My boxer's other knee is lame after ACL surgery. What brace helps?

Unfortunately yes, she could injury it again. There are other causes of injury as well. I recommend to play it safe and have her examined by the veterinarian. The may need to radiograph the legs to check the surgery site. I hope it's nothing too serious. Go ahead and significantly restrict her activity (no walks, running, jumping, stairs) until she gets examined by the veterinarian.

Don't wrap it. Wrapping a knee is hard even if you know what you are doing! The muscles above the knee are so thick that most wraps will slip down and could cause damage. After a few weeks of healing, if Gus is still limping or painful you could discuss an orthopedic wrap or support with your vet. They can be a little pricey because they have to have a perfect fit in order to not cause damage.

Braces are rarely used if surgery is an option. In small dogs, they are not usually needed. Braces can cause some issues because the fit has to be absolutely perfect to avoid rubbing the skin or causing other joint damage. The best thing to do is “bed rest” and pain medications as prescribed by your vet.

Wrapping the leg is unlikely to help and an improperly applied bandage could actually do more harm than good. You could look into a custom brace - these along with physical therapy can be successful although they can cost nearly as much as surgery. Otherwise I’d recommend following your vet’s recommendations for medical management.

I’m a Rehab veterinarian and have found braces and wraps do not stabilize the knee. Leash walk only for potty breaks like you are doing is all you want to do physically. Please give the medication as directed. If there is a rehab facility in your area they can help you with laser treatments for pain and some conservative exercise. If she does too much activity on the other rear leg that CCL can tear also. Surgery is indicated in a dog of that size and age. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Moyer.

I would start by having Josie examined by a vet. Depending on the procedure, she may need a different procedure. Most dogs with one torn ACL will tear the other one within months or a couple years, so odds are that she did the other one. She needs to start with pain medications and rest. Laser therapy and acupuncture are also helpful in healing. A wheelchair won't be helpful unless she can't use the legs at all.

It is true that he will put more weight on his other limbs and that is why 40-% if dogs tear the other. I would also encourage you to start him on fish oils to reduce inflammation as well and a chondroprotectants such as dasequin. Surgery is the absolute best option to reduce the development of arthritis. Happy healing!