Custom Braces For Pets
Did you know that surgery for CCL tears isn’t the only option? A custom knee brace can help stabalize the knee joint resulting in reduced pain, reduced inflammation, improved stability, and improved function.
We’ve helped countless dogs with CCL tears get back to their favorite activites with a custom knee brace.
Check out our blog post to learn more about how these devices work
Knee Braces for CCL Tears
Backed by Research
There are several studies on custom knee braces which demonstrate their effectiveness for treating CCL tears. In conjunction with a customized rehab program dogs can get back to running, jumping, and playing without surgery!
Other Braces
We can also get your dog fitted for custom devices to treat other issues. The most common devices we do include carpus braces (wrist) , tarsal braces (ankle), and prosthetic devices for limb amputations or deformities.
Carpal Orthotics
Carpal orthotics are used to stabilize the carpal joint in the front leg. These may be used after a hyperextension injury or for dogs with ligament laxity causing weakness in the joint.
Tarsal Orthotic
Tarsal orthotics are used to stabilize the tarsal joint in the back leg. These are most often used for injuries to the achilles tendon, but can also be used for other injuries to the tarsal joint.
Prosthetics
Prosthetics are used to allow more normal movement for dogs with amputations or limb deformities. These highly customized devices can give dogs back their mobility. These are best for dogs with some residual limb (not full limb amputation).
Our Process for Custom Devices
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We start with an initial consultation for your pet. We will do an orthopedic and neurological exam and assess whether your pet is a good candidate for a device. We will review the different options available to you, go over cost, and help you make the right decision for your pet.
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Once you decide to have a custom device made for your pet, we will need to take a cast mold of the leg to send to the orthotic company. Sometimes this is completed during the initial consultation and other times we do it at a follow up appointment. For most dogs we can do the casting at your home, but some animals may require more asisstance. If that’s the case, we will coordinate with your veterinarian to set up a casting at the vet clinic. The casting is painless and takes about 30-45 minutes. We also collect photos, videos, and measurements.
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We will send the cast mold off to the orthotic company for fabrication. Turn around time varies but is typically 2-3 weeks. Once the device arrives back to us we will schedule a fitting appointment. In this appointment we will check the fit of the device, make any necessary adjustments, go over how to put the device on, review wear schedule, taking care of the device, and other things to watch for as your pet adapts to their new device.
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An important part of orthotics and prosthetics is teaching your pet to move in their device. We will practice and help your pet learn to walk, nagivate stairs, jump, play, and run in their new device.
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Adjustments are an expected part of the process with custom veterinary orthotics and prosthetics. While the device is custom made using 3D modeling, the fit is not always perfect. There are some adjustments that are simple and can be done by Dr. Kirsch. More complicated adjustments may require sending the device back to the orthotic company. Turn around time for adjustments is typically faster than the original fabrication time.
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It is very important that in conjunction with a custom device, your pet is doing therapy as well. We focus on helping to decrease pain and inflammation, restoring normal joint motion and flexibility, and strengthening specific muscle groups to help your pet get back to all the things they love to do.
