Patient: Rozzie is a 5-year-old Labrador Retriever and Ruger is a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever

Diagnosis: Rozzie had a right CCL tear and Ruger has bilateral CCL tears

Type of Device: Three stifle braces

Case Report: Rozzie and Ruger are siblings, not biologically. Rozzie was diagnosed with a partial CCL tear in December of 2020. As a Veterinary Technician, Rozzie’s owner decided a custom knee brace was a better option for her recovery than the surgery. Their veterinarian took the cast of Rozzie’s leg and mailed it to our fabrication center in Morgantown, PA. The completed brace was shipped to Rozzie in January of 2021.

Rozzie wore her knee brace for ten months for up to 18 hours a day. She no longer wears the brace day-to-day, but continues to use it when she is being active as extra support. These days, Rozzie wears her brace when she is playing frisbee, dock diving, enjoying the snow and kayaking with her family.

In January of 2022, Ruger tore both of his CCLs. Ruger’s family was so pleased with Rozzie’s recovery, they decided to pursue custom bracing for both of his legs. As they live within driving distance of the My Pet’s Brace Pittsburgh facility, they visited our clinic for the casting process. Ruger’s completed braces were shipped to him earlier this month.

Ruger is to wear one knee brace for approximately one week, gradually increasing the time he wears it each day. Once he is acclimated to the first brace, he can begin the break-in process with the second brace. The two braces do not attach to one another. Activity level is to be restricted for the first two to three months, with short, leashed walks every day.

Rozzie, Ruger and their family look forward to when everyone’s knees are healthy and they can enjoy their activities as a group.