Anna Spangler
Marketing Director & Co-Owner
The Patient
Zipper is a 6-year-old, 18-pound Shih Tzu mix with a right hind CCL tear
Type of Device
Stifle brace
Case Report
As a highly active, energetic dog, Zipper was always on the move until he started having back leg problems. Zipper the Shih Tzu mix underwent knee surgery in 2019 for a Cranial Cruciate Ligament tear (CCL) as well as meniscus damage in his left rear leg. When this spunky small dog incurred another CCL tear 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 custom-made 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. If you have questions about using a brace for the treatment of back leg problems like a meniscus tear or CCL tear in small dogs like Shih Tzus, please contact us today. We’d be happy to explain non-surgical options and our brace-making process.