The Balto (BT Jump) Cruciate Knee Brace for Dogs

The Balto (BT Jump) Cruciate Knee Brace for Dogs works to stabilise your dog’s knee joint, allowing it to be supported. The Balto (BT Jump) contains removable splints to immobilise the knee to a higher degree than non-splinted products. It’s great for giving cruciate ligament support for dogs that have an injury.

This knee brace for dogs is designed for cruciate ligament injury in dogs, luxation of the patella, knee joint conditions such as arthritis and arthrosis, and angular limb deformities (varus and valgus). The ACL brace for dogs can also be used as an alternative to surgery in some circumstances, and in post-surgery recovery (TTO, TTA, TPLO, De Angelis, tie rope, and extracapsular).

There are two pockets in the brace which contain the removable angled splints, which are laser cut and made of aluminium, which restrict the movement of the knee when necessary. 

This dog cruciate 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 around the knee and reducing the pain caused by these conditions.  

A double version of the brace is also available for dogs with injury to both legs, or to minimise the possibility of injury to the other, good leg - often when there’s been a cruciate injury on one side, the other knee joint structure then suffers, because of the extra stress put on it by compensating for the bad leg.

On the first day of use, your dog should only wear the Balto Jump Cruciate Knee Brace for 30 minutes. After that increase, then increase the amount of time it’s worn by 30 minutes each day. It can take some dogs up to two weeks to adapt and get used to wearing the brace. Using treats once your dog’s walking with the brace on can help. 

Even though the brace is made of breathable material, it shouldn’t be worn for extended periods of time.  It should be removed if your dog is resting or sleeping. Your dog should never wear the brace while unattended as it may bite or chew the brace and damage it. Keep checking for hot spots. 

Your dog should wear the brace while active, including walking, playing, or running.

Measure to ensure that you’ve got the right size first. Remember to choose the side you need by standing behind your dog (so you’re seeing the backs of their ears). Your left is their left, your right is their right.

To fit the brace, it’s easier if your dog is standing. 

1. The abdominal band ensures the brace is at the right height on the leg.  The band should be tight enough that it helps position the knee brace in the right position. Open this band and close it around your dog’s stomach, tightening it so that the brace part is at the right level.
2. Open all the straps of the actual brace. Place the knee brace with the hole centred on the patella.
3. From the top of the brace, start closing all the straps, one at a time. For small breeds (XXS and XS size) there’s only one strap. At this point in the process, you can also tighten the abdominal strap as necessary.
4. An additional collar link - that’s positioned along the back -  is provided. It attaches to the D-ring of a harness, to stop the abdominal belt from sliding around if that’s happening.
5. Your dog’s leg should be straight when lying or sitting down. If the brace has slid down and the knee is flexed when your dog’s sitting or lying, it means it’s too loose.
6. If you notice your dog dragging or lifting the leg with the brace on it, it probably means that the strap closest to the hock (ankle) is too tight and putting excessive pressure on the tendon. Check and loosen it if necessary.
7. Long haired breeds may need to be clipped to ensure the best fit.

Conclusion

The Balto Jump (BT) Cruciate Knee brace is a good all-rounder brace as a dog knee injury treatment, including cruciate ligament problems, arthritis, and can be used pre- and post-operative support.