports, and technology. Dassiet’s most recent innovations include support product lines UCAST and UPETS, which will revolutionise trauma treatment for both humans and animals.
Upets
Dassiet and Orthopets joined to combine experience in custom orthoses and material innovation. Their goal is to start by improving veterinary casting, splints, and bandages for safe, carefree orthopedic treatment options.
One thing about bandages and dogs are the inherent risks. Is the bandage too tight? Is the bandaged tissue in trouble and being damaged?
Upets takes advantage of Dassiet’s remoldable, non-toxic and lightweight Woodcast material and patented, breathable, self-cohesive fabric. Say goodbye to old-fashioned bandages and say hello to biomechanical superior option.
Further reading: Dassiet and OrthoPets Collaborate to Provide Safer and Easier Orthopedic Care for Pets
Related articles:
Talk To Me About Dog ACL/CCL Injuries: My Dog Ruptured Their Cruciate Ligament
Canine Rehabilitation Support Devices: Soft Supports and Wraps
Further reading:
Dassiet and OrthoPets Collaborate to Provide Safer and Easier Orthopedic Care for Pets