All Frequently Asked Questions
How Custom Bracing Works
Why is a custom brace used?
Custom orthotic bracing is used to treat injuries, such as canine cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR), and other conditions. Braces provide support and stabilization to the dog’s affected limb, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving mobility and function.
How does orthotic bracing work to treat dogs?
Orthotic bracing for dogs works by providing support, stability, and alignment to the affected joint or limb. Orthotic devices are designed to fit snugly and comfortably around the dog’s body, and they may be made of materials such as plastic, metal, foam, or fabric. The specific mechanism of action depends on the type of orthotic device and the condition it is intended to treat. For example, a leg brace may be used to support a dog’s weak or injured limb, prevent hyperextension or collapse of the joint, or improve weight-bearing and gait.
Orthotic devices may also be customized to address specific anatomical or functional abnormalities, such as a limb length discrepancy, a rotated or twisted limb, or a misaligned joint. In such cases, the orthotic device can help realign the limb or joint and promote more normal movement patterns. Overall, the goal of orthotic bracing for dogs is to improve their mobility, reduce pain and inflammation, prevent further damage or injury, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Is there a difference between custom braces and braces sold online?
Yes, there’s a big difference. Most off-the-shelf braces sold online have limited adjustments so the fit can be difficult. Alternatively, custom braces are molded to each specific animal to achieve optimal fit and function. Custom braces are designed to control the range of motion so the animal can stay active while healing. While the initial cost for custom bracing can be more expensive, the treatment plan is one price, which includes evaluation, casting, fabrication, fitting, office visits and adjustments needed during the recovery program. At Pet Ortho Braces, we encourage pet owners to come in for regular follow ups to achieve the best results.
Do dogs respond well to custom orthotic bracing? What’s the success rate?
In our practice, we have seen a high success rate (90%+) in our patients when they follow proper protocol. The best results are when the device is properly designed and fitted to the dog’s individual needs and condition. Bracing can provide tailored support and stabilization to the dog’s affected limb, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving mobility and function.
Can my dog walk, run or play with the brace on?
Dogs can walk immediately after the brace fitting. Short walks on a lease are encouraged to keep muscle tone and support the healing process. Injured animals should avoid running or jumping while they are healing to avoid re-injury. For optimal results, we recommend no off-leash activities outside the house throughout the recovery process. For cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, the bracing protocol includes wearing a brace for 16 weeks, but this can vary by animal. Dogs can take walks on a leash during the healing process. The brace will slow the dog down slightly, which helps stabilize the limb to avoid re-injury.
How long does a dog have to wear an orthotic brace to be effective?
For injured animals, the recovery time can vary as each case is different. For cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, the typical wearing schedule is 16 weeks with regular follow-up visits and adjustments if necessary.
For chronic conditions, which can be nerve damage, arthritis or other conditions, braces can be worn for the lifespan of the animal.
How are braces customized to each animal?
Custom bracing is designed based on the dog’s specific measurements, weight, and condition, and may include features such as adjustable straps, cushioning materials, and different types of joints or hinges. The custom fit and design can help ensure optimal support and comfort, which can improve the dog’s acceptance and compliance with the device.
Can orthotic bracing be used to treat a dog with carpal hyperextension?
Yes, custom bracing is used to treat hyperextension issues frequently. A custom rigid brace can keep the joints in the correct position to allow the most function with the least pain.
Can orthotic bracing be used to treat a dog with fracture?
Yes, a brace can be used to treat a fracture. This should be closely monitored with your veterinarian and the professionals at Pet Ortho Braces.
Can orthotic bracing be used to treat a dog with a luxating patella?
No, custom bracing typically is not recommended for a luxating patella, as is it difficult to get leverage to hold the patella in place effectively. We recommend you see a rehab veterinarian or surgeon for treatment options.
Can dogs do physical therapy to improve their recovery from injuries?
Yes, we recommend therapy with a rehab veterinarian or physical therapist who specialize in animal therapy. Core therapy treatments include hydrotherapy (underwater treadmills), therapeutic exercises (balance boards, cavaletti rails), laser therapy (photobiomodulation), electrotherapy (TENS/NMES), and custom assistive devices (carts, braces) and injections. Pet Ortho Braces partners with rehab vets and physical therapist in Arizona and can provide resources to our pet owners.
Cost, Insurance & Getting Started
How much does a custom brace cost?
Cost varies based on the type of brace, the materials, and your pet’s specific condition, since every device is custom-molded. We provide a clear quote after your pet’s evaluation, before any fabrication begins, so there are no surprises. As a general guideline, custom bracing can vary from $800 – $1995, which includes evaluation, fabrication, fitting, adjustments and 4 follow up office visits.
Does pet insurance cover orthotic bracing?
Many pet insurance plans reimburse some or all of the cost of custom bracing, especially when it’s prescribed as a non-surgical treatment option. We recommend checking your specific policy and can provide documentation/invoices to support a claim for the pet owner to submit to their insurance plan.
Do I need a referral from my veterinarian before scheduling an evaluation?
A referral isn’t required to book an evaluation, but we always recommend seeing your veterinarian for a formal diagnosis. If your pet hasn’t been formally diagnosed yet, we can do an initial assessment and help guide the conversation with your vet.
What happens during the initial evaluation?
Our certified clinicians assess your pet’s gait, range of motion, and the affected joint, then discuss treatment goals with you. If bracing is the right fit, we move into casting and measurements during that same visit or a follow-up appointment.
What’s the difference between a custom brace and an off-the-shelf brace?
Off-the-shelf braces use generic sizing and rarely fit a dog’s unique anatomy well, which limits how much support they actually provide. A custom brace is molded directly from your pet, so it controls joint motion precisely where it’s needed and is far more likely to be tolerated long-term.
CCL / Stifle (Knee) Braces
Can orthotic bracing be used to treat a dog with torn CCL?
Yes, in fact, this is the most common use we see in our practice. A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. The CCL is a ligament that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and helps stabilize the knee joint. A CCL in a dog is similar to an ACL in a human knee.
For those looking for a non-surgical option, a custom-made knee brace can be used to stabilize the joint, reduce pain and inflammation, and support the dog’s weight-bearing. The brace can also prevent further injury or damage to the joint and provide a non-surgical option for managing the condition.
What are the early warning signs of a CCL injury?
Watch for intermittent hind-limb limping, sitting with one leg kicked out to the side, difficulty rising, decreased activity, or a leg that feels swollen at the knee. Catching it early and limiting activity until evaluation gives the best outcomes.
How does a CCL brace compare to TPLO or other surgical options?
Surgery (like tibial plateau leveling osteotomy or TPLO) and bracing both aim to stabilize the knee, but bracing is non-invasive, has no surgical or anesthesia risk, and can be started right away. Surgery may still be the better option for some dogs depending on condition, activity level, and the vet’s recommendation — we’re happy to discuss both paths with you and your vet. We work closely with veterinary surgeons if you need a referral.
Can a brace help after CCL surgery, not just instead of it?
Yes. Some pets use a stifle brace during post-surgical recovery for extra stability and to protect the other knee while the operated leg heals, since the opposite CCL can be at higher risk of tearing as the dog compensates and uses the other limb more.
I’ve heard that once a dog tears his CCL, they often tear the other side. Is that true? How can it be avoided?
Yes, this is true. Statistically, there is a 50-60% chance of injuring the other side. This can be due to overuse of the non-injured limb as the dog compensates for the injured side, or underlying physical conditions such as chronic ligament degeneration, obesity, osteoarthritis, even inherited anatomical defects. Keeping the animal active as soon after injury can help avoid injuring the other side. This can be addressed by getting your dog into the brace quickly so they can use the affected limb and balance the weight better.
Hock / Achilles Braces
What conditions are treated with a hock brace?
Hock braces address injuries or conditions of the hind, lower limb Braces are commonly used for Achilles tendon injuries, hyperextension of the hock joint, instability, fractures and post-surgical support. The brace holds the joint in proper alignment so the tendon or ligament can heal under load-bearing conditions.
What is a transitional hock brace and why is it used?
For some injuries, a veterinarian may recommend stabilizing the hock brace with fixed brace during the initial weeks of treatment and then modify the brace, utilizing stainless steel joints to allow the dog greater movement with increased range of motion as the muscle strength increases. Our proprietary design allows us to design a brace that can be modified during treatment to optimize outcomes and allow the dog to heal and regain strength gradually. The best outcomes are achieved when your custom brace designer works collaborates with your veterinarian, so please share any notes or contact information to facilitate communication.
Can a torn Achilles tendon heal without surgery?
Achilles tears can be complicated cases, so we recommend working closely with your veterinarian. In some cases, a custom hock brace can stabilize the joint enough for the tendon to heal while your pet stays mobile. Severity matters, so this is always evaluated case-by-case with your veterinarian.
Carpal (Wrist) Braces
What are the most common uses for carpal bracing in dogs?
Carpal limbs are the front (wrists) limbs in a dog. Braces can be used to treat injuries, ongoing conditions or limb deformities. The most common recommended treatments address carpal hyperextension, carpal instability and carpal contractures.
What causes carpal hyperextension in dogs?
Carpal hyperextension can result from ligament injury, repetitive strain, obesity, age-related laxity, or jumping/landing trauma. It causes the wrist to collapse forward under weight, which a custom carpal brace is designed to prevent.
Can orthotic bracing be used to treat a dog with carpal hyperextension?
Yes, custom bracing is used to treat hyperextension issues frequently. A custom rigid brace can keep the joints in the correct position to allow the most function with the least pain.
Can young or growing dogs use a carpal brace?
Yes, though growing puppies need more frequent fit checks since their limbs change quickly. We schedule closer follow-up intervals for younger patients to adjust or refabricate the brace as needed.
Elbow Braces
What elbow conditions benefit from bracing?
Elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, ligament instability, and post-injury support are the most common reasons we fit an elbow brace. The goal is to reduce abnormal joint movement that causes pain and progressive wear. Elbow conditions can be tricky to address with custom bracing due to the animal’s anatomy so we can provide a no obligation consultation to review the specific animal’s case.
Braces for Other Animals
Do you only treat other animals in addition to dogs?
Yes — we fabricate custom orthotics and prosthetics for many species, including cats, horses, goats, and large livestock. We work with several Arizona farm animal sanctuaries. The casting and fitting process follows the same principles as canine bracing, adapted to each animal’s anatomy.
Wheelchairs & Mobility Products
How do I know if my pet needs a wheelchair instead of a brace?
A brace stabilizes a specific joint so the limb can still bear weight; a wheelchair supports a pet whose hind end (or all four limbs) can no longer bear weight independently, often due to paralysis, neurological conditions, IVDD, severe weakness, or degenerative conditions. We can help you determine which — or whether both — makes sense during an evaluation.
What’s the difference between full-support and rear-support wheelchairs?
Rear-support wheelchairs hold up the back end only, ideal for pets with strong front legs and hind-limb weakness or paralysis. Full-support wheelchairs distribute weight across all four limbs for pets with more global weakness, such as advanced degenerative myelopathy. We recommend Walkin’ Wheels animal wheelchairs.
Can a Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair be adjusted as my pet’s condition changes?
Yes — Walkin’ Wheels wheelchairs use a durable, lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum frame with snap-button adjustments, so we can resize the cart as your pet grows or as their condition progresses, without needing a full replacement in most cases.
Does a wheelchair take all of the weight off the animal?
Our wheelchairs are adjustable, allowing some or all of the animals weight to be supported by the chair. For example, a wheelchair can be used to de-weight 50% of the animals weight at the beginning of treatment and be adjusted later, adding more weight bearing to allow the animal to gain muscle strength over time.
What’s the difference between a sling/harness and a wheelchair?
Slings and harnesses are best for pets who can still stand and walk but tire easily or need occasional help (for example, getting up stairs). Wheelchairs are for pets who’ve lost enough mobility that they need ongoing weight-bearing support to get around.
Prosthetics
When is a prosthetic recommended instead of a brace?
A prosthetic is used when part of a limb is missing (due to amputation, congenital deformity, or injury), whereas a brace supports an intact but injured or unstable limb. Our team has over 30 years of experience designing and fabricating custom prosthetics for a range of species.
How much does a dog prosthetic limb cost?
Every case is different since amputations present differently, so we will do a thorough evaluation and discuss options with the pet owner before proceeding. The cost for a canine prosthetic can vary, but typically ranges from $1500 to $3000, including fabrication, follow up appointments and adjustments.
How long does it take for a pet to adapt to a prosthetic limb?
Adaptation time varies by animal, age, and how recently the limb was lost, but most pets show noticeable improvement in use within several weeks of consistent, supervised wear. We schedule follow-up fittings to fine-tune comfort and gait throughout that period.
When is a prosthetic limb NOT recommended for a dog?
Many dogs and other four-legged animals can be high functioning with three limbs and do not necessarily need a prosthetic limb. If a dog is otherwise healthy and maintains an appropriate weight, they can be just fine without a prosthesis. Additionally, if an animal has lived with an amputation for a long period of time without issues, they may not adapt to using a prosthetic if one is attempted. If a prosthetic limb is designed for a puppy, they will likely outgrow it quickly and need multiple adjustments as they grow.
If my dog is facing an amputation and I want to get a prosthetic, what should I do before the amputation?
Consult with Pet Ortho Braces before your surgery so we can consult with your surgeon to keep as much limb as possible to optimize the use of a prosthetic limb. More limb length gives greater leverage for a prosthetic. We provide a no-cost evaluation which can be booked on our website.
For Veterinarians
How can I refer a patient to Pet Ortho Braces?
You can call or text us at 602-456-2511, or have the pet owner book directly through our online scheduling link. We’re glad to coordinate evaluation timing around your treatment plan and keep you updated on fit, progress, and any adjustments.
Do you collaborate with the referring veterinarian throughout treatment?
Yes — we view bracing as a co-managed treatment. We can share evaluation findings, fitting notes, and progress updates, and we’re happy to discuss complex cases directly with you before or during the fitting process. We strongly encourage pet owners to work with rehab veterinarians or animal physical therapists during the recovery process.
Can your team evaluate patients at my clinic instead of your Scottsdale office?
In many cases, yes. We regularly perform evaluations at veterinary clinics throughout the Phoenix/Scottsdale area — reach out and we’ll coordinate a visit that fits your schedule. This is especially helpful for complex cases.
Custom Bracing Process & Care of Braces
What’s the typical timeline from evaluation to receiving the brace?
After casting, fabrication typically takes about 7-10 days, followed by an in-office fitting appointment. From there, our standard healing/adjustment protocol runs about 16 weeks with periodic follow-ups. We recommend follow-up appointments at weeks 1, 4, 8 and 16 after brace fitting.
How do I clean and maintain my pet’s brace?
Wipe the brace with a damp cloth and mild soap, and check straps/padding for wear regularly. Our braces are waterproof and use closed cell foam to avoid water retention. Mild soap or rubbing alcohol can be used to clean the brace and remove odors. We’ll walk you through specific care instructions for your pet’s device at the fitting appointment.
What if the brace needs adjustment as my pet heals or their weight changes?
That’s expected and built into our process — we schedule follow-up appointments throughout the healing period specifically to check fit and make adjustments, whether at our Scottsdale clinic or your vet’s office in the Phoenix area. Our heavy-duty straps are adjustable so they can be tightened or loosened as muscle tone changes.
What if my pet won’t tolerate wearing the brace?
Most dogs tolerate the braces well when the brace is properly applied and our recommended break-in schedule is followed. For animals with sensitive skin or thin fur, we use lambswool or other soft material to avoid skin irritation. We provide a gradual introduction schedule and tips for positive association (treats, short wear periods, supervised time), and we’re always available to troubleshoot fit issues that may be causing discomfort.