Veterinary Research on Dog Braces: What Science Really Says

Introduction

Dog knee braces — also known as canine stifle orthoses — have become an increasingly discussed topic in veterinary orthopaedics. Once used mainly as post-surgical aids, they are now considered part of conservative management for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, joint instability, or mobility challenges. As more owners look for non-surgical alternatives, veterinarians are evaluating whether these devices truly improve recovery, comfort, and long-term outcomes.

This article reviews what veterinary research actually says about dog braces. Drawing from published studies, clinical trials, and expert veterinary opinion, we’ll explore how effective braces are compared to surgery, what complications are most common, and which types of dogs benefit the most. You’ll also learn how professionals assess brace fit and use, what current research gaps remain, and how the field of canine orthotics is evolving through technology like 3D printing and digital scanning.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, evidence-based understanding of how dog braces perform in clinical settings — separating scientific fact from marketing claims.

Why Veterinary Research on Dog Braces Matters

Veterinary interest in canine orthotic devices has grown steadily over the past decade, particularly for dogs suffering from cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries — one of the most frequent causes of hind-limb lameness in dogs. Estimates suggest that CCL disease accounts for up to 20% of all orthopaedic cases seen in general practice, affecting both athletic and ageing dogs alike (source). Left untreated, ligament rupture causes joint instability, cartilage wear, and progressive osteoarthritis, leading to chronic pain and reduced quality of life.

Traditionally, these cases have been treated surgically through procedures such as the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) or Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA). However, not every patient is an ideal candidate for surgery — factors such as age, concurrent medical conditions, cost, or owner preference may rule out operative options. In these situations, custom-made stifle braces are emerging as an alternative form of conservative management, offering external stabilisation to reduce joint strain and assist mobility (Dycus & Carr, 2015; Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture).

Because these devices are often marketed as simple, non-invasive solutions, objective veterinary research is essential to evaluate their real effectiveness and safety. Recent studies published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science have investigated outcomes such as weight-bearing symmetry, range of motion, owner satisfaction, and complication rates, highlighting both measurable improvements and the practical challenges of long-term brace use (Rosen et al., 2022; Carr, 2016). These efforts mark a shift away from anecdotal evidence toward data-driven veterinary decision-making, helping professionals and owners understand when bracing is beneficial and when surgical intervention remains the gold standard.

Key Veterinary Studies on Dog Braces

Over the past decade, several peer-reviewed veterinary studies have explored how well dog knee braces perform in real clinical settings. These studies measure both objective outcomes — such as gait improvement and weight-bearing — and owner-reported experiences, helping to build an emerging picture of what braces can and cannot achieve.

Prospective Clinical Trial (Rosen et al., 2022)

One of the most comprehensive investigations to date is a prospective study conducted at Colorado State University, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
In this 12-month trial, 43 dogs fitted with custom orthotic or prosthetic devices were evaluated for improvements and complications.
The researchers found that 100% of dogs with stifle (knee) orthoses showed measurable improvement in weight-bearing symmetry, confirming that custom braces can effectively support functional recovery.

However, 91% of all participants experienced at least one complication, most commonly skin irritation, mechanical failures, or brace slippage during early use. These issues were generally minor and resolved with adjustments or rest periods.
The authors concluded that while braces provide functional benefits, successful outcomes depend heavily on fit, compliance, and ongoing veterinary supervision
(Rosen et al., 2022).

Retrospective Gait-Analysis (Carr, 2016)

Earlier research from Carr (2016) used a retrospective gait analysis to assess the impact of canine stifle braces on cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency.
Ten dogs were analysed using pressure walkway technology, which records how much weight each limb bears while walking.
After 90 days of brace use, all dogs demonstrated significant improvement in the affected limb’s weight distribution — a key indicator of functional recovery and pain reduction.

Although the sample size was small and the design retrospective, the study offered objective evidence that custom orthoses can improve mobility and reduce compensatory overloading on the opposite limb
(Carr, 2016).

Owner-Reported Quality of Life (Lee et al., 2021)

A follow-up survey study by Lee et al. (2021) gathered owner feedback on satisfaction, complications, and observed improvement in dogs wearing orthotic or prosthetic devices.
Most respondents reported improved mobility, reduced lameness, and greater comfort in their pets after brace fitting. However, common issues mirrored those seen in clinical trials — mainly skin sores and occasional brace intolerance.

Owners who received detailed fitting guidance and ongoing veterinary support expressed higher satisfaction and better compliance overall, underscoring the importance of post-fitting follow-up and education
(Rosen et al., 2022).

Case Reports and Emerging Data (Muršec et al., 2025)

More recently, a 2025 case report by Muršec et al. evaluated two dogs with CCL ruptures fitted with custom knee orthoses and monitored over 32 days.
Both dogs displayed improved weight distribution and more symmetrical gait patterns when wearing their braces, supporting earlier findings that braces can restore functional balance.
However, the authors noted that larger, controlled studies are still needed to determine long-term outcomes and joint health effects
(Muršec et al., 2025).

Together, these studies provide a consistent message:
dog braces can improve function and comfort, but results depend on custom fit, compliance, and follow-up care.
While the evidence base remains small, it offers a scientifically grounded foundation for vets and owners considering orthotic support as part of a conservative treatment plan.

Clinical Consensus from Veterinary Experts

While research data on dog braces is still developing, there is a growing professional consensus among veterinarians and orthopaedic specialists on where these devices fit within clinical practice. Across published guidance and practitioner reports, the message is clear: custom braces can be valuable tools, but they are not replacements for surgery in most cases.

When Veterinarians Recommend Bracing

Leading veterinary authorities such as Today’s Veterinary Practice and VCA Animal Hospitals note that braces are typically used when surgery is not possible or not preferred — for example, in geriatric dogs, patients with concurrent diseases, or owners unable to pursue surgical options.
In these cases, custom stifle orthoses can provide external joint stabilisation, reduce abnormal tibial movement, and allow safer mobility during recovery or long-term management (Dycus & Carr, 2015; VCA Hospitals, 2024).

For dogs with partial CCL tears, some clinicians may use braces to delay or prevent surgery, provided the patient’s weight, lifestyle, and muscle tone are well managed. Braces are also used post-operatively in certain cases to limit joint motion and protect surgical repairs during rehabilitation (Carr, 2016).

Surgery Remains the Gold Standard

Both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Today’s Veterinary Practice maintain that surgical stabilisation — such as TPLO or TTA — remains the most reliable method for restoring joint mechanics and minimising long-term osteoarthritis development (Wilke et al., 2014).

Bracing, in contrast, is described as a supportive or palliative option, ideal for conservative cases rather than curative ones. The AVMA Journal notes that while bracing can improve comfort and mobility, it cannot replicate the biomechanical correction achieved through surgery — particularly in large, active dogs.

Complications and Monitoring

Clinical experience and research align in identifying skin irritation, friction wounds, and brace slippage as the most common complications during early use (Rosen et al., 2022).
Practitioners recommend a gradual adaptation period, where the brace is worn for short intervals initially, combined with daily skin checks and routine adjustments.

Veterinarians also stress the importance of professional fitting and owner education, as most negative outcomes arise from poor fit or inconsistent wear. A follow-up plan — including regular check-ups and possible brace modifications — is essential to maintaining comfort and preventing long-term soft-tissue problems (Dycus & Carr, 2015).

The Role of Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Overall, veterinary consensus reflects a balanced, evidence-based approach. Braces are recognised as viable aids for selected cases, particularly when supported by physiotherapy, weight management, and controlled exercise. However, for complete CCL ruptures, meniscal injuries, or working dogs, most clinicians still recommend surgery as the first-line treatment.

As VCA Hospitals summarises:

“A properly fitted stifle brace can improve lameness, but it is not as good as surgery. Meniscal injuries typically require surgical treatment.”
(VCA Hospitals, 2024)

What Veterinary Research Tells Us About Effectiveness

Although dog knee braces have become more common in recent years, scientific evidence on their true effectiveness is still relatively limited. Most of what is known comes from small-scale studies, case reports, and clinical follow-ups, rather than large, controlled trials. Nonetheless, the existing research provides valuable insights into short-term functional improvements and the practical limitations of orthotic treatment.

Evidence Levels and Research Strength

When veterinary studies are ranked by methodological strength, prospective clinical trials provide the highest-quality data, followed by retrospective analyses and case reports.
A recent study by Rosen et al. (2022) reported measurable improvements in weight-bearing among dogs fitted with custom stifle orthoses. Every stifle-braced patient in the 12-month trial demonstrated functional gains — an encouraging result for conservative management.

Similarly, Carr (2016) observed improved pressure distribution in dogs using stifle braces after 90 days of wear. These outcomes suggest that custom bracing can help restore balanced gait and reduce overcompensation by the opposite limb. However, both studies emphasised that sample sizes were small, and long-term arthritic outcomes remain uncertain.

Emerging data from Muršec et al. (2025) support these findings, with two dogs showing improved gait symmetry and weight distribution after 32 days. Although limited, such research contributes to a growing body of evidence that braces may improve function and comfort in selected patients.

Comparing Bracing and Surgery

Veterinary consensus consistently indicates that surgery remains the gold standard for treating full CCL ruptures, as it restores joint mechanics and reduces the risk of progressive osteoarthritis (Wilke et al., 2014).
By contrast, braces aim to control joint motion externally, offering functional relief rather than anatomical correction.

Studies show that while dogs using braces often regain mobility and bear more weight on the injured leg, they may not achieve the same joint stability or meniscal protection as surgical patients (Dycus & Carr, 2015). Bracing is therefore most appropriate for partial tears, non-surgical candidates, or cases requiring temporary support before surgery.

Common Complications and Success Factors

Across all major studies, skin irritation and pressure sores are the most common side effects, occurring in around 50–60% of dogs within the first few weeks of brace use (Rosen et al., 2022). Other issues include brace slippage, mechanical wear, and patient intolerance. Fortunately, most complications are minor and can be resolved with fit adjustments, gradual wear schedules, and regular follow-ups.

Long-term success depends on several factors:

• Accurate casting or 3D scanning for a custom fit

• Owner compliance with daily wear and monitoring

• Integration with physiotherapy and weight management

• Veterinary oversight for adjustments and progress checks

When these conditions are met, research indicates that bracing can deliver meaningful improvements in mobility and comfort without invasive surgery.

Summary Table: Evidence Snapshot

Takeaway

The current veterinary literature supports a measured optimism about dog braces.
Custom stifle orthoses have been shown to improve limb use, comfort, and mobility for many patients, provided they are properly fitted and monitored.
However, the research also reminds us that braces are supportive tools, not curative solutions — and their long-term role in preventing arthritis or replacing surgery remains an area for future study.

Selecting and Using Braces in Evidence-Based Practice

While research confirms that braces can help certain dogs regain mobility, successful outcomes rely on case selection, proper fitting, and compliance. Veterinary orthotic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution — each dog’s condition, activity level, and anatomy must guide the decision-making process.

Clinical Selection Criteria

Veterinary guidelines describe braces as most appropriate for dogs that:

• Have partial CCL tears or early instability rather than complete rupture.

• Are not surgical candidates due to age, concurrent health issues, or owner preference.

• Require temporary support before or after surgery.

According to Today’s Veterinary Practice, a well-designed orthosis can provide stability and encourage safe mobility when surgery is declined, particularly for dogs whose main goal is comfort rather than performance (Dycus & Carr, 2015). Similarly, PetMD highlights braces as helpful options for chronic joint conditions or gradual rehabilitation programmes, provided they are used under veterinary supervision.

Fit, Follow-Up, and Rehabilitation

Research shows that most complications occur within the first few weeks of use, making careful fitting and follow-up critical (Rosen et al., 2022).
A properly fitted brace is typically made from a custom cast or 3D scan of the limb to ensure even pressure distribution and alignment.
Owners are advised to introduce the brace gradually — starting with short daily sessions and increasing wear time as the dog adapts.

Veterinarians should check the fit regularly and examine for skin irritation, swelling, or slippage. Integrating the brace into a comprehensive rehabilitation plan — including controlled exercise, hydrotherapy, and weight management — significantly improves outcomes (Carr, 2016).

The Veterinarian’s Role

Veterinary oversight is central to safe and effective brace use.
The clinician’s responsibilities include:

• Confirming diagnosis through orthopaedic examination or imaging.

• Advising on brace type and manufacturer, ensuring it suits the dog’s biomechanics.

• Coordinating with orthotic specialists for casting and adjustment.

• Educating owners on daily monitoring, cleaning, and signs of discomfort.

As VCA Hospitals notes, a brace should never be viewed as a passive device — it’s a dynamic therapeutic aid that requires proper fitting, supervision, and periodic modifications to remain effective (VCA Hospitals, 2024).

Owner Commitment and Long-Term Care

The most successful brace users are those whose owners are actively involved in care.
Daily observation, patience during adaptation, and cooperation with veterinary guidance are key.
As Dycus & Carr (2015) emphasise, orthotic treatment is most beneficial when viewed as part of a team approach — combining veterinary expertise, owner diligence, and structured rehabilitation.

Takeaway

Evidence-based brace selection isn’t just about the product — it’s about the process.
Dogs experience the best results when the brace is custom-made, fitted by professionals, and supported by a clear follow-up plan.
With these elements in place, canine orthoses can provide safe, functional support and improve day-to-day comfort for dogs unable to undergo surgery.

Excellent — here’s the next section, written in UK English, continuing the professional yet accessible tone with clickable references.
This part explores how veterinary orthotics is evolving through technology and ongoing research.

Future Directions in Veterinary Orthotics

As demand for non-surgical mobility solutions increases, the field of veterinary orthotics is rapidly evolving. Modern design technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes are helping to improve the fit, function, and comfort of dog braces, while ongoing research aims to build stronger scientific foundations for their use.

Advances in Design and Manufacturing

Traditional braces were fabricated from plaster casts and thermoplastics, relying heavily on manual shaping and on-site adjustments. Today, many orthotic manufacturers and clinics use 3D scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) to achieve more precise and reproducible fits.

Customisation can also extend to hinge tension, padding thickness, and moisture-resistant coatings, all of which enhance durability and comfort. These innovations mark a significant step toward making canine orthoses more predictable and user-friendly in clinical settings.

Integration with Rehabilitation and Motion Analysis

Veterinary rehabilitation practices are increasingly combining braces with gait analysis tools, such as pressure-sensitive walkways and motion-capture systems, to monitor recovery progress. Studies in Frontiers in Veterinary Science suggest that integrating orthoses into structured rehabilitation programmes improves long-term joint stability and muscle balance (Rosen et al., 2022; Carr, 2016).

The use of digital tracking allows veterinarians to quantify improvements objectively, rather than relying solely on owner observations. In time, this data may help refine treatment protocols and identify which brace designs deliver the best biomechanical support for different dog sizes and conditions.

Research Gaps and the Road Ahead

Despite progress, experts acknowledge that the evidence base for canine orthoses remains limited.
Most published studies are small-scale, focus on short-term outcomes, and lack randomised control groups.
Larger, multi-centre trials are still needed to assess how braces influence osteoarthritis progression, meniscal protection, and long-term limb biomechanics (Rosen et al., 2022; Carr, 2016; Dycus & Carr, 2015).

Another area of active research is material science — developing lighter, breathable composites that reduce skin friction without sacrificing support. The integration of smart sensors for real-time pressure monitoring and activity tracking may also redefine how clinicians assess brace performance.

As the field matures, collaboration between veterinarians, engineers, and rehabilitation specialists will be key to transforming canine orthotics from a supportive option into a fully evidence-based therapeutic discipline.

Takeaway

Veterinary orthotics is advancing beyond handcrafted aids into a data-driven, technology-enhanced field.
With innovations in scanning, design, and materials, future braces are likely to be more accurate, comfortable, and scientifically validated.
However, continued research — not marketing — will determine how far these devices can go in improving mobility and quality of life for dogs with orthopaedic injuries.

Future Directions in Veterinary Orthotics

As demand for non-surgical mobility solutions increases, the field of veterinary orthotics is rapidly evolving. Modern design technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes are helping to improve the fit, function, and comfort of dog braces, while ongoing research aims to build stronger scientific foundations for their use.

Advances in Design and Manufacturing

Traditional braces were fabricated from plaster casts and thermoplastics, relying heavily on manual shaping and on-site adjustments. Today, many orthotic manufacturers and clinics use 3D scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) to achieve more precise and reproducible fits.

According to Tailwind Pets (2023), digital fabrication allows each brace to be modelled directly on the dog’s limb scan, improving symmetry and pressure distribution. Combined with 3D printing, this approach enables faster turnaround, lighter materials, and fewer re-fittings — major advantages for both clinics and owners.

Customisation can also extend to hinge tension, padding thickness, and moisture-resistant coatings, all of which enhance durability and comfort. These innovations mark a significant step toward making canine orthoses more predictable and user-friendly in clinical settings.

Integration with Rehabilitation and Motion Analysis

Veterinary rehabilitation practices are increasingly combining braces with gait analysis tools, such as pressure-sensitive walkways and motion-capture systems, to monitor recovery progress. Studies in Frontiers in Veterinary Science suggest that integrating orthoses into structured rehabilitation programmes improves long-term joint stability and muscle balance (Rosen et al., 2022; Carr, 2016).

The use of digital tracking allows veterinarians to quantify improvements objectively, rather than relying solely on owner observations. In time, this data may help refine treatment protocols and identify which brace designs deliver the best biomechanical support for different dog sizes and conditions.

Research Gaps and the Road Ahead

Despite progress, experts acknowledge that the evidence base for canine orthoses remains limited.
Most published studies are small-scale, focus on short-term outcomes, and lack randomised control groups.
Larger, multi-centre trials are still needed to assess how braces influence osteoarthritis progression, meniscal protection, and long-term limb biomechanics (Rosen et al., 2022; Carr, 2016; Dycus & Carr, 2015).

Another area of active research is material science — developing lighter, breathable composites that reduce skin friction without sacrificing support. The integration of smart sensors for real-time pressure monitoring and activity tracking may also redefine how clinicians assess brace performance.

As the field matures, collaboration between veterinarians, engineers, and rehabilitation specialists will be key to transforming canine orthotics from a supportive option into a fully evidence-based therapeutic discipline.

Takeaway

Veterinary orthotics is advancing beyond handcrafted aids into a data-driven, technology-enhanced field.
With innovations in scanning, design, and materials, future braces are likely to be more accurate, comfortable, and scientifically validated.
However, continued research — not marketing — will determine how far these devices can go in improving mobility and quality of life for dogs with orthopaedic injuries.

Conclusion

Veterinary research on dog braces has made meaningful progress over the last decade, revealing both promise and limitations. Across clinical trials, retrospective analyses, and owner reports, the evidence consistently shows that custom-made canine stifle orthoses can improve mobility, reduce lameness, and increase comfort for many dogs.

However, these benefits come with important caveats. Studies such as Rosen et al. (2022) and Carr (2016) report that up to 91 % of dogs experience minor complications, most commonly skin irritation or brace slippage. With professional fitting, gradual adaptation, and veterinary follow-up, these problems are usually manageable — but they underline that braces are active medical devices, not quick fixes.

Major veterinary authorities including VCA Hospitals (2024) and Dycus & Carr (2015) stress that surgery remains the gold standard for complete CCL ruptures and cases involving meniscal damage. Braces are best reserved for partial tears, non-surgical candidates, or rehabilitation support, where comfort and mobility are the main goals.

For owners, the key to success lies in commitment and collaboration — working closely with veterinarians, monitoring skin and fit daily, and integrating the brace into a broader rehabilitation plan. For veterinarians, the challenge and opportunity ahead is to continue building the evidence base through standardised studies and technology-driven data collection.

Ultimately, dog braces offer a valuable, science-backed option for improving quality of life in selected patients — a bridge between conservative care and surgery that must be guided by research, not marketing.