It can be used both as an alternative to surgery, and in post-surgery (TTO, TTA, TPLO, DeAngelis, tie rope, extracapsular).
BT JUMP has two pockets, which contain two angled splints that restrict the movement of the knee where necessary. An abdominal band ensures the brace is secured at the right height on the leg. An additional “Collar Link” is provided and can be used if needed in order to prevent the abdominal belt from sliding.
The brace can also be used without splints for conditions such as arthritis and arthrosis. This is because the compression it provides increases the blood pressure in the area, thus raising the temperature and reducing the pain caused by the conditions.
Before proceeding with your purchase, please make sure you have taken the correct measurements on your dog as shown below.
If you have any doubt, please contact us by email and give measurements (A, B, h), weight, breed and Height (H : Ground to Top-of-back) of your pet. A picture could help too
Sizes | Circumference A | Circumference B | Front height : h | Weight |
XXS | Less than 15cm / 6in | <5kg / 11lb | ||
XS | 16-18cm / 6.3-7.1in | 5-7cm / 1.97-2.75in | 10cm / 3.94in | <7kg / 13.3lb |
S | 21-25cm / 9.27-9.84in | 8-15cm / 3.15-5.9in | 15cm / 5.9in | 7kg-12kg / 13.3-26.5lb |
M | 26-31cm / 10.24 – 12.2 in | 10-16cm / 3.94 – 6.3 in | 18cm / 7.09in | 12kg-25kg / 26.5-55lb |
L | 29-34cm / 11.42-13.39in | 12-18cm / 4.72-7.09in | 22cm / 8.66in | 25kg-50kg / 55-110lb |
XL | Over 36cm / 14.17in | Not required | 25 cm / 9.84in | >50kg / 110lb |
HOW TO TAKE THE MEASUREMENTS:
ADDITIONAL MEASUREMENTS FOR SMALL BREEDS
Sizes | H |
XXS | < 25cm | 10in |
XS | 25-35cm | 10-13.7in |
S | > 35cm | 13.7in |
IMPORTANT:
EXAMPLE OF BREEDS
**Please Do Not Select The Size Of The Brace Based On These Examples, You Need To Measure Your Dog.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT SIDE
If you are standing behind the dog looking in the same direction then the right leg is the one on the right.
For example the dog on the photo is wearing the brace on its right leg.
THE NEED FOR RIGID SPLINTS IN A DOG KNEE BRACE
Ensuring the stability of the affected part often means aiding recovery.
The 2 angled lateral aluminium splints inserted in the sides of the BT-JUMP Dog Knee Brace restrict movement, as required, controlling the area which needs to be held still, while the abdominal belt keeps the support in place.
Look at your brace and identify the abdominal belt, the collar link and the brace with its straps.
Find the patella or knee cap of your dog. The hole of the brace should be centered on the knee cap of your dog.
Note: It is easier to fit the brace if your dog is standing.
Note: 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 and be putting too much pressure on the tendon, therefore loosen slightly.
ABDOMINAL BELT POSITION
On male dogs the abdominal belt can be positioned in front of the penis or over the penis. The fabric of the belt is soft and comfortable in order to prevent skin irritation. Please check twice a day to ensure a comfortable fit. The abdominal belt is only meant to keep the brace at the correct height on the leg so please do not over-tighten the belt to avoid rubbings.
Please note that overweight dogs can have issues because of the abdomen hanging lower which can apply extra pressure against the belt.
Your pet is in a recovery period so he/she cannot do as much and as long as before their cruciate tear injury. The healing is slow and depends on the level of activity of your dog. Once the knee is stable (surgery or knee brace) the key to a full, strong recovery is to do as much exercises as possible to prevent muscle wastage but while avoiding pain and a flare up. Ideally, look for a canine rehabilitation practitioner with a CCRP or CCRT qualification. They will establish a specific protocol and home exercise program according to your dog’s specific needs and level of recovery.
The level of exercise needs to be progressive.
It is safe to start with slow walks on a short lead for 5 minutes twice a day (straight lines on flat ground is best) then increase the time and type of ground. For small breeds who like to speed up on 3 legs, walking on gravel will slow them down. Weight-shifting exercises are an easy way to remind your dog that they can trust their leg again.
While your dog is standing (brace ON), place your hands around her/his rear then gently push the bottom from left to right very slowly so your dog will have to put their weight on each leg, shifting their weight from side-to-side.
Hydrotherapy is fantastic but swimming is a very fast motion that could damage the joint if done too soon. Start with walking in water first.
Please control the play time with other dogs or yourself. We recommend your dog does not jump or run for 1 to 3 months.
Statistics when using the Balto Knee Brace:
The scar tissue that will stabilise the stifle needs 1 to 3 months to build up in order for the dog to walk without a brace. During this first period we advise you use the brace every time the dog is active. Remove it at night or when the dog is resting.
After this initial period the scar tissue needs another 6 months to consolidate and be strong enough to bear the full weight of an active (running, jumping, turning) pet without the brace. During this second phase, you can use the brace only during times of increased activity (e.g. in a dog park or on long walks)
If necessary, you can wash the brace gently by hand with soap and warm water (Less than 30dg Celcius | 86dg Fahrenheit).
Please make sure the brace is dry before fitting it on your dog in order to prevent infections.
It is very common (50% to 80% of cases) for a dog with a damaged first cruciate ligament on one leg to damage the other one on the opposite hind leg during the immediate months to 2 years.
The Balto knee braces are designed so that 2 simple BT-JUMP knee braces on each side can be used together in a double knee brace.
The exception is the XXS size for smaller breeds as the BT-JUMP-XXS brace is too small to have an internal ring.
WHAT IS A DOG CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY?
The rupture of the cruciate ligament means that the knee joint of your pet is unstable. The instability is triggered each time the dog bears weight on the leg. In the short term the injury is painful and can be swollen, then a lack of activity leads to muscle wastage (atrophy). Within the time frame of a few months to a few years the long term consequences of this instability is the onset of osteoarthritis.
BALTO KNEE BRACE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT TO SURGERY
Your veterinarian can perform surgery and place an internal support (tie rope or screws and plate) to stabilise the knee joint. The knee braces can also bring an external support to settle the joint instability. This is the reason why the BT-JUMP dog knee brace features two splints inserted into a comfortable, padded fabric to provide real support.
BALTO KNEE BRACE AS SUPPORT FOR POST SURGERY
After any stifle surgery on your dog (such as tie rope technique, TTO, TTA, TPLO, D’Angelis, Extra-capsular imbrication technique, luxating patella surgery, Tibial Crest Transposition), the knee is painful and swollen from the implant stabilizing the knee joint. The first 2-3 weeks are delicate and even though the joint is stable, over-activity of your pet could damage the corrective work of the surgery. Some dogs will be easy to manage and some may become restless confined and / or limited to restricted activity. For those canine patients that become too energetic, the use of a knee brace will help support and protect the surgery site.
The brace is then not used all the time but only when you are unable to restrain the activity level of your dog.
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