Why Dog Knee Braces Are Important For Pre and Post Op Care

Why Dog Knee Braces Should Be Part of Every CCL Treatment Plan

There are an estimated 89.7 million dogs in the United States, and over 2 million of them will suffer a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear. Of those, around 600,000 will undergo TPLO surgery—a costly and invasive procedure.

Veterinarians often recommend TPLO surgery as the primary solution, but they rarely discuss pre- and post-operative care in detail. Most dogs are simply prescribed pain medication while waiting for surgery, which can take months due to the limited number of veterinary orthopedic surgeons.

The Problem with Pain Meds Alone

Pain medication may help your dog feel better temporarily, but it can also mask the injury. Without pain as a natural limiter, dogs may continue to run, jump, and play—causing further damage to the already torn ligament.

After surgery, the advice is often the same: rest and pain meds. But keeping a dog calm and inactive for weeks is easier said than done. This lack of structured post-op care contributes to complications in 14–34% of TPLO cases, and 10% of dogs require a second surgery.

How a Dog Knee Brace Can Help

A custom dog knee brace, also known as a stifle brace, can provide critical support both before and after surgery. It works by restricting drawer motion, the primary cause of CCL tears. This allows the ligament to rest and heal while still giving your dog full range of motion for walking and light activity.

Wearing a brace also serves as a physical and mental reminder for your dog to take it easy. When combined with animal rehabilitation therapy, a brace can significantly reduce downtime and improve recovery outcomes.

Faster Recovery, Fewer Complications

Just like in human medicine, combining bracing and physical therapy leads to faster recovery and fewer complications. It’s also worth noting that 30–50% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within two years. That’s because the underlying condition often affects both knees.

Bracing the non-injured leg can help prevent a second tear by stabilizing the joint and reducing stress on the ligament.

A Cost-Effective, Custom Solution

• TPLO surgery: $4,000–$7,000
• Custom dog knee brace from Specialized Pet Solutions: $695

Each brace is 100% custom-made to fit your dog. We start by casting your dog’s leg, then build the brace around that mold. The result is a supportive, comfortable device that helps your dog heal naturally—without the risks of surgery.

Some pet parents choose to continue using the brace during playtime, especially for active dogs, to prevent reinjury.

Let Us Help You Help Them

At Specialized Pet Solutions, we care deeply about your dog’s health and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a pre-surgical solution, post-op support, or a preventative brace for the other leg, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at (509) 934-0067
📧 Email: [email protected]