Performance Dog Knee Brace | CCL-ACL Stifle | Dog Rear Leg Brace
$325.00
Performance Dog Knee Braces - Order Process
MEASURE
Measure your dog's leg using the measurement guide below.
Purchase
Enter your measurements and purchase your Performance Dog Knee Brace.
FIT
We ship your dog brace based on your measurements. You fit it to your dog's leg, and they are on the way to recovery!
How to Measure Your Dog's Leg
First, find the knee center
To start measuring your dog's leg you will need to find the knee center. First, bend your dog's knee. You will feel two bumps at the front of the knee, one at the top and one at the bottom. The middle of these two bumps is the knee center.
Thigh Length
Measure the distance from the knee center to the bend of the groin.
Thigh Circumference
Measure the circumference midway between the knee center and the bend of the groin.
Tibia Length
Measure from the knee center to right above the hock (the raised area on the back of your dog's ankle).
ORIENTATION
Our Performance Dog Knee Brace provides support and stability for your dog's knee following an injury or surgery.
The combination of customizable straps, secure tensioning D-rings, high-quality motion hinges, and triple-layered cushioning foam provides strong support with a light load on the limb. That helps your dog recover more comfortably and confidently.
Common Conditions That Benefit from a Performance Knee Brace
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tear or rupture
CCL or Collateral Ligament sprains
Post-Surgical and/or post injury recovery
Wound management
Ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue injuries and fractures
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND A CUSTOM KNEE BRACE FOR THE FOLLOWING CONDITION & BREEDS
- The Performance Dog Knee Brace is NOT recommended for Luxating Patella
- The Performance Dog Knee Brace is NOT recommended for the following breeds: Pitbull, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Mastiff, English Bulldog, Terrier, Corgi, Dachshund, Chihuahua, Maltese, or Pug.
If your dog is one of the listed breeds and/or suffers from Luxating Patella, purchase a Custom Knee Brace here.
A dog knee brace is commonly referred to as a stifle, cruciate ligament, or ccl brace.
Benefits of our Performance dog knee brace
- Stabilizes and protects the knee following CCL surgery
- Allows for small ligament tears to heal without invasive procedures
- Improves weight distribution on injured joints
- Provides active support during rehabilitation following injury or surgery
- Can be used as an alternative to CCL surgery, allowing your dog's knee to heal on its own
- Decreases overall recovery time and cost
- Allows your dog to return to improved activity level and near-normal joint function
- Allows for easier wound inspection
- Help to reduce pain associated with injury or chronic pain
- Can be used to prevent injuries by relieving stress on the weight bearing uninjured leg. Typically after an injury, your dog will place more weight on the sound leg putting it more at risk for injury.
FEATURES
CUSHIONING FOAM STRAPS
Our brace is made with medical grade close-cell foam, providing comfort and additional support. The padded foam cushion under each hook and loop tape strap helps prevent irritation and create better grip for the brace. If needed, the straps can be cut down for an even more accurate fit.
Aluminum Range of Motion Hinge
The Performance Dog Knee Brace hinge can be calibrated to allow a full, limited, or locked range of motion depending on your dog's needs. Adjustable screws within the range of motion hinge allow you to ensure a precise fit to the length of your dog's leg.
Moldable Thermoplastic Shell
The shell of our Performance Dog Knee Brace is a durable thermoplastic material that allows you to get an even more customized fit for your dog's leg. You can heat the upper and lower shells with a hair dryer until they soften slightly, then adjust them for a superior fit.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Made in the USA
- Easy to apply and remove
- Waterproof
- 6-Month Warranty for manufacturing defects
TO ACHIEVE THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR DOG'S KNEE BRACE
Adjust screws on hinges
The hinges on either side of the Performance Dog Knee Brace must be adjusted to fit your dog. See below for details.
Align with knee center
The center of the brace is where the circular range of motion hinge is located. Align the center of the brace with the bend of your dog's knee. Ensure that the bottom of the brace is above the dog's ankle. Also ensure that the top of the brace does not go into the dog's groin area.
Trim Padded Straps
If necessary, you can trim the padded straps that lay under the hook and loop tape. Ensure that the end of the padded strap meets - but does not overlap - the edge of the brace when fully tightened. After trimming the padded strap, cover the edges with the provided edge tape.
YOUR DOG'S KNEE BRACE WILL ARRIVE WITH HINGES UNADJUSTED.
ASSEMBLY
• Minimal assembly required
• A Phillips head screwdriver required to adjust hinge screws
• Scissors are required to cut the padded straps
CARE
• Wipe down surface with isopropyl alcohol
USE
Break-In Period
Similarly to breaking in a new pair of shoes, the Performance Dog Knee Brace should initially be worn in short increments as your dog builds up a tolerance to the device. You can facilitate this process by positively reinforcing and rewarding your dog for wearing the brace. For best results, place the brace on your pet for only half an hour the first day. You can typically increase this time by a further half hour each subsequent day. However, the break-in period and time of each increment will depend on your pet's diagnosis. Be sure discuss any changes with your Animal Ortho Care practitioner and/or veterinarian.
If there is any irritation or skin breakdown, discontinue use of the brace for one full day. If irritation continues, contact your veterinarian.
NOTE: PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITH YOUR DOG'S KNEE BRACE THOROUGHLY. INJURY CAN OCCUR IF HINGES AND BRACE ARE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED. ADJUSTMENTS NEED TO BE MADE TO THE BRACE.
ASSEMBLY
- Minimal assembly required
- A Phillips head screwdriver required to adjust hinge screws
- Scissors are required to cut the padded straps
CARE
- Wipe down surface with isopropyl alcohol
USE
Break-In Period
Similarly to breaking in a new pair of shoes, the Performance Dog Knee Brace should initially be worn in short increments as your dog builds up a tolerance to the device. You can facilitate this process by positively reinforcing and rewarding your dog for wearing the brace. For best results, place the brace on your pet for only half an hour the first day. You can typically increase this time by a further half hour each subsequent day. However, the break-in period and time of each increment will depend on your pet's diagnosis. Be sure discuss any changes with your Animal Ortho Care practitioner and/or veterinarian.
If there is any irritation or skin breakdown, discontinue use of the brace for one full day. If irritation continues, contact your veterinarian.
Skin & Brace Examination
It is crucial that you thoroughly inspect your pet's skin after each use of the Performance Dog Knee Brace. This is especially important during the initial break-in period. While it is not uncommon to see minor problems for the first few weeks of brace usage, make note of any blisters or other unusual marks on the skin. In particular, skin redness that does not disappear within an hour after the brace is removed and other signs of skin breakdown are indications of excessive pressure from the brace. The brace can easily be modified to relieve these areas of irritation.
You should also carefully examine the brace itself after each use. Identify any cracks, tears, or areas of unusual wear. If either the upper or lower shell is damage, or the hinge sustains damage or stops functioning, please contact care@aocpet.com to discuss ordering replacements. Consult our warranty terms for other details on the service process.
Hygiene & Cleaning
Both the Performance Dog Knee Brace and areas of skin that come into contact with it must be kept clean. This reduces the chance of your dog contracting contact dermatitis or other skin conditions. Regularly clean the brace with a mixture of half water, half isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, dry with a towel or let the brace dry at room temperature. Do not speed the drying process through use of applied heat, such as from a hair dryer. Never put a wet brace onto your pet, as it will affect the fit. A properly-fitted brace can be worn in water, but should be thoroughly dried after use before re-application.
Applying the Brace
Complete application instructions can be found on the Fitting Instructions tab. As a general principle, apply the lower section of the Performance Dog Knee Brace first. Align the axis point of the hinge with the pivot point of the knee and fasten securely.
Feel free to contact Animal Ortho Care with questions or concerns:
651-440-9321
care@aocpet.com
FAQS
What conditions can this Performance Dog Knee Brace be used for?
This innovative brace provides prophylactic and rehabilitative support for injuries to the stifle/knee joint and ligament. It is indicated for use as an alternative to CCL surgery or when the patient is not a surgical candidate. The brace may also be used as a sophisticated and accessible wound management device post-surgery.
What is the difference between the Performance Dog Knee Brace and the Custom Dog Knee Brace?
The Performance Dog Knee Brace is a standard size, off-the-shelf brace that offers a customizable solution to injury stabilization following injuries or surgery to the stifle/knee, specifically those involving the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL). It has a 6 to 18-month treatment time. Sizing is based on the measurements of your dog, and sizes are listed on the product page. You may need to make adjustments to the brace to ensure a proper fit for your individual dog.
Custom Dog Knee Braces are built specifically for your dog. Measurements are not required for this type of brace. Instead, you or your vet take a cast of the area and that is used to build a custom brace.
If my dog wears a knee brace will it cause further injury?
When worn properly, no. It should actually promote faster recovery. Our Performance Dog Knee Brace is designed to stabilize and support the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL), further building scar tissue that helps heal the tear.
What is unique about the hinge/hub components?
Our patent-pending design provides Range of Motion (ROM) control, Axial Rotation of the Extensions, and Valgus/Varus deviation. This combination capably accommodates a range of anatomical variations and makes the Performance Dog Knee Brace extremely customizable.
Should I leave the brace on my dog all day?
We do not recommend letting your dog wear the brace all day. Time out of the brace allows your dog's skin to recover from any chafing or abrasion regular use may cause. At a minimum, remove the brace during the dog's longest rest time and at night. Each dog will be different in terms of how long they need to wear the brace in a day as well as how much rest they need between uses.
What if my dog doesn’t like the brace?
Dogs will need time to get used to the brace. To prevent irritation and help "break-in" the product, start by utilizing the brace in periods of 30 minutes, with at least 30 minutes of time with the brace off between each use. You can gradually increase the time the dog wears the brace, but different dogs will acclimate to it at different rates.
I am not sure if I am measuring correctly for a Performance Dog Knee Brace. Can you help me?
Please contact us at 651-440-9321 or care@aocpet.com so we can walk you through the process.
When ordering a Performance Dog Knee brace, my dog’s measurements don’t show up in the ranges it gives me. What does this mean?
Please contact us at 651-440-9321 or care@aocpet.com so we can discuss your options.
I am having problems getting my dog's knee brace to fit. What do I do?
Please email us at care@aocpet.com. In your email, please describe the issue(s) you are having and include 2-3 photos of the brace fitted to your dog to the best of your ability. This will allow us to see what you are seeing, how the brace currently fits on your dog, and how your dog's leg is built. That information gives us the best chance of helping you find the perfect fit!
Can the brace be worn in water?
Yes, the brace can be worn in water. However, we recommend you remove the brace after your dog leaves the water. Then let the brace dry fully before you reapply it to your dog.
Product
Details- SIZES
- INJURY SEVERITY
- ACUTE INJURIES
- PRE-OPERATIVE
- POST-OPERATIVE
- LUXATING PATELLA
- CHRONIC
- TREATS KNUCKLING
- TREATMENT AREA
- TREATMENT TIME
- ACTIVITY LEVEL
- SUPPORT LEVEL
- AVAILABILITY
- COLORS
- PRICE
Custom
Brace- BUILT TO SIZE
- moderate-severe
-
-
-
-
-
-
- all areas
- lifetime
- high
- high
- made to order
- color options
- $$$
PERFORMANCE
Ready to Fit Brace- MD | LG
- mild-moderate
-
-
-
- -
-
- -
- rear legs
- 6 - 18 months
- medium - high
- medium - high
- in stock
- black
- $$
EMbrace
Support- SM | MD | LG
- mild
-
-
-
- -
-
- (toe-up)
- hock, carpal, toe-up
- Up to 6 months
- low-med
- low-med
- in stock
- black
- $
