The idea of using a wheelchair for a family member, let alone a pet, is not a common thought. The initial reaction can be fear, anxiety and for some, absurd. The reality is that most pets take to the wheelchair carts faster than humans. The carts offer pets a chance to perform more of their normal daily activities again. They also aid in the recovery and rehabilitation process for animals recovering from spinal surgery, spinal cord injuries and neuromuscular disorders.
What is a Pet wheelchair Cart?
Pet wheelchair carts are custom made lightweight frames with wheels and body support materials. These carts are species specific (dog, cat, rabbit, etc.) and custom designed to fit each pet. Carts are made to provide front, rear or quad support. Depending upon what kind of support the pet needs, the chairs are made to evenly distribute their weight and remove the effects of gravity, making ambulation possible.
What are the Advantages of a Wheelchair Cart?
One of the most important benefits of using a cart is for the mental health of your pet. Carts provide a sense of freedom your pet needs. A cart will allow your pet to accompany you on walks, play, and sometimes run faster than the other dogs since they now have wheels. They can still reach the ground to sniff every mailbox, or pick up a toy or ball; they can go in shallow water, on the beach or mountain trails and through the snow. And when they’re tired, they can comfortably relax.
Carts can also be used to maintain physical strength in elderly pets or those with degenerative disabilities. These carts are versatile and adjustable to accommodate individual needs. As your pet becomes stronger, the cart support can be reduced, ensuring that your pet continues to work and build strength and function. Carts used for pets with degenerative disabilities usually start out providing light support while still allowing your pet to exercise and maintain muscle strength for as long as possible. As the degenerative disease progresses, the chair can be adjusted to provide more support, maintaining ambulation and providing a good quality of life.
Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology commonly uses carts during the rehabilitation process after spinal injury, spinal surgery and during the treatment of neuromuscular disorders. The chairs are easily adjustable, providing adequate support and allowing longer exercise sessions. This helps to build up muscle strength and balance. Wheelchair carts are also recommended for patients with degenerative spinal disorders. Maintaining a regular exercise program acts to slow the degenerative process, providing your pet with a greater quality of life.
The rewarding look in your pets’ eyes and the slight smile on their face, that only you as a parent can see when your pet walks away from you with little difficulty and without your support is priceless. Carts are especially helpful in large dogs simply because of their size. Once in the chair, you don’t have to help support their weight. This will eliminate the need for a second person to help you. Pets can urinate and defecate in the chairs without making a mess of themselves or the chair, which makes everyone happier. Because your pet will become more mobile and spend less time lying down, the chair will help prevent bedsores, aggravation of arthritis and stiff joints.
When Are Wheelchair Carts of Benefit?
Any pet that has trouble walking may be a candidate for a wheelchair cart. Consultation with your veterinarian prior to ordering a wheelchair is recommended. Following is a list of some of the most common reasons a pet may benefit from the use of a wheelchair cart:
Spinal Cord Injury and resultant Paresis or Paralysis
Post-Spinal Fracture Stabilization Surgery
Post-Spinal Cord Surgery
Degenerative Spinal Cord Diseases
Neuromuscular Disorders
Where do I Order a Wheelchair Cart for my Pet?
There are several companies who custom design wheelchair carts for pets. Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology supports Doggon’ Wheels. You should contact your family veterinarian or Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology prior to ordering a chair. This will ensure that the correct cart is ordered to meet your pet’s needs.
Maggie presented to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology, November 24, 2008 with a fever, swollen joints, open skin lesions, spinal pain and difficulty walking on her rear legs. Maggie underwent extensive testing, including laboratory testing, skin biopsies, joint and cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging. Maggie was diagnosed with vasculitis/meningitis complex, in addition to a chronic intervertebral disc extrusion.
At nearly 12 years of age, Dr. Lane’s medical management has resulted in remission of her immune-mediated disease. Maggie is comfortable and happy. To help provide greater happiness, a rear support cart has been implemented into her life, as a loaner by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. Maggie is a great model and showstopper, as evidenced on the day she gets her cart measurement at Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. We are hopeful she will experience many long walks with her family with the use of the cart. Happy trails Maggie.
Maggie in her new wheels!
“Maggie” Jamison – Corgi
Maggie has provided great joy to all that encounter her smile. As her rear legs began to fail, her mother did not hesitate when a rear leg para wheelchair cart was suggested. After a quick fitting, Maggie peeled rubber out of the hospital. She was last seem motoring through the local dog park with her mother fast on her “wheels”.
Spunky presented to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology on April 27, 2009. At nearly 9 years of age, Spunky has remained an outgoing and very friendly German Shepard dog. Spunky appreciated a 12-month history of progressive pelvic-limb scuffing, weakness and wobbliness. Despite remaining pain free, this energetic companion was unable to experience long walks with his mother.
Diagnosed with a progressive spinal cord condition by Dr. Lane, Spunky underwent magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis to determine the cause. Spunky has been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. This is a genetic, pre-programmed spinal cord degeneration for which there is no cure. Regular activity and exercise has been shown to represent the single most important deterrent for rapid progression of this disease. Because of Spunky’s size, this has been a barrier his owner has not been able to overcome. Hydrotherapy is not an option as Spunky is afraid of water.
To help improve the quality of Spunky’s life, a rear support cart has been introduced and provided by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. His mother mirrors the happiness displayed on his face. Spunky will now be able to go for long walks without the need for support by his mother. Try and keep up, mom!
Chaucer is an elderly Basset statesman sporting his shiny new wheels. Chaucer re-presented to Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology because of declining spinal cord function over the past year. Chaucer had undergone successful decompressive surgery in 2006 with return to a walking status, after suffering a ruptured intervertebral disc extrusion and paralysis. Further testing and surgery is not possible for Chaucer’s owners at this time. To improve Chaucer’s quality of life, a para cart was recommended. With a proud look, Chaucer poses in his new para cart. “OK dad, enough of the pics, lets start walkin!”
Tater enjoys a walk in the sun at the VRCC. After initial reluctance to walk during his recovery from a bacterial infection in his right rear leg, Tater was placed into a tetra cart to aid in his rehabilitation. Because of the size of Tater, this allowed for a quicker recovery and discharge from the hospital. Tater is now home and walking with his mom.
“Walter” Hufendick – Chocolate Lab:
Walter is an insulin dependent diabetic who experienced progressive spinal cord dysfunction resulting in the inability to walk on all limbs after suffering a ruptured disc in his neck. Walter underwent successful spinal cord surgery. Because of his size, it was difficult to help Walter stand and attempt to walk. His recovery was aided by the use of a tetracart. We all loved watching Walter move about in his cart while at the VRCC! : )
“Dylan” Leikam – Doberman Pinscher:
Dillon appears to have difficulty with imitation grass. Actually, Dillon is experiencing the benefit of the tetra cart during the initial stages of his recovery from spinal surgery. Dillon presented unable to walk on all limbs due to two levels of compression on his spinal cord. Following surgery, Dillon was reluctant to attempt to stand and walk. We are happy to report that Dillon is now ambulating without the need of assistance.
“Buddy” Gray – Miniature Dachshund:
Buddy enjoys a sunny day in Colorado with the help of his paracart. Recovering from an intervertebral disc extrusion and paralysis of his rear legs, the paracart is allowing Buddy to experience the joys offered to ambulatory pets. Keep up the good work Buddy!
“Leia” Christian – Yellow Lab:
Leia, a Yellow Labrador, lost her ability to stand and walk on all 4 legs due to a spinal cord problem in her neck. Dr. Lane utilized magnetic resonance imaging of her neck (cervical spine) to diagnose Leia’s problem, a spinal tumor. Spinal Tumor Resection was performed to remove as much of the tumor as possible. A week following surgery she was placed into a quad wheelchair offered as a loaner by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. Leia was so weak she had initial difficulty holding her head up for more than a couple minutes. Because of this case, Doggon’ Wheels will add chin rests on future quad wheelchairs.
Each day Leia gained strength in all four of her legs. Her mom took the quad wheelchair home to help in her recovery. Leia only needed the wheelchair for a little over a week, as she improved quickly, no longer needing the extra support to walk. Leia’s recovery demonstrates how valuable wheelchair carts can be in the rehabilitation process.
“Dirty Boy” Jenkins – Pekingese:
“Dirty Boy,” a Pekingese, came to see Dr. Lane because he was paralyzed in his hind limbs after getting into a scuffle with a big dog. Only time, physical therapy, a lot of patience and help from his dad, helped Dirty Boy learn how to walk again. Dirty Boy is using a rear support cart, provided as a loaner by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology while he regains his ability to move his hind limbs and walk again. Dirty Boy has a long road to recovery, but is making progress and enjoying life to the greatest extent possible.
“Chopper” Williams – Yellow Lab:
Chopper, a Labrador retriever came to see Dr. Lane because he was weak in his hind limbs. Diagnosed with a bone tumor in his right hind leg, surgery was not an option. As Chopper’s walks became shorter, his mom wondered what else she could do to help him. Hesitantly, Chopper’s mom decided to try a rear support cart provided by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. She was nervous that he might not like the cart and even if he did, her concern was how much benefit would it really bring him and for how long? The expense of the wheelchair cart was also a factor that was considered. Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology provided Chopper with a loaner cart. Chopper’s mom quickly noticed a change. Chopper was able to go on long walks again, his tail was wagging more and he was able to play with other dogs at the park. Chopper is now walking at least 1 mile each day. The quality of life this cart provides is evident.
“Scooby” Scott/Farrington – Lab Mix:
Scooby, a Labrador retriever became a patient of Dr. Lane after losing complete function of his hind limbs. Scooby required decompressive spinal surgery. Scooby’s recovery was long and difficult. Aiding in the recovery process, Scooby used a loaner rear support cart offered by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology as a part of his rehabilitation process. At first the chair was supporting all of his weight as he drug his hind limbs behind him. Over time he started to move his hind limbs and his parents were able to adjust the chair to make him support more of his weight. Scooby continued to progress and gain more strength and ability to move his hind legs appropriately. He is now able to walk on his own without use of the chair.
Without the use of the wheelchair cart, Scooby would have experienced a slower recovery. His parents, who both work, were also pleased with the freedom the wheelchair gave Scooby and themselves during his recovery.
“Daisy” Collins – Rottweiler:
Daisy, a Rottweiler came to see Dr. Lane after losing the use her hind limbs. Daisy experienced a compressive spinal cord injury from a ruptured intervertebral disc. Following spinal surgery to remove the spinal cord compression, Daisy quickly evidenced the need for greater support when walking, due to her size. Daisy used a rear support cart while hospitalized. To help with her recovery, Daisy used a loaner rear support cart offered by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology as a part of her rehabilitation process. Daisy, a very happy and social Rottweiler, received the added benefit of freedom to get out of her cage and meet other dogs and humans during recovery. She knew when it was time to go for a walk and would drag herself to the front of the cage when it was time to go for a stroll in her cart.
Shane:
Shane, a 12-year-old German Shepard dog experienced a ruptured disc in his cervical spine. He was unable to stand on all legs or sit up on his own when he came to see Dr. Lane. Shane underwent cervical spinal surgery to remove the spinal cord compression. He had a long road to recovery; for which both he and his family were determined to accomplish. For the first two months after surgery, Shane benefited from a quad wheelchair provided as a loaner by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. This gave him support to move all four legs during ambulation. Shane was initially too weak to hold himself up or stand. Over time the strength returned to his front legs to the point where he could support himself and walk with his front legs, but was still weak on his hind legs. Shane graduated from a quad-chair to a rear support chair provided as a loaner by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology to continue his rehabilitation. Shane is able to use his front legs while the wheelchair gives him the support he needs to move his hind legs and go on walks around the golf course near his house.
Decker:
Decker, a Jack Russell terrier was hit by a car and suffered several pelvic fractures. During his recovery from the car accident, Decker developed a neuromuscular disorder that affected all the nerves of his body. When he came to see Dr. Lane, he was unable to sit up onto his chest, stand or use any of his legs. Because he had two separate medical issues at the same time, his recovery was going to be longer than most patients. After therapy for his immune nerve disorder was instituted, Decker slowly regained some function to all limbs, but was still very weak and unable to stand unaided. He started using a rear wheelchair cart provided as a loaner by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology. Decker continues to regain muscle strength and is now able to walk on his own without the support of his mom or the wheelchair cart.
Hayley:
Hayley, a Labrador retriever suffered an ischemic spinal cord injury called Fibrocartilagenous Embolic Myelopathy (FCE). This was an acute injury to her spinal cord that caused severe spinal cord dysfunction and paralysis of her rear legs. When Hayley came to see Dr. Lane she had no use of her hind limbs. Hayley had a nervous personality and did not like to be picked up under her abdomen. She would occasionally nip at her parents when they were trying to help her walk with a sling. Her parents were worried that she would be afraid of the chair, but decided to use a rear support chair provided as a loaner by Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology to continue her rehabilitation. Hayley took to the chair faster than her parents thought she might and was immediately able to go on walks with the family, like she used to. Hayley recovered quickly over a few weeks with the use of the chair and is now walking on her own.
Kira:
Kira, a Collie diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy by Dr. Lane, is owned by a Denver veterinarian who desires the greatest quality of life for Kira. Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease that over a long period of time will eventually result in complete paralysis of the hind limbs. There is no treatment or cure for degenerative myelopathy. Regular exercise is known to slow the progression of this disease. Kira was weak on her hind limbs and her walks decreased in length because she became tired much faster. Kira’s mom had heard about the wheelchairs, but never used one until now. Kira’s mother is very excited at the prospect of a rear support chair providing Kira the opportunity to enjoy life to the greatest extent possible.
