Patient: Zipper is a 6-year-old, 18-pound Shih Tzu mix

Diagnosis: Right hind CCL tear

Type of Device: Stifle brace

Case Study: As a highly active, energetic dog, Zipper is always on the move. He underwent knee surgery in 2019 for a Cranial Cruciate Ligament tear (CCL) as well as meniscus damage in his left rear leg. When he injured his right CCL in 2021, his family wanted to try to avoid surgery. From their previous experience, they knew the surgery recovery period was difficult for Zipper and there was the financial cost to consider as well.

Zipper visited My Pet’s Brace for an evaluation for a custom knee brace in February of 2021. A cast was taken of his leg and he returned a week later for the fitting of the device.

Zipper wore his knee brace for eight months. The knee brace helped to prevent the tibial thrust which promoted scar tissue formation. As his pain decreased, his weight bearing on his injured leg increased and the muscle mass in his thigh returned. His family said, “Zipper is back to running and jumping and the doctor is very pleased with his progress.” He loves going on walks and playing fetch brace free.

Watch him enjoy a walk eight months post brace.