Knee Joint Brace (Orthosis) for Dog or Cat
When to Use a Knee Brace or Orthosis for Dogs and Cats
1. For Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injuries
The ZooLila knee brace stabilizes the joint in cases of partial or complete CCL tears, as well as conditions such as patellar luxation, osteoarthritis, arthritis, and joint instability.
It supports the hind leg while allowing relative freedom of movement — especially important for active dogs.
2. As an Alternative or Supplement to Surgery
The brace can be used both before and after surgery to provide extra support during recovery.
It may also serve as a non-surgical alternative when surgery is not possible or not recommended due to age, concurrent health issues, or financial limitations.
3. For Rehabilitation and Pain Relief in Chronic Conditions
In cases of osteoarthritis or arthritis, the gentle compression of the brace improves circulation, increases local warmth, and helps reduce pain.
The ZooLila brace allows pets to move with less discomfort and slows down the progression of degenerative changes.
4. When Surgery Is Not an Option
For dogs and cats who cannot undergo surgery, the ZooLila brace helps improve quality of life and mobility.
However, it is important to remember that without surgery, joint instability may persist, which increases the risk of arthritis.
Design and Features of the ZooLila Knee Brace
Material: Made of soft, elastic neoprene that ensures a snug but comfortable fit.
Outer Layer: Loop fabric compatible with Velcro fasteners for easy adjustment.
Reinforcements (Stays):
Small & medium breeds – one reinforcement.
Large breeds – two reinforcements.
Shape – boomerang design at a 140° angle.
By default, the stays are rigid for maximum stability.
In certain cases, if recommended by a veterinarian, they can be made semi-flexible with motion limiters to control the range of movement.
Attachment System:
Stays are attached to the neoprene “pants” with Velcro and reinforced with strong straps for secure fixation.
Harness & Suspenders: Connect the brace to the pet’s body and prevent slipping.
Counter-Fixation:
An optional connection to the opposite leg for balance and additional stability.
How to Take Measurements for a Dog or Cat Knee Brace
To take accurate measurements, you will need a soft measuring tape.
Your pet should be standing upright on four (or three) legs so that the measurements are as precise as possible.
If your dog or cat does not allow you to measure the injured leg, you can take the measurements from the healthy one.
Important: The measuring tape should fit snugly against the body without pressing too tightly. This ensures the measurements are accurate while keeping your pet comfortable.
- ОШ (Neck circumference) — measure around the neck at its widest part, approximately where a collar usually sits.
- ВГ (Chest height) — measure the distance from the base of the neck to the base of the chest, placing the tape between the front legs.
- ОГ (Chest circumference) — measure around the chest at its widest point, just behind the front legs.
- ОТ (Waist circumference) — measure around the body at the waist, just in front of the hind legs.
- ОБ (Thigh circumference) — measure around the widest part of the upper hind leg.
- ДХ (Withers-to-chest length) — measure along the back from the neck circumference line to the chest circumference line.
- ДБ (Thigh length) — measure along the hind leg from the groin to the knee.
- ДГ (Shank length) — measure along the hind leg from the knee to the hock (heel joint).
- ДТ (Back length to waist) — measure along the back from the chest circumference line to the waist circumference line.
- ОК (Knee circumference) — measure around the knee of the hind leg.
- ОС (Hock circumference) — measure around the hind leg at the level of the hock (heel joint).
- ШЖ1 and ШЖ2 (Abdomen width) — measure across the abdomen at two points:
ШЖ1 — front point between the intersections of the groin and the legs
ШЖ2 — rear point between the centers of the thighs
Note: Minor errors in circumference measurements are not critical. The two measurements that must be taken accurately are thigh length (ДБ) and shank length (ДГ).
Examples of Taking Measurements
You can send us photos of your pet’s measurements as shown below. This allows us to make the knee brace as accurately as possible according to your measurements, taking all the nuances into account.
ДБ (Thigh length) (between the purple points)
ДГ (Shank length)
Thigh length+Shank length together
ОШ (Neck circumference)
ОГ (Chest circumference)
ОБ (Thigh circumference)
ОК (Knee circumference)
ОС (Hock circumference)
ДТ (Back length to waist) (red line)
ОТ (Waist circumference)
Important Recommendations for Taking Measurements
Consider Deformations
If your pet has any deformations, be sure to mention them when placing the order. Take a photo and, if necessary, measure the affected area. This will help us create a knee brace that fits your pet perfectly.
Combining with Paw Support
In some cases, a knee brace needs to be used together with support for the toes or paw, for example in cases of:
- Numbness in the toes or paw
- Ligament tears
- Refusal to put weight on the paw
- Wear on the paw’s underside
Such a model may include an adjustable elastic strap, which can be tightened and secured by yourself or with the help of a veterinarian.
Reinforcements (Stays)
All braces come with removable reinforcements that can be positioned for your pet’s comfort. Most often, the stays are rigid boomerangs with a 140° angle. However, flexible stays that allow knee movement are also available. The choice of rigid or flexible stays should be agreed upon with your veterinarian.
Protection Against Chewing
If your dog lives outdoors, in a kennel, or tends to chew the brace, we recommend using a veterinary collar to protect the device.
How to Put a Knee Brace, Orthosis, or Support on a Dog or Cat
1. Separate the Brace Components
You will receive the brace assembled. First, detach the “pants” (main part) from the harness with suspenders.
2. Put on the Harness
Place the harness on your dog so that the fasteners and suspenders are positioned on top.
3. Prepare the “Pants”
Open the pant legs and connect them on the dog’s back, lightly fastening the Velcro (do not tighten completely yet).
Make sure the loops for the suspenders face toward the dog’s head.
4. Wrap the Knee
Wrap the leg with the pant leg so that the knee bend aligns with the bend of the reinforcement stay.
The bends of the knee and the reinforcement should face toward the dog’s head.
The reinforcement stays should be parallel to each other.
If the design includes two stays on either side of the leg, place the shorter one toward the groin (between the legs).
5. Fasten the Pant Legs
Close them with the Velcro straps, snugly but without excessive pressure.
6. Adjust the Tension on the Back
Tighten and secure the buckle on the back.
7. Attach the Suspenders
Connect the harness to the “pants” using the suspenders. Adjust their tension so that the brace does not slip or pull too tightly.
With accurate measurements, we can easily make the right product for your pet.
If you have any doubts about the measurements you took, we can guide you to take them online via Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, or Messenger.
Measurements can also be taken at most veterinary clinics in your country by prior appointment.
If the measurements turn out to be incorrect and the product needs adjustments, we are always happy to help. You won’t pay anything extra for the adjustment — only for shipping the product both ways.
We also truly appreciate video and photo feedback 🙂
Wishing good health to you and your pets!
Contact ZooLila
+380 93 512 75 74
infozoolila@gmail.com
Monday - Friday: 10AM to 7PM
Saturday - Sunday: closed
Delivery: by Nova Poshta to WHOLE WORLD
Customer pick up: unavailible at the moment
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Individual entrepreneur Viktoriia Melnyk
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