wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

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SewTexas
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#16

Post by SewTexas »

:iagree:
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#17

Post by TexasVet »

I sent a PM with some info, but I wanted to elaborate and post here for others benefit, in case anyone is or will be in the same boat.
From your history, your pup was most likely diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or a "slipped disc"
These can range from a painful back to not being able to walk.
The more severe the symptoms the more likely that surgery is needed and is the best chance for full recovery. If a large breed dog there are a few other diagnoses that the specialists would rule out in their workup prior to surgery. This usually involves an MRI to find what and where the problem is, the likely surgery.
The cost will depend on the clinic, but I would say that having a specialist do the MRI, surgery and few days of post surgery hospitalization will run 3-5K.
Some clinics will take CareCredit (you can use this for your own dental needs I have been told) and if the clinic you want to go to takes it, you can apply online. Generally this is like a credit card and gives you a no interest payoff time of 6-12 months (the clinic ends up paying the interest really). Some clinics will work with private lenders to do short term loans.
When surgery is not an option (whether due to bad MRI findings or just plain cost), there are still treatments - Acupuncture, therapeutic laser, rehabilitation, underwater treadmill. There are many who do this. I have heard many good things about Dr. Rick Wall in the Woodlands http://www.vetrehabcenter.com/whyus/pro ... staff.html. Also you can look for an acupuncturist in your area http://www.tcvm.com/Resources/FindaTCVM ... ioner.aspx
I have had good success with non-surgical cases doing the alternative treatments, but surgery is still the quickest chance to see how they recover. With that said, there are animals that have surgery and still do not regain any function and some that do not that do get full function back. The hard part is, you don't know at the beginning which group your pup will fall into.
Usually if medical management is working (anti inflammatories, pain meds, rest) then you should see gradual improvement in the first week. If there is no change, then that is a worse sign. Another product I like is the Helpem up harness http://helpemup.com/.
Make sure to keep her quiet and still, give meds and consider non invasive therapies (acupuncture, laser) while you are trying to make your decision.
Here are a few links about IVDD.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=3223
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=3215
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=2373
PS - I like this website for client education articles, because it is written and maintained by vets and I know they are not going to spread some internet misinformation.
Hope she is doing better soon !
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

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Thank you so much TexasVet for the help and info, I applied online at the CareCredit site but was denied due to "Lack of credit history". Never have been much on the credit deal, always looked at it as I just rather save the money and buy it out right and save on the rates and fees. I have several places to call tomorrow and just added Dr. Rick Wall to the list. Was also looking into something like the helpem up harness but was looking into the "homemade" type. Was already thinking on the jumping gym type deal for babies, thinking I could modify it to fit her back legs in and attach it to ceiling or a doorway to help hold her up enough but still let her try to stand or move on her own. Dr. Wagers "Crosby Veterinary Clinic" is who I took her too but he didn't offer much help in things I could do or try on my own with her other than surgery or to put her down. Is this stuff I should be trying or is it best just for straight rest. Like I mentioned in earlier post she did stand on her own for second or two a few times now and is trying to walk when I hold her up. Also she has rolled onto her back a few times and when she does she kicks her back legs some. Makes me cry like a proud dad when she does cause it shows me she has the heart and will to do it and that she wants to live and hasn't given up.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#19

Post by TexasVet »

The exercises (stretching, massage and others) are best if shown to you by a qualified professional, so you don't make things worse. Ideally you let her rest and lay still for the first week or so, only helping her out to the bathroom. Make sure to keep her on grippy footing (no slick tiles or wood floors) as slipping can make things worse. The rest is to keep the spine stable and allow the swelling to go down. The more you move around the more likely that she will move in a way that causes stress on the hurt area and relapses or makes things worse. I would try to keep her quiet and resting, even if she wants to get up and move, but not to the point of making her anxious. There is a point where trying to restrict them makes things worse. You have to strike a fine balance.
Good luck and keep us updated.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#20

Post by PBR »

Well she is still doing okay, no real major improvement but it's really hard for me to help her or hold up her with harness to walk. She is eating and drinking okay which is good and shows me she isn't in pain or other issues yet. Using bathroom which is good but still worried on her being able to hold or control it cause anytime she moves around she pees, but i'm gonna order a wheelchair from here http://www.dogwheelchairscenter.com/pro ... 2sp4f743b2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; cause it's the cheapest i found, also looks to be good quality (I like eddieswheels but would take couple months to get one of those) and just don't think i can build her one since no tools (welding, cutting machine anything of the sort). Also hate to spend what cash for the supplies and it not get done right or not made correctly then just out that plus still needing wheelchair, so hopefully will be ordering it the 3rd. Thanks everyone for the links and advice and hopefully can post some pics or her walking around in back yard soon. Hopefully the wheelchair will lead to a full recovery for her cause she tries to walk but i'm just unable to keep her up for long without my neck and back giving out.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#21

Post by cheezit »

I would gladly donate the use of my tools and time to help. I think the only thing I lack is a bender. The only down side is im in fort worth.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#22

Post by ddstuder »

There is a guy on Facebook that provides wheelchairs for dogs at no cost to owners who can not afford them. If you are not on Facebook, I can PM him and ask him for a phone number if needed.

https://www.facebook.com/TheRollingDogProject/info

This is copied from the page;

About
My goal is to provide people who cannot acquire a cart for their disabled pets a cart free of charge. Yes, that's what I said FREE!
Description
I custom build dog wheelchairs using pvc pipe. All carts are donated and I don't have any desire to sell them. I started building them nearly 2 years ago when one of my dogs became paralyzed from cancer and now I have another handicapped that has been in a cart her entire life. The only reason I use pvc is plain and simple, there is not another material that I can build them out of and still give them all away. I have figured out ways to increase the strength and have built them for dogs weighing between 5lbs and 110lbs. and 1 cat also. If you need a cart and can build your own i will do everything I can to get you the information needed to do so. I do accept donations in the form of gift cards to stores that I purchase supplies from and 100% of your money will go to helping animals whose people cannot afford to purchase a cart. If you can afford to purchase your dog a cart, please do so. I am looking to help the people who cannot so if your wanting something just because it's free you will be taking from someone who really needs it. My time is stretched thin and I do this by myself so understand that I am doing what I can, as fast as I can. I get the question often about why I do this and the answer is always the same. Somebody has to and it might as well be me! I hope this answers some of the questions I have been getting. Anything else just message me. Thanks for visiting.

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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#23

Post by PBR »

ddstuder wrote:There is a guy on Facebook that provides wheelchairs for dogs at no cost to owners who can not afford them. If you are not on Facebook, I can PM him and ask him for a phone number if needed.

https://www.facebook.com/TheRollingDogProject/info

This is copied from the page;

About
My goal is to provide people who cannot acquire a cart for their disabled pets a cart free of charge. Yes, that's what I said FREE!
Description
I custom build dog wheelchairs using pvc pipe. All carts are donated and I don't have any desire to sell them. I started building them nearly 2 years ago when one of my dogs became paralyzed from cancer and now I have another handicapped that has been in a cart her entire life. The only reason I use pvc is plain and simple, there is not another material that I can build them out of and still give them all away. I have figured out ways to increase the strength and have built them for dogs weighing between 5lbs and 110lbs. and 1 cat also. If you need a cart and can build your own i will do everything I can to get you the information needed to do so. I do accept donations in the form of gift cards to stores that I purchase supplies from and 100% of your money will go to helping animals whose people cannot afford to purchase a cart. If you can afford to purchase your dog a cart, please do so. I am looking to help the people who cannot so if your wanting something just because it's free you will be taking from someone who really needs it. My time is stretched thin and I do this by myself so understand that I am doing what I can, as fast as I can. I get the question often about why I do this and the answer is always the same. Somebody has to and it might as well be me! I hope this answers some of the questions I have been getting. Anything else just message me. Thanks for visiting.

Jerry West
Thank you so much, also noticed Chum's Wheels from his page and they offer assistance in financing wheelchairs. I contacted both pages and hopefully will hear something back from them. Chum's Wheels would be great if they can help that way can get her a nicer wheelchair if possible, noticed they are linked up with eddies chairs
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ddstuder
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#24

Post by ddstuder »

Looking through the pics on the Rolling Dog Project, they seem fairly easy and inexpensive to make.

I understand he will help you with questions if you decide to make your own.

There is a form that shows how to measure your dog to get one made.

Seems like a nice man! :thumbs2: He only takes donations in the form of gift cards to buy supplies to make the carts! ie Home Depot cards.
Guns are like parachutes, if your ever in a situation that you need one and you dont have one, you'll probably never need one again.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#25

Post by PBR »

ddstuder wrote:Looking through the pics on the Rolling Dog Project, they seem fairly easy and inexpensive to make.

I understand he will help you with questions if you decide to make your own.

There is a form that shows how to measure your dog to get one made.

Seems like a nice man! :thumbs2: He only takes donations in the form of gift cards to buy supplies to make the carts! ie Home Depot cards.
most i have seen or talked too on the pvc chairs state they dont work very well with dogs over 60lbs or so. he is first one to mention up to 100lbs, and with her being 135lbs i'm just not sure. waiting to hear from him or the chums wheels. chums wheels would be great if could set up finance or payments then would get one from eddie's chairs, either way if all else fails will be getting the one i listed earlier in post
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cb1000rider
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#26

Post by cb1000rider »

Another option.
There is a forum (http://www.mzjf.info/Forums/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) for owners of pets with Degenerative Myleopathy. It's a disease that works from the rear up. All DM dogs will end up with rear paralysis.
You have to join to be able to see or post, the owner keeps the forum private..
But there is a whole section with wheelchair stuff - and many owners will donate or significantly discount a cart.
Obviously the cart has to be in the right size range.

Thanks for being an outstanding owner.. And I hope you get some decent news from a veterinary neurologist.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#27

Post by TexasGal »

I know the way a dog can lift you out of the blackest hole life can sometimes throw you into. My heart goes out to you and for doing your very best to do the same for your dear friend. Reading through these posts makes me cry both for your situation and with pride for the wonderful members here who have reached out with help and good will. You and your sweet dog are in our prayers.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#28

Post by PBR »

Well got the wheelchair Monday put it together and took her out Tuesday she freaked out a lot and fought me a lot, ended up just dropping and rolling like an alligator. She did walk around some before giving me so much trouble, took her out this morning for little walk around back yard she did okay. Asked her this evening if she wanted to walk and she popped up so took her out little bit this evening and snapped a few pics. She gets real tired very fast, tonight she made 5 to 6 laps around the back yard after that she headed straight to the door and tried to get in through the doggie door (got stuck cause wheel chair wont fit), she was done and very tired. The wheel chair works but I can tell one of the custom made ones would be awesome and the way to go. When she gets tired she sits down in the front and just flips it over on the side. I might be able to get adjustments better but really tough, just hoping in couple weeks or so she might be able to go on her own. She moves her legs and walks with them just has hard time bending them and cant hold herself up but hoping this helps her a lot and gets her on way to recovery.

Image

Image

Image
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#29

Post by cb1000rider »

Wow.. that's great that you've got her moving... Any any exercise at all is much better than sitting!
Paralyzed dogs, especially a big one like you have are tough on their owners too. You've got my respect for sticking with her.
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Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

#30

Post by PBR »

cb1000rider wrote:Wow.. that's great that you've got her moving... Any any exercise at all is much better than sitting!
Paralyzed dogs, especially a big one like you have are tough on their owners too. You've got my respect for sticking with her.
Yea I don't know who gets more wore out me or her

Image

She is down and out for a little while now. I keep her in the kiddie pool inside so easier to clean up after her cause when she moves or I lift her up she pees. Just easier in the pool plus I lift her with a towel to help her pee before putting in wheel chair. She still loves to sleep on her back, lol.
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