dog wheelchairs...experience?

Letter of Marque · Post by **Letter of Marque** » April 22, 2005 8:29 pm

My beagle blew out her ACL a few a month ago and had surgery for repair. During her rehab she has apparently blown out the other side by possibly over compensating for the repaired knee. Unfortunately, at this point she cannot stand and support her weight on either of her back legs. I can't get into the vet until Monday, but I've been doing some future planning. I doubt the vet will recommend more surgery, nor am I sure I would want to put the beagle through it since the first effort apparently did not take. I have been doing some research on wheelchairs and adaptive equipment for dogs and am really quite amazed. Since the loss of her back legs would only affect her mobility (there is no internal problems, cancer, brain damage, nerve damage due to trauma etc that may make her quaility of life so low I would have to consider other options) I think the dog wheelchairs or support harness equipment may be the ticket to give her the mobility to do the few active things she does, which are poop, pee, and smell the grass, while she continues with the other activities she enjoys which do not require mobility ie: sleep, and lick people. Does any have any experiences or know anyone that has experience with dogs using adaptive harnesses or wheelchairs. The pictures of dogs being active using the adaptive equipment are quite amazing, I've seen some catching frisbees, digging holes, and playing on the beach. Any thoughts are greatley appreciated as I am quite depressed as I watch my dog try to move and not be able to. thanks

lilcherub · Post by **lilcherub** » April 22, 2005 8:39 pm

I have a dachshund who broke her back 2 1/2 years ago and she lived in a box for 2 months with us taking turns sleeping on a couch beside her. We looked in to harnesses and wheels for her, but forturnately, she has most of her mobility back. Unfortunately, she doesn't have control of her poops and if she is outside, she will pee on her own, but we try to void her bladder 4 times a day. She has a funny little gait, we call it the runway model walk and she can't jump up on things anymore, but she isn't in pain and get along pretty well. I know there are dachshund web sites that offer these little wagons for dogs and there are great. Tomorrow I will try to get in touch with the dogs (I have 3) groomer and ask her about one. She has a friend who used one for one of her dachies. Isn't amazing how much we will spend to keep of little furry children comfortable and with us

I don't have kids and my babies are my life.

balcony girls · Post by **balcony girls** » April 22, 2005 8:41 pm

no actual experience , but my neighbor has a dog that uses one. . it broke my heart the first time I saw him out for his little walk in our park area. .But now he looks like he is having as much fun as everyone else.

I had never seen anything like that before , but just from an observer's point of view . . it seems like a very caring effort on the owner's part .

I think you should be commended for your above normal compassion. .

lilcherub · Post by **lilcherub** » April 22, 2005 8:48 pm

balcony girls wrote:no actual experience , but my neighbor has a dog that uses one. . it broke my heart the first time I saw him out for his little walk in our park area. .But now he looks like he is having as much fun as everyone else.

I had never seen anything like that before , but just from an observer's point of view . . it seems like a very caring effort on the owner's part .

I think you should be commended for your above normal compassion. .

My sister almost cries when she sees my Daphne walking funny and sliding around corners, we have hardwood floors in part of the house, but I tell her, she is happy, she's not in pain and she's alive and she loves life. She is adorable and keeps the other two hoping

Gulfbreeze · Post by **Gulfbreeze** » April 22, 2005 8:54 pm

Ok...*sniff* to the dog stories...I have 2 Maltese and totally understand...I hate to see them even get a splint in their paws...((Paw Power)) if there is such a thing...to L of C and lilC....

captainjoe · Post by **captainjoe** » April 22, 2005 9:12 pm

Remember the tv show "Veronica's Closet"? Her dog was in one - just thought I'd share.

Karin · Post by **Karin** » April 22, 2005 9:15 pm

You are right. Big *sniff* on the dog stories. . but it is such a caring solution for a pet. They are not at all inexepensive. . but anyone that has a pet would think it is well worth the money.

You may have seen this website http://www.handicappedpets.com/ The nice thing about this site is that you can order a book (which is refundable with purchase) that has all the information about different options available based on your pet and her disabilities.

I sent this link to friends that have a lab that lost her leg to bone cancer. As it turns out - it wasn't long before she was running around as if she never had the surgery.

Another option. . if this is a temporary disability - there are a number of leashes/harnesses (I think they are called Bottoms up leashes!)

They let you support the back legs. . and your little one can go on walks while she is recovering.

Keep us posted on her progress. . .my first dog was a beagle . .they are always a favorite of mine! Good luck!

captainjoe · Post by **captainjoe** » April 22, 2005 9:18 pm

This is just a rant on Karen's avitar, why is that when they show homeruns on a sport show or a picture, they are usualy at Wrigley? I have wondered that for a while now? Anyways, sorry about the rant and the dogs!

NYCPORT · Post by **NYCPORT** » April 22, 2005 9:27 pm

With now intention of highjacking this thread first off let me say I think it's great what you're doing.
But to answer captainjoe's question. Certain ballparks are known for having great angles from the photographer's box to get photos of players swinging, or doing other things. There are ballparks that are known for great outfield shots.
Now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

Hope you get the info you're looking for.

captainjoe · Post by **captainjoe** » April 22, 2005 9:32 pm

NYCPORT wrote:With now intention of highjacking this thread first off let me say I think it's great what you're doing.
But to answer captainjoe's question. Certain ballparks are known for having great angles from the photographer's box to get photos of players swinging, or doing other things. There are ballparks that are known for great outfield shots.
Now back to your regularly scheduled thread.
Hope you get the info you're looking for.

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks, I never thought of it like that!