Ready to fit - Performance Dog Stifle Knee Brace (Rear leg)
Ready to Fit - CCL Dog Rear Leg Braces provide a customizable solution for stabilization following injuries and surgery to the Knee (Stifle), and specifically, the Cranial Cruciate Ligament.
CONDITIONS:
- CCL Ligament Tear or Rupture (Most Common use)
- CCL or Collateral Ligament sprains
- Post-Surgical and/or post injury recovery
- Wound management
- Stifle (Knee) Arthritis
- Ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue injuries and fractures
BENEFITS:
- An orthopedic-style dog brace that offers access points after CCL surgery
- Provides functional, active support during rehabilitation after injury or surgery
- Provides functional support alternative to costly CCL Surgery
- Decreases healing time and decreases cost
- Allows the return to improved activity level and near normal joint function
- Allows easier wound inspection
- Relieves stresses on contra-lateral limb
FEATURES:
- Proprietary thermoplastic material can be heated at low temperatures
- When heated in the Caerus Slim Line Heater, or with a hairdryer, the brace conforms to the shape of your dog's leg.
- Cushioning medical grade closed-cell foam eases pressure on affected areas
- Hook and Loop Closure System featuring Fidlock® Fasteners.
- Once a snug fit is determined, the Fidlock fastener eliminates the need to readjust for correct fit every time the brace is applied.
- Made in the USA
- Easy to apply and remove
- Twelve Month Warranty
TECHNOLOGY:
- Fidlock Fasteners are based on a one-of-a-kind, multi-award-winning technology that revolutionizes traditional fastening systems. The result is a whole new dimension in terms of functionality and safety
- Waterproof
- Range of Motion Hinges
- Allow full range of motion, limited range of motion, or a locked position
USE AND CARE
Wipe down surfaces with isopropyl alcohol.
AOC Ready to Fit and Custom Braces are designed to be worn with a snug fit. Wearing loosely will result in friction and skin irritation. The following will serve as a reference reminder when you have a general question regarding the wear and care of your pet’s braces.
Feel free to contact Caerus Animal Rehab with any further questions or concerns about braces:
EMAIL – maryna.matthew@caerusanimalrehab.com
Break-In Period
Similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes, the Braces must be worn in short, increasing increments in order to build up a tolerance to the device. Both the length of the break-in period and the time of each increment will depend on your pet’s diagnosis and should be discussed with your Animal Ortho Care practitioner and/or veterinarian. For best results, place the brace on your pet for only a HALF Hour the first day and increase by half hour per day. If there is any irritation or skin break-down, discontinue use for ONE full day. A short period of time is required before your pet accepts the brace. In order to facilitate your pet’s acceptance of the brace, associate with positive reinforcement, such as a treat.
Skin & Brace Examination
It is of extreme importance that your pet’s skin is inspected thoroughly after every usage. This is especially important during the “break-in period.” The occurrence of skin redness the does not disappear within 20 minutes or evidence of skin breakdown is a sign of excessive pressure. Any unusual marks on the skin, blisters, or excessive wearing of the device should also be noted. If any of the previously stated conditions present, discontinue usage and contact Animal Ortho Care. Keep in mind, it is not uncommon to see minor problems within the first few weeks. These braces can easily be modified to relieve any areas of irritation. It is also important to inspect the brace regularly for any cracks or tears. Padding and Hook and Loop (“Velcro”) can be replaced by contacting Animal Ortho Care.
Proper Hygiene
It is important to keep the both the skin in contact with the brace as well as the brace itself be kept clean. This will reduce the chance of your pet contracting contact dermatitis or other skin conditions. Your pet’s brace should be cleaned regularly using a mix of half water-half alcohol and a clean towel. Use a towel or let the brace dry at room temperature. Do not use a hairdryer to speed up the process. Cotton socks have been provided with Custom Braces only, except for very small braces and stifle (knee) braces, to help with excessive sweating and to keep the device clean. You can wash these with soap and warm water to keep clean. Never put a wet brace or cotton stockinet on your pet. Devices can be worn in the water. They must be thoroughly dried after use, BEFORE re-applying.
Application
Complete Application Steps are found with Instructions accompanying each type of Brace. As a general principle, apply the lower section of Stifle (Knee), Tarsus (Achilles) and Carpal (Wrist) Braces First. Align the axis point of the hinge or Tamarack with the pivot point of the Knee, Achilles or Wrist Joint, respectively. For Ready to Fit Braces with Boa Closures, use your Thumb and Index Finger only to snug fit.
Weekly – Check and Tighten as needed all screws as they may loosen with wear
MATERIALS
- Outer Foam Layer – Loop-backed closed cell foam
- Inside Thermoplastic Layer - Low temperature thermoplastic
- Inner Foam Layer – Triple Thickness closed-cell foam
- Range of Motion (ROM) Hinges and Uprights – Lightweight aluminum
- Fidlock® Fasteners
- Hook and Loop – Highest grip rating
FAQS
What applications are appropriate for this Performance Dog Knee Brace ?
This innovative brace provides prophylactic and rehabilitative support for injuries to the stifle/knee joint and ligament, such as CCL rupture surgical repair. It is indicated for use as an alternative to costly CCL Surgery or when the patient is not a surgical candidate. The brace may also be used as a sophisticated wound management device with access points post-surgery.
What is the difference between the Ready to Fit Performance Dog Knee Brace and the Custom Dog Knee Brace?
The Performance brace is a standard size off-the-shelf brace that offers a customizable solution to injury stabilization following injuries and surgery to the knee (stifle) and specifically the Cranial Cruciate Ligament. It has a 6-18 month treatment time. Sizing is based from measurements of your dog, which are listed on the product page. You may need to make adjustments to the brace in order to fit it properly.
Custom braces are built specifically for an animal. Measurements aren’t needed for this type of brace. Instead you or your vet would take a cast of the area. The cast is then used to build a custom brace.
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 more closely accommodates the range of anatomical variations, making this a truly customizable, off-the-shelf brace.
Should I leave the brace on my dog all day?
We do NOT recommend your dog wear the brace 24/7. At minimum, remove the brace during the dog’s longest rest time and at night. Each dog will be different for how much the brace will be needed.
What if my dog doesn’t like the brace?
Some dogs may need more time to get used to the brace. For initial product break-in and to prevent irritation, start treatment durations by utilizing brace for 30 minutes on followed by 30 minutes off. Gradually increase daily.
I am not sure if I am measuring correctly for a Performance Dog Knee Brace. Can you help me?
There is a video on the product page that shows how to measure. Click the link "How to Measure"
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 to discuss the measurements.
I am having problems getting my dog's knee brace to fit. What do I do?
Please watch our fit video under the Pawcademy section on our website. If the video does not help, we are happy to to help you fit the brace on your dog. Please email maryna.matthew@caerusanimalrehab.com. In the email please describe the issues you are having and also 2-3 photos of the brace on your dog to the best of your ability. This allows us to see what you are seeing, how the brace currently fits on the dog and how your dog’s leg is built.
Can the brace be worn in water?
Yes. We recommend that the brace is fully dried before you reapply the brace.
How to measure your dog's leg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3KGMW6T_ME&feature=youtu.be