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Balto – Dog Knee Brace – BT JUMP

$197.00 – $260.00

BT-JUMP is a dog knee brace designed for cases of cruciate ligament, luxation of the patella, knee joint conditions such as arthritis and arthrosis, varus and valgus.

It can be used both as an alternative to surgery and in post-surgery (TTO, TTA, TPLO, DeAngelis).
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Description

Balto – Dog Knee Brace – BT JUMP

 

PURPOSE

The Balto Dog Knee Brace, known as BT JUMP, is specifically designed to address various knee joint conditions in dogs, including cruciate ligament rupture (ACL), luxation of the patella, arthritis, and arthrosis. It serves as an effective solution both as an alternative to surgery and during post-surgery recovery (TTO, TTA, TPLO, DeAngelis, tie rope, extracapsular procedures).

Key Features:
The BT JUMP knee brace features two pockets that house removable splints made of laser-cut alloy. These splints are strategically placed to restrict knee movement and provide stability to the affected joint during the recovery period.

Optimal Fit:
To ensure proper placement, the brace includes an abdominal band that securely positions it at the correct height on the leg. In situations where the abdominal band is not suitable, an alternative “anchor kit” is provided, which can be worn dorsally and attached to the uninjured, contralateral leg. Additionally, an optional “Collar Link” is included to prevent any sliding of the abdominal belt or anchor kit.

Comprehensive Kit:
When purchasing the BT JUMP knee brace, you will receive a complete kit that includes the brace itself, the removable splints, the collar link, the abdominal belt, and the anchor kit. Please note that the anchor kit is not available for size XXS.

Versatile Use:
In addition to its primary purpose, the BT JUMP knee brace can also be utilized without the splints for dogs suffering from conditions such as arthritis. The pressure provided by the brace improves blood circulation, thereby raising the temperature and reducing pain associated with these conditions.

The Balto Dog Knee Brace – BT JUMP offers a practical and versatile solution for addressing various knee joint issues in dogs, promoting their comfort and aiding in their recovery.

SIZES AND MEASUREMENTS

Before making a purchase, it is essential to accurately measure your dog using the guidelines provided below. If you have any uncertainties, please feel free to contact us via email and provide the following information:

  • Measurements (A, H)
  • Weight of your pet
  • Breed of your pet
  • A photo of your dog

Measurement A:

  • Do not measure on the knee or in the groin area.
  • Measure the circumference of the leg at the midpoint between the knee and groin.
  • Ensure the leg is fully extended and the dog is standing. If your dog is experiencing pain and lifting the injured leg, please measure the unaffected leg as a reference.

Measurement H:

  • Similar to measuring a child against a wall.
  • Position your dog against a wall and use a book or object to slide against the rump/lumbar spine (above the hind legs) to make a pencil mark on the wall.
  • Measure the distance from the floor to the pencil mark on the wall.
  • Note: Dogs with a sore leg for an extended period may develop a rounded back to alleviate pain. A relaxation massage can help resolve a rounded back.

If the back remains rounded, please measure H near the base of the tail or provide us with a picture of your dog with the measuring tape next to them.

BT-JUMP-CHART-273x300

Size Circumference A Height H
 Weight
XXS 10-16cm / 3.9-6.3in  20-26cm / 7.9-10.2in 3-6kg / 6.6-13.2lb
XS 16-19cm / 6.3-7.5in 26-38cm / 10.2-15in 5-10kg / 11-22lb
S 21-26cm / 8.2-10.2in 38-48cm / 15-18.9in 10-20kg / 22-44lb
M 26-31cm / 10.2-12.2in 48-60cm / 18.9-23.6in 15-30kg / 33-66lb
L 29-38cm / 11.4-15in 60-70cm / 23.6-27.5in 28-45kg / 61.7-99.2lb
XL 36-45cm / 14.2-17.7in 68-78 cm / 26.7-30.7in 45-62kg / 99.2-137lb

 

EXAMPLE OF BREEDS

IMPORTANT
Note: Please do not select the brace size based solely on the examples below. Accurate measurement of your dog is necessary.
  • XXS (CATS and TINY DOG): Pomeranians, Chihuahuas
  • XS (SMALL DOGS): Jack Russell, Shih Tzu
  • S (MIDSIZE DOGS): Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog
  • M (MEDIUM DOGS): Border Collie, Bulldog, Kelpie
  • L (LARGE DOGS): German Shepherd, Labrador/Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Doberman
  • XL (GIANT DOGS): Bullmastiff, Great Dane, Large Rottweiler, and Doberman…

 

POTENTIAL SIZE INCOMPATIBILITY

Please note that our dog knee brace is specifically designed for dogs with standard leg proportions (size/shape).

It is crucial that all three measurements (A, H, Weight) indicate the same size category according to the provided size chart.

If any of the measurements you obtain do not correspond to the same size category, it may indicate potential size incompatibility. This is particularly relevant for dogs with short legs and large thighs, as they may require special consideration.

In such cases, we kindly request you to email us pictures of the measurements you took, along with the breed and weight of your dog, at support.au@alpha-mobility.com. This will enable us to assess the measurements and provide personalized assistance in selecting the appropriate size for your dog.

Examples of breeds that may require special attention due to potential size variations include Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Westie, Cairn, Basset Hound, and Corgi.

 

CHOOSE THE CORRECT SIDE

IMPORTANT

Please note the following important information when selecting the appropriate side for the dog knee brace:

If you are standing behind your dog and looking in the same direction, the right leg refers to the leg on your right side. Similarly, the left leg corresponds to the leg on your left side.

For clarity, in the main photograph displayed above, the dog is wearing the brace on its RIGHT LEG.

 

THE NEED FOR RIGID SPLINTS IN A DOG KNEE BRACE

One of the key features of the BT-JUMP Dog Knee Brace is the inclusion of two angled lateral aluminum splints.

These splints serve a vital purpose in promoting stability and facilitating the healing of scar tissue around the knee joint during the recovery process.

By strategically placing the splints on the sides of the brace, they provide structural support to the knee, limiting excessive movement and promoting proper alignment. This controlled restriction aids in the formation of snug scar tissue, which is essential for stabilizing the knee joint.

 

FITTING THE BALTO KNEE BRACE

To ensure the proper fit of the Balto Knee Brace, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the different components of the brace, including the abdominal belt, collar link, anchor kit (if applicable), and the brace itself with its straps.
  2. Locate your dog’s patella or knee cap. The hole of the brace should be centered on the knee cap.
  3. It is easier to fit the brace when your dog is standing.
  4. Open the abdominal belt and secure it around your dog’s belly. Adjust the tightness to position the knee brace at the correct level on the leg.
  5. Open all the straps of the brace and place it on the knee, ensuring that the hole is centered on the patella.
  6. Starting from the top, close one strap at a time. Note that smaller breeds (XXS and XS sizes) may have only one knee strap. Adjust the abdominal belt slightly tighter if needed.
  7. When sitting or lying down, your dog’s leg should be straight. If the brace slides down or if the dog flexes its leg while sitting or lying down, it indicates that the brace is too loose.
  8. If your dog tends to lift or drag its leg instead of bearing weight on it while walking, check the lowest strap near the hock. It may be too tight, so loosen it slightly to relieve pressure on the tendon.
  9. For breeds with long hair, clipping the hair may be necessary to ensure a better fit of the brace.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE:

  1. During the period of restraint, avoid leaving your dog alone for extended periods as they may attempt to remove the brace by biting or scratching it.
  2. Be cautious when applying the brace to a male dog to avoid compressing the urethra. Pass the abdominal belt in front of the foreskin to prevent discomfort.
  3. It is recommended to supervise your dog at all times while wearing the brace to prevent damage to the brace or self-injury.

ABDOMINAL BELT POSITION:

  1. On male dogs, the abdominal belt can be positioned in front of or over the penis. The belt fabric is soft and comfortable to prevent skin irritation.
  2. Check twice a day to ensure a comfortable fit. Avoid over-tightening the belt to prevent rubbing.
  3. Overweight dogs may experience issues due to the lower hanging abdomen, which can exert extra pressure against the belt.

OPTIONAL OVERWEIGHT MALE DOG ADAPTOR (ANCHOR KIT):

  1. The Balto braces are designed to fit both male and female dogs.
  2. In cases of overweight male dogs, an optional Male Adaptor is available for use.
  3. Refer to the provided video for instructions on using the Male Adaptor.

 

USEFUL INFORMATION

SURGERY or DOG LEG BRACE – Watch this video

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITY LEVEL

During the recovery period, it is important to adjust your dog’s activity level to aid in the healing process. Here are some recommendations:

  • Consult with a qualified canine rehabilitation practitioner with a CCRP or CCRT qualification. They can create a specific protocol and home exercise program tailored to your dog’s needs and level of recovery.
  • Start with short, slow walks on a short lead for about 5 minutes, twice a day. Walking on flat ground in straight lines is ideal.
  • Gradually increase the duration of walks and introduce different types of ground surfaces.
  • For small breeds that tend to speed up on three legs, walking on gravel can help slow them down.
  • Weight-shifting exercises can be beneficial in rebuilding trust in the affected leg. While your dog is standing with the brace on, gently push the bottom from left to right, encouraging weight-bearing on each leg.
  • Hydrotherapy is a great option, but swimming should be introduced cautiously. Begin with walking in water before progressing to swimming. Monitor playtime with other dogs and avoid jumping or running for 1 to 3 months.

 

FACTORS ACTING ON HOW LONG TO USE THE KNEE BRACE

Several factors can influence how long the knee brace needs to be used:

  • The severity of the tear, whether it is partial or total.
  • The presence of other leg damage, such as collateral ligament or meniscus injuries, patella luxation, or hip, back, or hock strains/sprains.
  • The weight of your dog, with smaller breeds under 10kg generally showing faster improvement compared to larger breeds or overweight dogs.

 

STATISTICS REGARDING THE BALTO DOG KNEE BRACE

  • It typically takes 1 to 3 months for scar tissue to stabilize the stifle, allowing the dog to walk without the brace.
  • During this initial period, it is advised to use the brace whenever the dog is active, removing it at night or during rest.
  • After the first phase, the scar tissue requires an additional 6 months to consolidate and become strong enough to bear the full weight of an active pet without the brace. During this phase, the brace can be used only during times of increased activity.
  • The BT-JUMP-DUAL dog knee brace is designed to lower the risk of a cruciate injury in the second leg, especially for overweight and older dogs.
  • The brace provides external support but can still be chewed or scratched by the dog. Remove the brace when leaving the dog alone to prevent damage.
  • Check your dog’s skin twice a day where it contacts the brace to ensure there are no rubbing or irritation issues. Adjust the straps if needed and reduce brace wearing time to allow irritated skin to heal.
  • Supervision is recommended at all times when the dog is wearing the brace to prevent damage or self-injury.

 

ADAPTATION PERIOD

Most dogs adapt to the knee brace easily within a few minutes or hours. However, if your dog has difficulty adjusting, follow these steps:

    1. Double-check the fitting to ensure it is correct.
    2. Assist your dog with weight-shifting exercises, as described earlier.
    3. Provide treats and rewards to encourage your dog while wearing the brace.
    4. Start with short intervals of 15 minutes, several times on the first day. Gradually increase the wearing time to 1 hour, then 2 hours, 3-4 times a day in the following days.
    5. Alternatively, remove the splints from the brace for a few days while your dog is getting used to the brace, then slide them back inside their pockets few days later.

 

CARING FOR YOUR BALTO KNEE BRACE

If needed, you can wash the brace gently by hand using soap and warm water (temperature below 30°C or 85°F). Ensure the brace is completely dry before fitting it on your dog to prevent infections.

 

SINGLE OR DUAL DOG KNEE BRACE?

The use of a single or dual brace depends on the specific situation and needs of your dog. Here’s some information regarding the choice between a single or dual brace:

  1. It is common for dogs with a damaged cruciate ligament in one leg to also experience a similar injury in the opposite hind leg, with incidence rates ranging from 50% to 80% during the immediate months to 2 years.
  2. The weight of your dog. It becomes more difficult to nurse a heavy when both legs are affected because they are not as easily lifted as small breed dogs.
  3. With age, every dog develop arthritis and while only one leg might be injured, the other one could benefit from additional support, particularly if affected by arthritis.

Balto offers the BT-JUMP knee brace, which can be used as a single brace on each leg. Additionally, these single braces can be assembled together to form a double knee brace called the The BT-JUMP-DUAL dog knee brace.

Exception for smaller breeds: The BT-JUMP-XXS brace, designed for smaller breeds, does not have an internal ring and therefore cannot be used as part of a dual brace config

 

 

UNDERSTAND THE CRUTIATE INJURY AND TREATMENT OPTIONS:

 

 

WHAT IS A DOG CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY?

A dog cruciate ligament injury refers to the rupture or damage of the cruciate ligament in the knee joint of a dog. The cruciate ligament is responsible for providing stability to the knee joint, particularly when the dog bears weight on its leg. When the ligament is ruptured, the knee joint becomes unstable.

The immediate effects of a cruciate ligament injury include pain and swelling in the affected knee. The dog may experience lameness or have difficulty putting weight on the injured leg. Over time, if the injury is not properly treated, a lack of activity and the instability of the knee joint can lead to muscle wastage or atrophy.

However, the long-term consequences of a cruciate ligament injury are even more significant. Without proper stabilization and treatment, the instability in the knee joint can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation in the joint, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

 

BALTO DOG KNEE BRACE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT TO ACL SURGERY

Learn More about all the treatment options for a dog cruciate ligament injury

The Balto dog knee brace, such as the BT-JUMP model, can serve as an alternative treatment to ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery for dogs with knee joint instability. While surgery performed by a veterinarian can involve internal support like tie ropes, screws, or plates to stabilize the knee joint, knee braces offer external support to address joint instability.

The BT-JUMP dog knee brace is specifically designed to provide support to the knee joint. It features two splints made of aluminum that are inserted into the comfortable and padded fabric of the brace. These splints help restrict movement and provide stability to the affected knee, aiding in the recovery process. The brace is adjustable and can be securely fastened using straps to ensure a proper fit.

By using a knee brace like the BT-JUMP, dog owners can provide external support to settle joint instability and aid in the healing process, especially for cases where surgery is not the preferred option or not immediately feasible. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your dog’s specific condition. The veterinarian can provide guidance on whether a knee brace is suitable and effective as an alternative to ACL surgery in your dog’s case.

 

BALTO DOG KNEE BRACE AS A SUPPORT FOR POST SURGERY

The Balto dog knee brace can also serve as a support for dogs recovering from stifle surgery, including procedures such as the tie rope technique, TTO (tibial tuberosity advancement), TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement), TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy), D’Angelis technique, extra-capsular imbrication technique, luxating patella surgery, and Tibial Crest Transposition.

After stifle surgery, the knee joint may be painful and swollen due to the implant used to stabilize the joint. During the initial 2-3 weeks following surgery, it is crucial to ensure the dog’s activity is restricted to prevent excessive stress on the surgical site, which could potentially damage the corrective work.

While some dogs may be easy to manage and naturally have reduced activity levels during the recovery period, others may become restless or have difficulty adapting to restricted activity. In such cases, a knee brace like the Balto dog knee brace can be used to provide additional support and protection to the surgery site.

The knee brace should not be worn continuously but rather used selectively when you are unable to restrain the activity level of your dog. By using the knee brace during periods of increased activity, you can help support the knee joint, minimize the risk of injury, and aid in the healing process.

It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate usage of the knee brace and to receive guidance on post-surgery care and activity restrictions specific to your dog’s condition.

UNDERSTAND THE LUXATING PATELLA AND TREATMENT OPTIONS:

Luxating patella, also known as a floating kneecap, is a condition where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position within the groove of the thigh bone (femur). It is a common orthopedic issue in dogs, particularly small breeds. Luxating patella can cause pain, lameness, and difficulty in walking or running.

While the Balto dog knee brace provides support and stability for dogs with cruciate ligament injuries or post-surgery, it is important to note that it is not considered an alternative to the surgical. The knee brace can provide temporary relief and support for the affected knee, but it does not correct the underlying problem.

The primary treatment for luxating patella is surgical intervention. The specific surgical technique depends on the severity of the condition and other factors. Surgical options may include realignment of the patella groove, tightening or reconstructing ligaments, and addressing any associated abnormalities.

 

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