Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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3:49 pm
Does anyone have experience using a knee brace to help stabilize the knee in lieu of surgery?
Our great dane, Wilson, lost his back left leg to osteosarcoma in April of 2013. He has done quite well with no signs of the cancer returning, but now he has injured his remaining back knee. The vet diagnosed him with a partial ACL tear. He is on Rimadyl and rest. We decided surgery is really not an option given that he is 7 years old and only has 3 legs.
I contemplated a wheelchair
(and actually found a used one that fits), but he mainly sleeps all day. He couldn't sleep in the cart and I'm not sure I would get there in time to put him in the cart each time he gets up.
Now, I am looking at a knee brace. My understanding is he would keep this on during the day and take it off at night and it might help to stabilize the joint. My fear is that his partial tear will turn into a complete tear and, in the absence of a surgical option, that might be the end for him because he wouldn't be able to walk at all :(. Unfortunately, I have to look at costs too and a custom knee brace isn't cheap! especially if it turns out to be not very helpful.
Can anyone share their experience with a knee/stifle brace in the remaining leg?
Does anyone have one they no longer need that might fit a 115pound great dane (he's short for a dane)?
Thanks in advance. I've been reading information on this forum since his diagnosis over a year ago and appreciate it!
Rachel
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