Canine CCL Injury Relief: Choosing the Right Knee Brace for Dogs

Americans love pets, whether its for support or as part of the family. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), about 85 million families have a pet in their household. Dogs are a popular choice because of their loyalty and usefulness. However, dogs have injuries too.

CCL Injuries

The Canadian Veterinary Journal maintains that the rupture of the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is still the leading problem for dogs all around the world. It makes movement very painful for the dog and may even result in him being unable to walk. There are several options available. Some people prefer giving their pets a dog knee brace. Others opt for surgery. Whatever they choose, it is not 100% certain that the dog will recover. Like this injury on people, care and treatment are vital for a full recovery.

One significant factor in choosing what treatment to give our dogs is the cost. The annual veterinary care for dogs cost from $200 to $400. It can go higher for emergencies like a torn CCL. Not all families can afford what this type of surgery will set them back. A CCL surgery can cost from $1100 to $4500.

Getting a Knee Brace

A dog knee brace is a cheaper option. It acts as a CCL brace for dogs to make it easier for them to balance their rear end. It also prevents them from further injuring their CCL. From the moment this injury happens and nothing is done, three things happen. First, the muscles in the affected part become weaker for lack of exercise. Second, you will see signs of arthritis, which will further hinder movement. Last, there is a significant chance that the other CCL will also be injured because of the uneven support that the dog can give.

A brace must be lightweight, so it would not be too hard for the dog to lift the leg. It should also be easy to put on a dog’s leg and should be waterproof. Swimming is one of the things dogs love to do.

Early knee braces employed straps attached by Velcro; this is good for the short-term, but it eventually weakens. If this happens, it will spell disaster for your dog. Any knee brace should be stable for a long time to avoid any injury to the other CCL. The kind of brace that dogs need should be strong, durable, and can withstand a lot of pressure. Make sure that the brace is the right fit, so take careful measurements of your dog’s leg.

Of course, your dog would not be used to walking with the knee brace at first. It might be necessary to take your dog for a short walk on a leash to help it get accustomed to the brace. Your dog may be slightly limping because it is not used to the knee brace yet. Just be patient and give it time.

Surgery might not be an option, but giving your pet a dog knee brace is a step in the right direction. It eases the pain and discomfort while walking and still allows the muscles and joints to keep moving. You know what they say, “Happy canine, happy life.”