Custom Dog Knee Brace for CCL/ACL Injuries
A torn cranial cruciate ligament — known as a CCL or ACL tear — is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. If your dog has been limping, favoring one hind leg, or struggling to get up after rest, a CCL injury may be the cause. At SoCal Pet Brace, we build custom knee braces designed and fabricated by a board-certified Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) right here in Southern California.
Unlike mail-order braces that rely on DIY casting kits, every brace we create starts with an in-person evaluation and hands-on casting — right at your home or your vet's office. That means your dog's brace is built from a precise mold of their leg — not a best-guess from a kit you do at home.
What Is a CCL Tear in Dogs?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the canine equivalent of the human ACL. It stabilizes the knee (stifle) joint by preventing the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur. When this ligament tears — either partially or completely — the knee becomes unstable, causing pain, inflammation, and progressive joint damage.
CCL tears don't heal on their own. Without treatment, the instability leads to chronic pain, muscle loss, cartilage damage, and arthritis. Over time, many dogs also injure the opposite knee due to compensating their weight onto the uninjured leg.
Common Signs of a CCL Injury
- Sudden or gradual hind leg lameness
- Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or play
- A "toe-touching" gait where your dog barely puts weight on the leg
- Swelling or thickening around the knee joint
- Sitting with the affected leg extended to the side ("lazy sit")
- Clicking or popping sounds during movement
If your dog is showing any of these signs, your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and imaging to confirm whether a CCL tear is present.
When Is a Custom Knee Brace the Right Choice?
Your veterinarian is the best guide for your dog's treatment plan. Surgical repair — such as TPLO, TTA, or lateral suture — remains the gold standard for many CCL injuries, and we fully support that recommendation when surgery is the best path for your dog.
A custom knee brace can be an excellent option in several scenarios, often as part of a broader treatment plan recommended by your veterinarian:
When surgery isn't an option
Some dogs have health conditions, advanced age, or other factors that make anesthesia or surgery too risky. A custom brace provides the stability these dogs need to stay mobile and comfortable.
Partial CCL tears
Dogs with partial tears may benefit from conservative management with bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification. Your vet can help determine whether this approach is appropriate.
Pre-surgical stabilization
If surgery is scheduled but not immediate, a brace can support the knee, reduce pain, and prevent further damage during the waiting period.
Post-surgical recovery support
After TPLO or other knee surgery, a brace can protect the repair during the critical healing window and support the dog's return to full activity.
Bilateral CCL tears
Dogs who tear both CCLs face unique challenges. Bracing one or both knees can help maintain mobility and quality of life while your veterinary team manages the treatment timeline.
How Our Custom Knee Braces Work
Every dog's anatomy is different — different leg shape, muscle mass, activity level, and injury severity. That's why a truly effective knee brace must be custom-molded to the individual patient. Our process ensures the highest quality fit and function:
In-Person Consultation and Evaluation
Your dog's journey starts with a hands-on evaluation at your home or your veterinarian's office. Dave Kou, CPO, personally assesses your dog's injury, range of motion, gait, and overall mobility. This face-to-face assessment is something mail-order providers simply cannot offer — and it makes a significant difference in brace outcomes.
Precision Casting
We take a physical mold of your dog's leg using the same clinical casting techniques used in human orthotics. Because we do this in person, we can control limb positioning, joint alignment, and cast accuracy — eliminating the guesswork of at-home casting kits.
Custom Fabrication
Each brace is designed and fabricated to your dog's exact anatomy. The rigid shell provides the structural stability needed to control the forward tibial thrust (the “drawer motion”) caused by a CCL tear, while allowing normal flexion and extension so your dog can walk, sit, and lie down comfortably.
Fitting and Adjustment
When your dog's brace is ready, we do an in-person fitting to ensure proper alignment, comfort, and function. We watch your dog walk in the brace, make real-time adjustments, and teach you how to apply and remove it at home. We don't ship you a box and wish you luck — we make sure it works before you leave.
Follow-Up Support
As your dog's condition changes — whether through healing, muscle rebuilding, or weight changes — the brace may need adjustment. We provide ongoing follow-up care to make sure the brace continues to perform as your dog recovers.
Why a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) Matters
Not all pet brace providers have the same training or credentials. Dave Kou is a nationally board-certified Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist with over 10 years of clinical experience, including work at the VA fitting orthotic and prosthetic devices for human patients.
What does that mean for your dog?
When you work with SoCal Pet Brace, you're getting the same level of clinical expertise that goes into human medical orthotics — applied to your dog's specific needs.
Custom-Molded vs. Off-the-Shelf Dog Braces
If you've been researching dog knee braces, you've likely seen a range of options from custom-molded devices to fabric wraps available online. Here's what to consider:
Custom-Molded Braces
Built from a physical cast of your dog's leg. They use rigid or semi-rigid materials to provide true structural support to the knee joint. Because they match your dog's exact anatomy, they stay in place, distribute forces correctly, and provide consistent therapeutic benefit.
Off-the-Shelf Braces
Come in generic sizes and are typically made from neoprene or fabric with Velcro straps. While less expensive upfront, they cannot provide the same level of joint stabilization. For a CCL tear, a soft fabric brace often lacks the structural rigidity needed to meaningfully limit tibial thrust.
The right choice depends on your dog's condition and your veterinarian's recommendation. For diagnosed CCL tears, most veterinary professionals recommend either surgical repair or a custom-fitted orthotic device for effective joint stabilization.
What's Included and What It Costs
We believe in transparent pricing. A custom stifle (knee) brace from SoCal Pet Brace starts at $900, depending on the complexity of your dog's case. That price includes:
- Initial consultation and evaluation — In-person assessment with a CPO
- Clinical casting — Professional-grade mold of your dog's leg
- Custom fabrication — Your dog's brace, designed and built to their anatomy
- In-person fitting — Hands-on fitting with gait assessment and real-time adjustments
- Follow-up adjustments — Ongoing support as your dog heals
There are no hidden fees for casting kits or shipping. We come to you — serving pet owners throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a custom knee brace?
From your initial consultation to brace delivery, the typical timeline is two to three weeks. This includes casting, fabrication, and fitting. If your dog needs a brace urgently — for example, while awaiting surgery — let us know and we'll work to accommodate your timeline.
Does my dog need a veterinary referral?
A referral is not required to schedule a consultation, but we strongly encourage you to work with your veterinarian throughout the process. We communicate directly with your vet to ensure the brace supports your dog's overall treatment plan.
How long will my dog need to wear the brace?
This depends on your dog's specific condition and treatment goals. Dogs using a brace for conservative management of a CCL tear typically wear it during activity for several months. Dogs using a brace for post-surgical support may need it for a shorter period. Your veterinarian can help set expectations based on your dog's case.
Can my dog walk, run, and play in the brace?
Yes. Our custom knee braces are designed to allow normal movement — walking, sitting, lying down, and moderate activity — while providing stability to the injured joint. Most dogs adapt to wearing the brace within a few days.
Will the brace fit if my dog gains or loses muscle?
Muscle changes are common after a CCL injury. Our braces accommodate moderate changes, and we provide follow-up adjustments as needed. Because we see your dog in person, we can make precise modifications that mail-order providers cannot.
Do you serve areas outside Long Beach?
Absolutely. We provide mobile service throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. We come to your home or your vet's office — no need to travel.
Schedule Your Dog's Free Consultation
If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL tear — or you suspect a knee injury — we're here to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your dog's condition, explore treatment options, and find out whether a custom knee brace is the right fit.
You can also call us directly at (562) 257-8389 or learn more about our full range of orthotic services.
Schedule Free Consultation