The Balto® Ligatek is carefully designed to stabilize your dog's post-traumatic or acquired knee joint deficiency. With its adjustable hinges, the user can control the ROM (range of motion), and lock the joint into full immobilization or controlled degrees of flexion/extension. This enables the treatment of a variety of needs in a versatile way. The brace's width and length can be adjusted thanks to our trimmable straps, and the upper and lower padding can be extended or shortened to ensure an excellent fit around the leg.
Brace Applications:
Post-surgical support (for surgeries such as TPLO, TTA, ELSS, and MPL)
Structural support to injured or affected limbs
ROM regulation for specific rehabilitation plans
Acute knee pain or discomfort
Conservative treatment; use as an alternative to surgery for ineligible surgical candidates.
Brace Features:
Four lightweight airplane aluminum splints for support around knee joint
An adjustable external hinge with secure lock technology for a custom range of motion (ROM) setting
Range of motion can be set to a variety of degrees:
Full Joint Immobilization (typically used pre/post-surgically) = 30° Flexion Position (FLEX) / 30° extension position (EXT)
Reduced Range of Motion (ROM) (typically used during rehabilitation) = 75° Flexion Position (FLEX) / 30° extension position (EXT)
Adjustable upper and lower padding straps can be lengthened or shortened on the leg to ensure an excellent fit
Comes in sizes small through x-large, for left and right orientation. To find the best size for your pet, visit the sizing chart here.
Handwashable
Vet approved and preferred
Non-neoprene
All Balto® braces are made from high-quality materials, not neoprene, which is known to: collect bacteria, provide inadequate support, and wear down quickly. A variety of sizes ensure a secure fit. No pinching straps.
Recommended for all ages unless otherwise advised by veterinarians. Apply brace for balanced increments of time, if appropriate, for pets under the age of 2 to prevent possible growth disturbances.
Used to stabilize the knee and provide compression.
Used to stabilize the knee and provide compression bilaterally.
Used to control the range of motion (ROM) and stabilize the knee.
Splints
The aluminum (slightly adjustable) splints are removable.
The aluminum (slightly adjustable) splints are removable bilaterally.
The aluminum splints are not removable, but are adjustable.
Fit
Uses adjustable Velcro for a secure fit and comes with a male and female anchor kit.
Uses adjustable Velcro for a secure fit while the braces anchor together across the back.
Uses adjustable hinges and padding for a secure fit and comes with a kit for setting the range of motion (ROM).
How to Apply Brace
Step 1
Prepare the brace by opening the straps. Place the brace on the leg and position the brace by lining up the central hinge with the knee (patella). The dog needs to be standing with their weight catered (Fig. 1).
Step 2
Adjusting the lower padding (if needed): Use the biggest tool to loosen the two screws. Adjust the height of the padding by sliding it on the guide rail and then tightening the screws (Fig. 2).
Step 3
The lower padding is in the appropriate position when it rests above the knee (patella) without obstructing the joint (Fig. 3).
Step 4
Adjusting the upper padding (if needed): follow the same procedure used for the lower padding (Fig. 4).
Step 5
Adjusting the hinges: Use the smaller tool to adjust the hinges (Fig. 5).
Step 6
Secure all the Velcro straps (starting with the bottom strap) around the leg by passing them through the buckles. Tightly close with the Velcro straps (Fig. 6).
Step 7
Secure the strap over the knee (patella) by moving it slightly upward. The strap over the knee stabilizes the two central hinges during flexion (Fig. 7).
ANCHOR KIT
Step 1
Pass the back strap over the dog’s back, open up the anchor kit, and close it around the top of the contralateral leg. Tightly close with the Velcro strap.
Step 2
The straps and anchor kit are adjustable: Remove the Velcro ends and cut the strap to the desired length. Reapply the Velcro ends and tightly close with the Velcro strap to ensure the brace is stable.
Step 3
Pass the collar strap under the collar or harness and attach the other strap under the back strap.
NOTE: Exchanges and returns will NOT be accepted if the brace is altered.
This brace seems too long/short on my dog.
A great feature of this brace is that it allows you to adjust the height of the brace making it a more custom fit. Watch our video on how to adjust, or reach out for any additional guidance or assistance.
How tight do screws need to be?
Until you meet resistance then stop, do not keep going. Continuing to tighten after feeling resistance can cause the metal to wear excessively over time; leading the brace to not work as intended
I need to replace the straps, can I purchase more?
Absolutely! Visit Brace Parts to purchase separate anchor kits for the brace. Whether your pet chewed on the straps, they were lost, or you accidentally cut too short, spare parts are available for replacement on most braces.
Can I pair the Balto Jump brace with the Balto Ligatek?
Yes! Visit Bundles to purchase the two together. Be sure to select the Ligatek for the knee that needs the more advanced support. Watch our video to see how they can be applied together.
What degree should I set this brace to?
For full immobilization of the joint, we recommend setting at the 30° flexion and the 30° extension. For a reduced range of movement for the joint, we recommend setting at the 75° flexion and the 30° extension. For other degrees, or more custom settings we recommend working with your veterinarian.
A clean brace not only prevents infections, irritation, and a stinky smell; but it also allows your brace to last longer. To help support the longevity of your bracing device, here are some of our tips on how to properly clean your orthopedic bracing:
Remove as much hair as possible from any Velcro® frequently to prevent compaction.
Use lint roller or lightly adhesive tape to remove hair from the material of the brace.
By hand, use warm water and a gentle cleansing soap to remove any stains and odors.
Rinse soap thoroughly from the brace
Hang to dry. Once the brace is completely dry, it is ready for use!
How Do we Stack Up?
US vs THEM
Many Sizes Available
Non-NeopreneMaterial
Stabilization Splints
Wide Size Variety
✓
✓
✓
✓
✗
✗
✓
✗
✗
✗
✗
✗
✗
✗
✓
✗
✗
?
✗
✗
✗
✗
✓
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✗
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See if your pet insurance will cover a prescription for Balto®
Measurement A: Circumference of middle to upper thigh Measurement B: Circumference above the hock Measurement C: Distance between the knee and the base of the hock
SIZE
SKU
WEIGHT
A
B
C
Small
BTLIGATEKL-S (Left)
BTLIGATEKR-S (Right)
10 -15kg
21-25 cm
8-15 cm
11-14 cm
Medium
BTLIGATEKL-M (Left)
BTLIGATEKR-M (Right)
15-30 Kg
26-31 cm
10-16 cm
14-18 cm
Large
BTLIGATEKL-L (Left)
BTLIGATEKR-L (Right)
28–50 Kg
29-34 cm
12-18 cm
15-22 cm
X-Large
BTLIGATEKL-XL (Left)
BTLIGATEKR-XL (Right)
Over 50Kg
36 cm - 45.7 cm
17.8 cm - 22.8 cm
16-23 cm
Measurement A: Circumference of middle to upper thigh Measurement B: Circumference above the hock Measurement C: Distance between the knee and the base of the hock
Instructions for Use
Step 1
Prepare the brace by opening the straps. Place the brace on the leg and position the brace by lining up the central hinge with the knee (patella). The dog needs to be standing with their weight catered (Fig. 1).
Step 2
Adjusting the lower padding (if needed): Use the biggest tool to loosen the two screws. Adjust the height of the padding by sliding it on the guide rail and then tightening the screws (Fig. 2).
Step 3
The lower padding is in the appropriate position when it rests above the knee (patella) without obstructing the joint (Fig. 3).
Step 4
Adjusting the upper padding (if needed): follow the same procedure used for the lower padding (Fig. 4).
Step 5
Adjusting the hinges: Use the smaller tool to adjust the hinges (Fig. 5).
Step 6
Secure all the Velcro straps (starting with the bottom strap) around the leg by passing them through the buckles. Tightly close with the Velcro straps (Fig. 6).
Step 7
Secure the strap over the knee (patella) by moving it slightly upward. The strap over the knee stabilizes the two central hinges during flexion (Fig. 7).
ANCHOR KIT
Step 1
Pass the back strap over the dog’s back, open up the anchor kit, and close it around the top of the contralateral leg. Tightly close with the Velcro strap.
Step 2
The straps and anchor kit are adjustable: Remove the Velcro ends and cut the strap to the desired length. Reapply the Velcro ends and tightly close with the Velcro strap to ensure the brace is stable.
Step 3
Pass the collar strap under the collar or harness and attach the other strap under the back strap.
NOTE: Exchanges and returns will NOT be accepted if the brace is altered.
. We had our doubts with which brace the vet recommended. My understanding is both are CCL
braces. We probably should have got the one WITHOUT the metal brackets... would have gotten more use. Our dog has very long, very thin legs and just couldn't manage the weight of the brace. The brace seems to look as it would work if my dog wasn't so dainty.
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Laura H.Reviewed by Laura H.
Rated 4 out of 5
Good Brace
Good quality brace for my large lab with a CCL injury. Takes a bit of time to adjust correctly to him and for him to adjust to walking with it. Slips down on leg a bit, but probably due to user error!! Overall I’m happy with the Baltic knee brace!
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JacobReviewed by Jacob
Verified Buyer
Rated 4 out of 5
Nice
Good brace helped my dogs torn ccl
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Vita H.Reviewed by Vita H.
Verified Buyer
Rated 2 out of 5
Fitment Issue/Return Policy
The XL was not large enough to properly fit our Great Dane's swollen knee depite measurements indicating it should. After numerous attempts to get her accustomed to it and trying to get it to fit - there was a lot of hair in the velco. I attempted to clean it, but anyone that has tried to get short, fine dog hair out of velcro knows it's nearly impossible. I did not return it because I could not get all the hair out of it and did not want to pay to ship it back and risk not getting a refund. Had it fit properly, I believe this would have been a great product. I will likely donate it to someone else in need of a brace. Our girl has since crossed over to the rainbow bridge, so I can't go back in time to check - but I wonder if perhaps her knee had swollen more from the time I measured and ordered the brace until it arrived a week or so later. Thus, I would suggest changing your instructions to add a "re-measure" step just prior to trying to fit the brace on the dog in case swelling changed the measurements. This might help someone else avoid the fitment frustration and "hair in velcro" that I encountered.
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Stacy and Peter W.Reviewed by Stacy and Peter W.
Verified Reviewer
Rated 5 out of 5
Amazing results
Good morning, I have to share an amazing review of your ligatek brace. Our senior dog tore her CCL and after 4 failed surgeries to try to repair it, we decided to stop torturing the poor girl and go this route instead. I wish we had tried this right away and saved all that money. Its amazing!
We are from Edmonton Alberta, quite a flat area so not too many challenging walks. We decided to head out to the Rockey Mountains for the weekend and go camping. We really put it to the test. We climbed loose rocky inclines, went down loose rocky hills, through muddy puddles (her choice..not mine lol) and in one of the coldest rivers. Without the brace she can barely walk around the yard, and with it we did 5km, 2 days in a row! My husband and I were shocked! And best of all she didn't even need painkillers after.
I am so grateful we found your brace, it has added a quality of life we never thought we would see again. She loves walks and it devastated us to think she would never enjoy another long adventure.
Thank-you!!
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