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Spinal strokes, also known as fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) or ischemic myelopathy, are relatively rare but potentially severe health events that can affect dogs. This condition can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild weakness to complete paralysis, and may require extensive treatment to manage. To ensure your dog gets the appropriate care, it's crucial to understand what spinal strokes are, their causes, and the best treatment options available. In this article, we will delve into the details of spinal strokes in dogs, discussing their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. What is a Spinal Stroke in Dogs? Before we examine the causes and symptoms of spinal strokes, it's essential first to define this condition and differentiate it from other types of strokes dogs can experience. Defining Spinal Strokes A spinal stroke, or FCE, is a sudden and typically non-progressive injury to the spinal cord caused by a blockage of the blood vessels that supply it. This blockage leads to ischemia (lack of oxygen and nutrients) in the affected area, resulting in nerve damage and, consequently, various neurological symptoms. It's important to note that while spinal strokes can be severe, they are generally not life-threatening if promptly and correctly managed. When a spinal stroke occurs, it can affect different parts of the body depending on the location of the blockage. For example, if the blockage occurs in the thoracic region of the spinal cord, the hind legs may be affected, while a blockage in the cervical region can cause weakness in all four legs. In some cases, the dog may lose the ability to control bladder and bowel function. Causes of Spinal Strokes in Dogs While the exact cause of a spinal stroke may not always be identifiable, veterinary experts have identified several possible contributing factors. These include vascular issues, trauma, infections, and underlying health conditions. Vascular Issues Blood clotting disorders, arteriosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), and other vascular abnormalities can lead to the formation of clots or blockages that disrupt blood flow to the spinal cord. These issues can cause a spinal stroke when oxygen and nutrients can no longer reach the nervous tissue, leading to ischemia and nerve damage. Trauma or Injury Physical trauma, such as a car accident or a fall, can cause a spinal stroke if it injures the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord. Immediate or delayed swelling and inflammation can also exacerbate the injury, increasing the likelihood of a spinal stroke. Infections and Inflammation Some infections and inflammatory conditions, such as bacterial meningitis or diskospondylitis, can lead to spinal stroke in dogs. These illnesses cause inflammation that can damage the blood vessels, disrupt blood flow, and lead to ischemia. Underlying Health Conditions Various systemic health issues, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders, can increase a dog's susceptibility to spinal strokes. In some cases, these conditions can cause secondary problems, like inflammation or increased blood clotting, contributing to spinal stroke risk. Recognizing the Symptoms of Spinal Strokes in Dogs Early recognition of spinal stroke symptoms is crucial for prompt and appropriate treatment. The symptoms can range in severity and duration and may include the following. Sudden Onset of Weakness or Paralysis One of the most notable symptoms of a spinal stroke in dogs is the sudden onset of weakness or paralysis in the limbs. Depending on the location of the spinal stroke, this symptom can affect one or multiple legs and may be more pronounced on one side of the body. Pain and Discomfort While some dogs with spinal stroke show no signs of pain or discomfort, others may display signs of distress, such as vocalizing, panting, or restlessness. Pain may be more pronounced when touching or handling the affected area, and the dog may be reluctant to move if it causes discomfort. Changes in Gait and Coordination Dogs suffering from a spinal stroke may exhibit changes in their gait or coordination, such as stumbling, staggering, or crossing their limbs when walking. These symptoms are a reflection of the nerve damage and resulting loss of communication between the brain and limbs. Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control Depending on the severity and location of the spinal stroke, some dogs may lose bladder and bowel control. This symptom occurs when the nerve damage affects the communication between the spinal cord and the muscles controlling elimination. Diagnosing Spinal Strokes in Dogs A thorough veterinary evaluation is necessary to diagnose a spinal stroke accurately and rule out other potential causes of the observed symptoms. This examination may involve several diagnostic methods, such as imaging techniques, blood tests, and other diagnostic tools. Veterinary Examination A veterinarian will typically begin the diagnostic process by conducting a comprehensive physical and neurological examination of the dog. This evaluation will identify any abnormalities and assess the severity and extent of the symptoms. Imaging Techniques Imaging studies, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can help visualize the spine and identify the presence of a spinal stroke or other underlying issues, like fractures or tumors. MRI is currently the gold standard for diagnosing FCE in dogs, due to its ability to provide detailed images of the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Blood Tests and Other Diagnostic Tools Blood tests, urine tests, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may be performed to help identify underlying causes of the spinal stroke, such as infections, inflammation, or metabolic disorders. These tests can also help rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, enabling a more accurate diagnosis. Treatment Options for Spinal Strokes in Dogs Once a spinal stroke has been diagnosed, various treatment options can help manage the condition and improve the long-term prognosis for affected dogs. These options include medications, physical therapy, surgical interventions, and alternative therapies. Medications and Pain Management Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or other pain-relief medications may be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation associated with spinal strokes. If an identifiable cause, such as infection or blood clotting disorder, is identified, additional medications may be prescribed to address the underlying issue. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a critical role in the recovery process for dogs with spinal stroke. These therapies aim to restore function, prevent muscle atrophy, and improve strength and mobility through various exercises and modalities. Working closely with a certified canine rehabilitation therapist can yield the best results for your dog. Surgical Interventions While surgical interventions are not typically required for spinal strokes, they may be necessary if another underlying issue, such as a fracture or tumor, is discovered during the diagnostic process. In these cases, surgery will address the underlying issue, potentially improving the prognosis and overall recovery of the dog. Alternative Therapies Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and massage, may be beneficial in complementing traditional treatments for spinal strokes in dogs. These therapies can help manage pain, promote healing, and enhance overall well-being. Mobility Assistance for Severely Affected Pets A spinal stroke can lead to severe mobility issues and, in some cases, complete paralysis of the limbs. Providing proper mobility support is crucial for maintaining your pet's quality of life and preventing further damage. One effective solution is the use of a dog wheelchair. Supporting Mobility With a Dog Wheelchair A dog wheelchair is designed to support the weight of your pet's hind legs, front legs, or provide full limb support, allowing them to move around with ease. The device consists of a lightweight frame, harness system, and wheels, which work together to provide stability and support. With a wheelchair, your pet can regain their independence and continue walking, playing, and exploring their environment. Preventing Further Damage When a dog is unable to use its limbs correctly, it can lead to muscle atrophy, joint problems, and pressure sores. A wheelchair alleviates these issues by redistributing the weight and minimizing the strain on the affected limbs. This not only helps protect the limbs from further damage but also promotes better blood circulation. Additionally, using a wheelchair can help prevent complications associated with dragging the limbs, such as abrasions and skin irritation. Customization for Optimal Comfort and Fit Dog wheelchairs, like the ones we offer at K9 Carts, can be customized to fit your pet's specific needs and body size. This ensures that the wheelchair provides optimal support and comfort, allowing your pet to move around with ease and confidence. In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal strokes in dogs is essential for ensuring your dog receives appropriate care if faced with this condition. By recognizing the signs and working closely with your veterinarian and rehabilitation specialists, you can help improve the prognosis and quality of life for your canine companion.

Rehabilitation After an injury or surgery, we all know how important it is to get ourselves moving, as soon as possible, and to stay mobile. This helps to keep our limbs and joints flexible. Most of us also know that the more bed rest we get, the longer the pet rehabilitation process is going to take. Even after major surgery, patients are usually advised by their doctor to get out of bed and start walking. Doctors know that this will speed up the recovery process. Pet Physical therapy is often prescribed, and to assist walking at home, we may also be given crutches, a walker, or wheelchair. Patients are seldom prescribed bed rest for long periods of time. When it comes to our pets, the same approach to pet rehab applies. After an illness or surgery, we need to get our pet moving as soon as possible. Herein lays the problem. How do we get our pet up and moving and still protect it from re-injuring or hurting itself? Most pets, if given the opportunity, will drag themselves around (and this is a risk for further injury) as they do not like being confined or kept away from the rest of the family. Options 1. After back surgery cage rest is usually recommended for your pet by some pet hospitals and veterinarians to allow healing and prevent re-injury. For other surgeries, such as knee and hip, we recommend renting a wheelchair to aid in recovery. However, we recommend supervised activity (see Option 3) in one of our carts, shortly after surgery, for the following reasons: Keeps your pet active and protects your pet by keeping the back and limbs in alignment Being mobile, and able to join family activities again, will make for a happier pet Nursing care will be easier for you Getting your pet up on all fours will help prevent sores and urinary tract infections Using a cart stimulates return to mobility by supporting the back and allowing your pet to start moving its legs. Once your pet has the ability to stand, and support itself, then you can use the cart with the paws down in a walking position. 2. Another approach we often see pet hospitals and vets use is to give the pet five to ten days of cage rest and then let the pet get aroundas best it can. This usually means the pet drags itself around on the floor. The downside of this approach is when a pet drags itself, itplaces a lot of stress on the healthy limbs and is more susceptible to sores and infections. 3. From over 50 years of observing mobility-impaired pets, we know that pets benefit from walking. Just as we benefit from usingcrutches, it is important for your pet to have a means of moving around while at home. Our K9 pet wheelchairs not only protect yourpet from further injury, but also encourage rehabilitation. If your pet’s condition precludes a return to walking independently, thenthe cart will provide improved quality of life and make physical therapy easier. If your pet has just undergone surgery, and is unable to walk, we recommend the following: Consult with your veterinarian regarding a wheelchair for your pet A short period of cage rest (3-5 days) to allow your pet to heal from its surgery (check with your veterinarian for recommendations on the length of cage rest for your pet) If your pet’s prognosis is good and your pet is likely to recover full mobility within 2-3 weeks, renting a pet wheelchair will help aid the pet rehabilitation process If your pet is not likely to recover full mobility, then purchasing one of our wheelchairs would be a more cost effective solution for your pet’s mobility SummaryWith proper fit and balance, our pet wheelchairs protect your pet from injury and give your pet mobility. The K9 Cart keeps the spine and limbs in alignment, takes stress of the back and both front and rear limbs, and is a great aid in keeping your pet’s joints and limbs flexible. Keeping the joints and limbs flexible will give your pet every advantage for full recovery when it regains feeling and movement. Physical Therapy Pet Physical therapy, together with a pet wheelchair, and a good nursing care program is often instrumental in bringing a pet back to walking independently.The type and amount of therapy you are able to provide will depend on the size of your pet, what your pet will tolerate, and your available finances. While there are many excellent pet rehabilitation and therapy centers throughout the USA, Canada and abroad, these can be expensive. We have found, after 50 years of working with mobility impaired pets, that there are few things to equal the therapeutic value of placing your pet in one of our pet wheelchairs. We recommend either renting, or purchasing, one of our K9 carts as soon as you see your pet experiencing any mobility problem. The wheelchair encourages your pet to return to walking independently. However, if your pet is unable to walk on its own, the cart will give your pet a greatly improved quality of life and make Nursing Care easier for you. Please see our comments on Rehabilitation. While there are many different types of physical therapy, most pet physical therapy programs usually include the following: SwimmingSwimming is an excellent form of physical therapy! If you have a pool, take your pet in the pool with you. Life jackets are available from many pet and marine stores, if you would like one for your pet. Check out local vetinary pet rehabilitation centers for swimming facilities. Flotation BathsFor smaller pets, that are not afraid of water, fill your bathtub with warm water that is deep enough to keep your pet’s paws off the bottom of the tub. Support your pet and allow it to swim with the front legs, while you move the rear legs, manually, back and forth. For larger dogs, use a swimming pool if you have access to one. We remember once watching a Golden Retriever, who was totally paralyzed in the rear limbs and weak in the front, swim and retrieve a log out of the water. It was an amazing sight and a powerful demonstration of how buoyant and mobile we are in water versus the physical limitations we have on solid ground! Range of Motion ExercisesIt is important for your pet to retain normal range of motion in its immobile limbs. This prevents joints from becoming rigid, immovable, or frozen. If we keep the joints and limbs flexible, when a pet does regain feeling and movement, it will have every advantage for full recovery. When doing range of motion exercises, place the pet on its side with the paw flat on your hand. Move the leg up and down towards the hip; you may want to keep one hand on the knee of a larger pet or on the hip of a smaller pet. Turn the pet over and repeat. Although your pet may have no feeling in its legs, doing this daily will help keep the limbs and joints flexible. Wheely Willy is a great example of the positive results of performing range of motion exercises and the benefits of our pet wheelchairs. He is a 20-year-old Chihuahua and has been in a K9 Carts for 17 years. His owner, Deborah Turner, has done range of motion exercises regularly with Willy over the years. When not in a cart his legs are totally lifeless, yet while in his cart his little legs move like pistons! Deborah is often asked if he really is paralyzed and will even sometimes take him out of his cart to prove the point. General Care Never allow your pet to scoot around on its bottom with rear legs out at a 45-degree angle. This could cause limb deformity or damage to rear limbs and joints. The length of time spent in the cart depends on your pet’s physical condition. We recommend little and often. If your pet is paralyzed and weighs 40 pounds or less, we recommend using our Protect-A-Pet when not in the cart.

Dogs can develop trouble with the stance and/or gait for many reasons, from age-related arthritis to traumatic accidents. In some cases, the problem lies not with the structures of the legs themselves, but with the passage of nerve signals to the limbs. If your dog has developed an oddly wobbly, stiff or unstable gait, it may suffer from a condition known as canine wobbler syndrome. The more you understand about this progressive spinal problem, the more effectively you can help your four-legged friend enjoy the best possible quality of life. What Is Canine Wobbler Syndrome? Canine wobbler syndrome is a general term describing a progressive compression of the spinal cord in the cervical spine (the part that supports the neck and head). You may also hear it referred to as cervical vertical instability, spondylopathy, cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation, cervical vertebral malformation, or cervical spondylomyelopathy. The problem gets its nickname from the wobbly stance and gait that it typically causes. Canine wobbler syndrome often affects large breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes, although it can also trouble smaller breeds. Veterinarians have yet to identify any specific underlying risk factors for the disorder, although nutritional factors and rapid growth may be involved. Wobbler disease in dogs can develop early in life if the vertebrae of the neck take on an abnormal shape that pinches and deforms the spinal cord. In middle-aged or geriatric dogs, wobbler syndrome more usually occurs due to one or more slipped vertebral discs that compress the nerve tissue. In either case, the compression disrupts the normal flow of nerve signals to the legs, causing progressive loss of function. What Are the Symptoms of Canine Wobbler Syndrome? As noted above, the hallmark sign of canine wobbler syndrome is a wobbly, unstable stance and gait. The problem usually affects the hind legs first, sometimes progressing to the front legs. Watch for the following signs and symptoms: Difficulty sitting down or standing up - These coordinated actions prove challenging when the legs don't receive the necessary messages from the brain via the spinal cord. Gait changes - Your dog may walk more slowly than before, taking short steps with the legs spread far apart. Walking with the head pointed down may also indicate wobbler syndrome. Ataxia - This symptom involves coordination problems that affect your dog's stability. Paralysis - Severe wobbler syndrome can partially or completely paralyze the limbs. Muscle loss - your dog may lose muscle mass in or around the shoulders. Scuffed toenails - Dogs with wobbler syndrome may drag their feet, which damages the toenails. Neck symptoms - A dog with wobbler syndrome may experience acute or chronic neck pain and stiffness. How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs? Because other ailments or injuries can produce symptoms similar to those of canine wobbler syndrome, a proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive physical exam. Tell your vet about any recent injuries or potential genetic issues that might affect your dog's condition. In addition to a neurological exam, your vet will use X-rays or other diagnostic imaging techniques to look for signs of cervical spinal compression. Treatment Options for Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs Your dog may need either medical or non-medical treatment for wobbler syndrome, depending on factors such as its age and the severity of its symptoms. Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following treatment options: 1. Medication Anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and steroids may help ease neck pain and reduce any swelling that makes the compression worse. 2. Activity restriction Your dog may need to avoid running, jumping, or even walking for several weeks. If your dog can't walk at all due to wobbler syndrome, you'll want to keep it comfortable on soft bedding. Change your dog's position every few hours to prevent bedsores. 3. Catheterization If your dog can't or shouldn't get up to go to the bathroom, a urinary catheter can aid in elimination. 4. Surgery Dogs with severe wobbler syndrome who don;t respond to conservative care may need spinal surgery to remove pressure from the spinal cord and prevent further damage. You might assume that your dog can benefit from a cervical collar to combat neck pain and stiffness. However, these devices can do more harm than good in cases of wobbler syndrome. If your dog undergoes surgery for wobbler syndrome, it will need two to three months of post-operative rest and rehabilitation. Your veterinarian may also recommend physical therapy. Even with successful treatment, however, many dogs remain partially disabled. Their condition may remain stable, or new spinal compression problems may develop. Mobility Assistance for Severely Affected Pets Even if your dog remains disabled by wobbler syndrome, you can still help it get around and enjoy life with the aid of assistive devices such as pet wheelchairs. A dog who mainly suffers from hind leg disability can benefit from a wheelchair that supports only the rear part of the body, while a dog who also has weak, wobbly front legs can benefit from a wheelchair that offers full-body support. You'll find the solution your dog needs at K9 Carts. We offer both rear-support and full-support wheelchairs that can be custom-fitted for your individual pet. These sturdy, high-quality wheelchairs make walking easier and help your dog remain stable on its feet, reducing the risks of tripping and falling and giving your best friend a new lease on life. We can also equip you with a lift harness if your dog just needs some extra help instead of (or in addition to) a wheelchair. If your veterinarian agrees that your dog could use this kind of assistance, browse our online selection and read our information about wheelchair and harness measurements before placing your order. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about ordering the right assistive device for your dog.

No animal lover likes to see an animal experiencing pain and suffering, least of all that animal's owner. If your beloved dog can't get around well due to a significant leg injury, you need to know whether that injury constitutes a sprain or a fracture -- and how to react by pursuing the proper evaluation, treatment, and post-treatment care for each scenario. However, you might not be able to tell one type of injury from the other at a glance. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at leg sprains and broken legs in dogs. What Happens in a Dog Leg Sprain or Fracture? Sprains and fractures may produce many of the same immediate symptoms and pose the same basic challenges to your dog's comfort and mobility. However, a fracture involves a crack, split, or break in a bone, while a sprain involves damage to ligaments, tough bands of tissue with limited flexibility that connect one bone to another bone. For instance, the knee joint in a dog's leg contains cruciate ligaments that attach the tibia (lower leg bone) to the femur (upper leg bone). When these ligaments get severely overextended or suffer a direct injury, they can rupture or tear. This problem is called a sprain. It's important to recognize the difference between a sprain and a strain. Strains involve torn or irritated soft tissues as well, but they occur in muscles and tendons, not ligaments. Since both injuries produce similar symptoms, you'll need to take your dog to the veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis of one or the other. A fracture can occur in any of the long bones of a dog's leg, varying in their forms and degrees of severity. The two main categories of fracture are incomplete and complete. An incomplete fracture extends only partway through the bone; a complete fracture breaks the bone into two or more pieces. Complete fractures can also take a few different forms. An oblique fracture goes through the bone at a diagonal angle, while a transverse fracture goes straight through at a perpendicular angle. A comminuted fracture breaks the bone into more than two pieces. Fractures can be closed or open. A closed fracture will occur completely beneath the skin; an open fracture will involve an open wound. What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Leg in Dogs? Different types of leg fractures in dogs may produce different symptoms, although all of them will likely cause discomfort and mobility problems. The following symptoms typically occur when a dog breaks a leg. 1. Lameness A dog with any kind of broken leg will almost certainly favor that leg to some degree. A minor fracture might hold a small amount of weight, but your dog will still limp or adopt an abnormal gait to compensate for the injury. A complete fracture cannot support any weight at all. 2. Pain A dog with a broken leg will hold its leg in midair, whine or cry, and resist your attempts to touch the damaged limb. The acute pain will not lessen until the fracture has been properly set by a veterinarian. 3. Visible changes A dog's broken leg may appear deformed or bent at an odd angle, especially if the pieces of a comminuted fracture have drifted out of their normal alignment. Swelling and bruising may be apparent. In an open fracture, you might even see the end of the bone poking out of the open wound in the skin. 4. Shock symptoms A severe fracture that causes internal bleeding can cause a dog to go into shock. Shock symptoms in dogs include pale gums, thirst, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, and weakness or faintness. What Are the Symptoms of a Sprained Leg in Dogs? The symptoms of a sprained leg may not seem as dramatic as those of a broken leg, but they can still affect your dog in very noticeable ways. Watch for the following symptoms of a potential sprain: 1. Lameness A sprain will cause your dog to favor the injured leg, just as a fracture would. However, in many cases a less severe sprain may permit a certain amount of weight bearing. Your dog may barely touch the toes of the injured limb to the ground when standing or walking. 2. Pain A sprained leg can prove extremely painful, often causing a dog to whine when anything puts pressure on the ruptured ligament. You may see your dog licking obsessively at the site of the sprain in an effort to reduce the discomfort. The pain from a sprained leg may also cause your dog to lose interest in food. 3. Swelling and Bruising While you won't see anything as dramatic as an open wound with a bone sticking out of it, a sprained leg can experience bleeding beneath the skin. This typically leads to bruising and swelling in the knee, leg, and/or paw. How to Tell If My Dog has a Sprained or Broken Leg? You can tell from your dog's limping and obvious pain that it's sustained some sort of injury -- but what? If you don't see an object embedded in its paw or or signs of paw damage, you may be looking at either a sprain or a broken leg. Here are some other factors you can use to understand your dog's leg injury better. 1. Look at the leg If you can't tell whether your dog has sprained its leg or fractured it, start by looking carefully at the leg itself. If you don't see external trauma, you can eliminate an open fracture as a possibility. If the leg hasn't assumed an odd angle, your dog has either suffered a clean break, a minor fracture such as a cracked bone, or no fracture at all. If the main visible changes involve swelling and discoloration, suspect a sprain. 2. Give the injury (a little) time If your dog isn't showing signs of shock or other emergency complications, wait a couple of days and evaluate the progress of the injury. Mild sprains, in which the ligaments are just slightly stretched, can show signs of improvement during this period. If your dog's lameness doesn't improve, schedule a veterinary evaluation for a possible fracture. 3. Watch your dog walk Does your dog keep its leg in the air, refusing to put even the slightest pressure on it, or does it simply walk gingerly? A fracture is more likely to make any weight bearing impossible. Keep in mind that only a veterinary exam can conclusively diagnose a sprain (or strain) as opposed to a fracture. If you have any doubts or concerns, always err on the side of caution by taking your dog to the vet. How to Manage Your Dog's Leg Injury You can actively help your dog recover from its leg sprain or fracture once you know how to provide the right home care. Start by adopting these tips. 1. Fracture Treatment and Recovery Once your veterinarian sets the bone fragments back into their proper place, (if necessary), your dog will probably wear a splint or cats for several weeks to help the set bones knit properly, along with a neck collar to keep it from chewing or licking this device. A complex leg fracture may require surgical repair. Your veterinarian can reconnect bone fragments using pins, screws, and other metal hardware. A crushed leg may need to be amputated. 2. Sprain Treatment and Recovery If your dog has a sprained leg, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of rest and first aid measures. Start with ice packs to reduce the swelling and pain, and then switch to heat packs after the first day to keep the surrounding muscles relaxed. Medications can help reduce pain and swelling in a sprained leg. A more serious sprain such as a ruptured cruciate ligament may require surgery, especially in larger dogs who must bear more weight on their legs. But whether your dog undergoes surgery or not, it may need to rest the injured leg for several weeks. Helping Your Dog Cope With Leg Weakness After a Sprain or Fracture A long period of immobility that weakens the leg muscles, arthritis in a damaged joint, or amputation can leave your pet struggling with mobility issues. If your pet needs help with these post-treatment problems, give serious thought to ordering a dog wheelchair. These custom-fitted devices can support the front legs, rear legs, or both. Your dog will love being able to get around again thanks to this convenient, non-invasive solution. Meanwhile, that return to everyday mobility will help keep the rest of your dog's body toned and fit. K9 Carts has the right dog wheelchair your injured canine may need. Browse our selection of products, select the particular type of support that will benefit your dog, consult our handy measurement guide for fitting instructions, and contact us with any questions you may have!

While everyone may love the boundless energy and playfulness of puppies, in many respects old dogs make the best companions of all. When you've lived with your four-legged buddy for years, you have a bond that's hard to explain to anyone not familiar with that feeling. So when your elderly pet starts developing trouble in its hind legs, you can't stand to watch it suffer and struggle. Fortunately, you can take steps to lend strength or stability to an aging dog's hind legs. Take the following information to heart as you seek solutions for your old friend. What Causes Hind Leg Weakness in Older Dogs? Since dogs age more rapidly than humans, your own dog's senior years can easily sneak up on you. Most dogs are considered geriatric at around age 7, although large breeds can age more rapidly and toy breeds less rapidly. As the number of years rises, so do the odds of your dog developing an age-related condition that affects hind leg strength and function. The following conditions can lead to hind leg weakness in your senior dog. 1. Osteoarthritis Older dogs, like older humans, commonly develop osteoarthritis. In this form of arthritis, the cartilage that normally minimizes friction in a joint breaks down and thins out, resulting in chronic joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. 2. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition in which the ball of the hip joint has too much play within the socket. This looseness eventually causes the hip joint to degenerate. Although veterinarians can observe this problem in puppies, the degeneration may take years to grow into a debilitating problem. 3. Degenerative myelopathy This neuromuscular condition, which resembles ALS in humans, occurs less commonly than the conditions listed above, but senior dogs can still suffer from it. In degenerative myelopathy, the outer sheath that insulates nerve fibers breaks down, eventually paralyzing the hind legs. 4. Diabetic neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy represents yet another condition that affects both people and dogs. Since diabetes risk rises with age, senior pets often develop this form of nerve damage, which can affect hind leg function and sensation. 5. Intervertebral disc disease Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs more commonly in senior Dachshunds and other small breeds, but larger senior dogs can develop it as well. In this disorder, the discs between spinal vertebrae bulge or herniate, putting pressure on the nerves that relay information to the hind legs. What Are the Symptoms of Hind Leg Weakness in Dogs? Unfortunately, your elderly dog can't tell you when it experiences changes in its hind legs such as pain, stiffness, or weakness. However, you can spot the signs of hind leg weakness once you know what to look for. Pay attention to the following telltale symptoms: 1. Instability A senior dog with weak hind legs may display a wobbly gait, difficulty standing up and walking, poor coordination when walking, and a visible trembling in the weakened leg muscles. 2. Outward changes Hind leg problems can produce outward changes in your dog's appearance. Look for weight gain (due to reduced mobility that burns fewer calories), loss of muscle mass in the hind legs, or joints swollen by osteoarthritis. 3. Pain Your pet may yelp in pain when you touch its hind leg, or simply refuse to let you touch it at all. It may also show obvious pain and stiffness when sitting down, standing up, or trying to walk. 4. Behavioral changes A senior dog with weak hind legs may hesitate to go up or down stairs that it previously used all the time. If your pet feels pain or instability from its weakened hind legs, it may lose interest in favorite activities such as playing catch or going for walks. How to Assist or Strengthen an Aging Dog's Hind Legs You don't have to let your aging dog's hind leg issues ruin its quality of life or deprive it of everyday mobility. The first step in helping your old friend is scheduling a senior pet wellness exam. Your veterinarian can run numerous tests to determine the underlying cause of your pet's hind leg weakness and then recommend steps to help manage the problem. Your dog may find relief from options such as: 1. Medication If your aging dog's hind leg weakness stems from a disease such as diabetes, medication can help get that underlying issue under better control. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also ease joint inflammation and swelling caused by osteoarthritis. 2. Dietary changes Changes in your elderly dog's diet can aid weakened hind legs by offering anti-inflammatory benefits and/or promoting weight loss that takes extra stress off the legs. 3. Surgery In some cases of arthritis, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to fix abnormal joints or relieve nerve pressure. 4. Lifting harness for dogs A full body lifting harness such as the Help 'Em Up Harness is a helpful tool to assist your aging pup. 5. Dog support wheelchair A wheelchair that supports the hind legs can give your senior dog great relief from pain, weakness, and instability. These devices feature a pair of large rear-mounted wheels that take much of the weight burden off your dog's hind legs. Metal rails extend from this rear assembly to a harness that fits around your dog's middle. How Weak Hind Legs Can Cause Complications (and What You Can Do About It) Weak hind legs can mean more than just mobility issues. Changes in your dog's stance and gait can strain other parts of the body and weaken the spinal column, while the inability to exercise can promote obesity (itself a major factor in diabetes, hypertension, and organ failure). That's one more reason you'll want to provide your dog with the assistance it needs sooner rather than later. A rear support dog wheelchair from K9 Carts can help your canine friend avoid these complications. The balanced support helps to protect the spine and joints while also restoring your dog's ability to walk, play, and generally burn calories, reducing the risk of obesity (and injuries from falling or tripping). Check out our rear support dog wheelchairs and other assistive devices. If you need any assistance placing your order or measuring your pet for a dog wheelchair, just contact us. We'll be happy to help you help your elderly dog!

Advancing age can bring many changes for humans and dogs alike, including increased risks for various health disorders. One such disorder, Cushing's syndrome, often affects older dogs (and sometimes cats as well). If your canine family member has developed Cushing's syndrome, it may suffer from a wide range of symptoms and complications, including loss of function in its hind legs. You owe it to yourself, and your dog, in order to gain a solid understanding of this syndrome, from its causes and symptoms to your options for treating and managing the condition's effects. Take a look at this introductory guide to Cushing's syndrome in dogs and how it can affect the hind legs. What Is Canine Cushing's Disease? To understand the nature of Cushing's disease, you first need to understand a few things about your dog's endocrine system, which produces the hormones that control so many physical processes and reactions. Two types of glands in particular, the pituitary gland in the brain and the adrenal glands near the kidneys, control levels of a steroid hormone called cortisol. You may hear cortisol referred to as the "stress hormone" because the body produces more of this hormone in response to stressful situations to permit fight-or-flight reactions. But cortisol also plays important roles in weight management, immune system function, blood sugar, and inflammatory responses. Unfortunately, too much cortisol can do harm as well as good. If your dog produces too much cortisol, that imbalance can lead to a set of symptoms known as Cushing's syndrome, resulting in serious health problems that can shorten an animal's life and/or reduce its quality of life. What Causes Canine Cushing's Disease? In most dogs with Cushing's syndrome, the disorder stems from a small tumor on the pituitary gland. In others, a tumor on one of the adrenal glands triggers the overproduction of cortisol. These tumors commonly develop after the age of 6, the same age that many dogs start to enter their senior years. However, younger dogs can develop it, too, especially if they've undergone extensive or repeated treatments with steroids for a previous health problem. Some dogs may have more of a natural predisposition to Cushing's syndrome than others. For instance, females get Cushing's syndrome more often than males. Certain breeds also seem to have an elevated risk for Cushing's syndrome. Examples include Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Dachshunds. What Are the Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome in Dogs? Cushing's syndrome can cause a number of telltale symptoms and complications, although these may prove hard to detect (or get mistaken for other age-related issues) during the first year or so of the disorder's development. Pay close attention to the following common symptoms: Changes in eating and drinking habits - Excessive thirst (along with its natural consequence, excessive urination) is the primary symptom of Cushing's syndrome. Your dog may also display a ravenous appetite for no obvious reason. Lethargy - A dog with Cushing's syndrome may grow less active or energetic. It may also sleep more than once did, despite its reduced activity level. Appearance changes - If your dog suffers from Cushing's syndrome, its skin may thin out, bruise easily, and host recurring infections. Hair loss also occurs in Cushing's syndrome. At the same time, you may notice a pot belly developing on your dog. Panting - Cushings' disease may cause your dog to pant frequently, even in the absence of extreme heat or tiring activity. Vision problems - If your dog is bumping into objects or getting disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings, it may have developed vision problems due to cushing's syndrome. This disorder raises the risk for corneal diseases, which in turn can lead to reduced vision or even blindness. Can Cushing's Syndrome Weaken a Dog's Hind Legs? In addition to the common telltale signs noted above, the excess cortisol production of Cushing's syndrome can also affect your pet's muscular strength. This muscle weakness is actually the cause of the pot belly your dog may develop. It can also make a noticeable impact on the hind legs. Your dog may suddenly find it difficult to climb stairs, get it or out of your car, hop up onto the couch, lie down, or walk normally due to progressive muscle wasting from Cushing's syndrome. You may also see signs of coordination problems; for instance, your dog's legs may drag, cross each other, or get tangled up. You may also notice a visible shrinkage of the leg muscles. How Is Cushing's Syndrome Diagnosed in Dogs? Veterinarians must perform comprehensive diagnostic testing to tell Cushing's syndrome apart from other diseases that might produce similar symptoms. Blood and urine samples can help confirm the diagnosis. A combination of unusually diluted urine and elevated liver enzymes point toward Cushing's syndrome. Your veterinarian will also check for signs of an enlarged liver. Two tests in particular can single out Cushing's syndrome as the cause of your dog's problems. In the ACTH test, your dog receives an injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone. An unusually strong adrenal response indicates Cushing's syndrome. The dexamethasone suppression test can confirm Cushing's syndrome if an injection of this steroid fails to lower your dog's cortisol level (as it would in a healthy dog). The presence of a pituitary or adrenal tumor will pretty much verify that your dog's syndromes stem from Cushing's syndrome. Veterinarians use X-rays and/or ultrasound imaging to identify these tumors and pinpoint their locations. How to Manage Cushing's Syndrome's Impact on Your Dog's Hind Legs Cushing's syndrome obviously poses concerns that any dog owner should address sooner rather than later. Untreated high cortisol levels can shorten a dog's lifespan, partly because it also reduces immune resistance to various diseases. The good news is that you can definitely get the disorder treated while also providing other ways to optimize your dog's quality of life. Let's look at some treatment and management options. 1. Surgery The only surefire way to arrest Cushing's syndrome caused by a tumor involves removing the tumor surgically. Unfortunately, this procedure can cost a lot of money and present significant risks for patients. That's why many veterinarians will recommend non-surgical strategies instead, especially for older animals. 2. Medication-based strategies If your dog got Cushing's syndrome because of a steroid medication it was taking, your veterinarian might recommend discontinuing that steroid in favor of some other drug. But while this measure might “cure” Cushing's syndrome temporarily, the problem can always recur. Other drugs can help control Cushing's syndrome and its effects on your dog. Examples include mitotane, trilostane, and selegiline. Dogs who suffer from corneal trouble as a result of their Cushing's syndrome may benefit from medicated eye drops. 3. Assistive devices If muscle weakness has affected your dog's hind legs, it may benefit from assistive devices to help it get around and maintain an active lifestyle. The maintenance of regular exercise and activity can lift your dog's spirits, stave off obesity, and keep other limbs and joints strong and limber. These benefits are especially critical for older dogs who can use all the help they can get to combat age-related weight gain and arthritis stiffness. One highly effective option involves the use of a rear support dog wheelchair. This type of wheelchair, which can be custom-fitted for all sizes of dogs (from "teacup" pets to enormous Great Danes), relies on a pair of large, well-cushioned wheels attached by rails to a harness that wraps around your dog's midsection. If you wonder how you're going to get your dog into its rear support wheelchair, don't fret. You can also get a Help 'Em Up Harness to help you move your dog into its chair safely, easily, and comfortably. If your dog isn't quite in need of a wheelchair yet but could still use some extra support for those weakened hind legs, consider purchasing a lifting harness. This sling-like device allows you to help your dog support itself for specific tasks such as getting into a car or climbing stairs. Give your dog what it needs to overcome the challenges of Cushing's syndrome and get the most enjoyment out of its senior years. Take a look at K9 Carts' range of hind leg support wheelchairs and related support devices. Our products feature sturdy construction, high-quality materials, and complete customization based on our online measurement charts. If you need any help choosing the right product and/or measuring your pet for a custom fit, contact our team for information and advice!

When your beloved dog's hind legs just don't seem to work properly, both you and your pet may feel considerable distress. Few sights cause owners more sorrow than seeing their best friend hobbling stiffly or wobbling while standing due to a serious injury, congenital defect, or age-related health problem. In addition to the pain that they may cause, unstable or weak hind legs can also make your dog more vulnerable to accidents. Fortunately, modern medicine and assistive technology can help your struggling friend overcome his limitations. Let's take a look at some of the problems that can affect a dog's hind legs, how those problems affect comfort and mobility, and how the right corrective measures can restore your dog's quality of life. Causes of Hind Leg Weakness in Dogs Canine anatomy may differ from human anatomy, but it shares some important basic similarities. A dog may sustain many of the same kinds of hip, knee, or neurological ailments and injuries as humans. These problems may afflict any or all of the animal's four legs. Hind leg issues can make walking, running, or climbing either extraordinarily painful or completely impossible. Here are some possible causes of hind leg problems in canines. 1. Arthritis Arthritis afflicts dogs just as it does humans. In the most common form of this inflammatory disorder, osteoarthritis, the joints lose their ability to lubricate their components even as the cartilage between bone ends starts to disintegrate. These changes result in painful joint friction whenever the dog tries to move his hip, knee, or ankle. Your dog may respond by avoiding stairs or walks, adopting an odd "bunny hop" gait to compensate for a painful joint, or begin developing unusually large front-leg muscles as he relies more and more on these extremities to get around. To learn how to better manage canine arthritis, we recommend reading our essential guide on how to help a dog with arthritis. 2. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia most frequently occurs in larger breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernards and Great Danes. But while size and weight (along with work-related joint overuse) can certainly aggravate the condition, genetic predisposition appears to be the primary factor. Puppies born with this condition have looser-than-normal hip joints. This looseness promotes instability and unnatural wear and tear as the animal grows, often producing osteoarthritis as a complication. 3. Spinal Cord Injuries A serious injury to the spinal cord can interrupt the normal flow of signals from the spine to the hind legs. This may cause total paralysis, making it impossible for your pet to operate his hind legs at all. A less severe spinal injury may cause partial paralysis, leaving the hind legs noticeably weak and wobbly. The instability grows worse as muscles atrophy due to non-use. 4. Degenerative Vertebral Conditions Sometimes nerve signals to a dog's hind legs become partly scrambled due to compression from a neighboring structure. For example, a herniated disc can press against nerve tissue until the nerve tissue cannot conduct signals normally. Unusually long-bodied dogs who carry their bodies low to the ground, such as Basset Hounds and Dachshunds, often suffer from vertebral problems of this nature. A musculoskeletal problem may also create pain or numbness in the legs, making your dog less willing or able to walk. 5. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy The nerves that control a dog's hind leg function and sensation can occasionally develop diseases and dysfunctions of their own. One such disease, canine degenerative myelopathy, affects many breeds but occurs most frequently in Boxers, German Shepherd Dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The nerve sheath that insulates the spinal cord's nerve cells deteriorates, resulting in loss of nerve function. (A similar development in humans takes the form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.) Dogs with this condition may display signs of tremors in their hind legs, or stand with their hind legs close together and their feet at unusual angles. 6. Amputation A dog can often adapt surprisingly quickly and easily to the loss of a hind limb, learning how to walk and balance himself with his other three limbs. In some cases, however, the remaining hind leg may suffer from a painful degenerative disease or other condition that makes mobility impossible. A serious injury might even require the amputation of both hind legs, leaving the dog with no way of supporting the rear half of his body. 7. Post-Operative Limitations Many surgeries to repair or replace damaged hind leg components can restore full mobility to the limb, but not immediately. Dogs recovering from such surgeries may experience temporary disability, with owners instructed to keep their pets from bearing weight on an extremity that has yet to heal. Treatment Options for Hind Leg Weakness If your dog has developed increasing difficulty using his back legs to stand and walk, sit, lie down, and climb, you may find the solutions to this problem at your local veterinarian. An evaluation can detect the underlying cause, allowing the vet to suggest numerous possible remedies. The severity of a hind leg condition may dictate the kind of treatment your pet receives. For example, mild osteoarthritis often responds well to a combination of medication, light exercise, and dietary modifications to promote weight loss or reduce inflammation. Severe degeneration due to arthritis and/or dysplasia may require joint surgery or even joint replacement. Veterinarians can treat hip dysplasia through surgery. Young dogs can receive a double or triple pelvic osteotomy, which rotates the joint components to improve function. A femoral head osteotomy removes the head of the femur, allowing scar tissue to replace it. Your dog may walk with a limp afterward, but he will no longer be in pain. A total hip replacement can restore both full hip function and full comfort in many canine patients. Spinal treatments may help some kinds of neurological dysfunction. Your dog might benefit from herniated disc removal and spinal fusion surgery, or from strong anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swollen tissues that pinch nerves. When Medical Care Isn't Enough: Support and Mobility Products If veterinary medicine can't resolve your pet's hind leg issues, look into assistive devices. K9 Carts offers mobility products to help dogs get around easily even if they have painful hind limb problems, limited hind limb function, or no hind limb function at all. Here are two popular options to consider: Dog Lift Harness A dog lift harness allows you to provide some gentle support for your pet's hindquarters, taking stress off of weakened legs or painful joints. Simply put the comfortable foam harness around your dog's hips and then use the attached cable to lift upward slightly as your dog stands and walks. Dog lift harnesses can prove ideal for pets who struggle with arthritis, dysplasia, or another painful condition without having lost all of their weight-bearing ability or mobility. These handy devices can make all the difference between having to carry your pet everywhere to letting him roam freely under his own power. Dog Wheelchair to Support Weak Hind Legs If your dog cannot bear any weight on his hind legs at all, consider getting a rear support dog wheelchair. These lightweight wheelchairs assume all the weight of your pet's rear body and do all the work that the hind legs would do. As long as your pet still has comfortable use of his forelimbs, he can move speedily, safely, and confidently with the aid of his wheelchair. A rear support dog wheelchair makes sense when your pet needs to avoid all weight bearing activities, or when your pet has lost all hind leg function due to a neurological problem. It's also ideal for amputee pets. You simply need to specify the nature and extent of your pet's hind leg amputation before purchasing your wheelchair. Looking to Restore Your Pet's Comfortable Mobility? Contact Us K9 Carts looks forward to helping you help your dog. Contact us today to discuss his hind leg issues with us. We'll be more than happy to answer all your questions and guide you toward the ideal product for your pet's mobility challenges. References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_degenerative_myelopathy http://vhc.missouri.edu/small-animal-hospital/neurology-neurosurgery/facts-on-neurologic-diseases/degenerative-myelopathy/ https://www.americanveterinarian.com/journals/amvet/2018/august2018/current-options-for-managing-canine-osteoarthritis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20732599/

A spinal injury can prove to be just as devastating for a dog as it can be for a human. This type of injury may lead to chronic pain, gait problems, or even paralysis, depending on the nature and location of the injury. Whether you're worried about the current state of your dog's spine or you'd like to understand the potential threats to your furry friend's spinal well being, you should learn some key points about spinal injury in dogs, from their symptoms and causes to diagnostic methods, treatment options, and recovery expectations. What Exactly Is Spinal Injury in Dogs? When veterinarians refer to spinal injuries in dogs, they typically mean some form of acute damage to the many components of the spinal column. The spinal column runs the entire length of your dog's body from neck to tail. The cervical spine includes the vertebral bones and joints that support and articulate the neck. Just behind the cervical vertebrae, the ribs attach to the vertebrae of the thoracic spine. Beyond the thoracic spine, the lumbar spine supports your dog's back. The human spine has these same distinctions. Unlike your spine, however, your dog's spinal column has one extra area, the caudal spine, that includes the bones of the tail. How Does a Spinal Injury Occur? Many spinal injuries in dogs occur due to accidents. If your dog gets hit by a car, slams into a solid object at high speed, or falls a distance of more than twice its own height, it may sustain such an injury. A violent assault that includes a gunshot, knife wound, or bite wound can also cause an acute spinal injury in dogs. Other causes of spinal injury in dogs can prove more subtle and gradual in nature. These causes may include infectious diseases, degenerative conditions, and neurological issues. We will take a closer look at specific spinal injury causes below. Symptoms of Spinal Injury in Dogs It's important to recognize the telltale signs of a spinal injury in your dog as early as possible. The sooner you can have your dog examined and treated, the better your dog's long-term outcome may be, and the less discomfort and inconvenience it'll have to cope with. Watch out for the following symptoms. Obvious pain affecting the dog's back, neck, limbs, or tail. A change in your dog's gait, such as the sudden development of a limp or the impression that your dog is dragging its back legs when walking. Yelping or other unhappy vocalizations when you try to pick up your dog. Loss of interest in favorite activities, including eating. Shivering in response to certain physical motions or activities. Odd postural changes such as an arched back, tucked tail, or drawn-in head. Causes of Spinal Injury in Dogs As noted above, a variety of accidents, diseases, and disorders can damage your dog's spine. Let's look at some common causes of spinal injury in dogs. Spinal Fracture - A sharp impact can crack or even shatter the vertebrae that make up the bulk of your dog's spinal column. This vertebral damage can rob the spinal cord of valuable nutrients and blood flow, producing nerve damage as a complication within 24 to 48 hours of the fracture. Spinal Subluxation - A subluxation occurs when the joints that connect two neighboring vertebrae fall out of their natural alignment. Subluxation of joint components can cause stiffness and pain in the affected joint. It may also cause the errant vertebral components to pinch nerve tissue, affecting the function of your dog's legs. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - IVDD can affect any dog over time, but it most commonly bothers long-backed breeds such as Dachshunds. Age-related degeneration causes the discs between vertebrae to shrink and flatten, leading to spinal nerve compression. Intervertebral Disc Infection (Discospondylitis) - In discospondylitis, an infectious germ from any part of the body migrates the vertebral discs, infecting them and causing both severe pain and loss of leg function. Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) - An FCE, also known as a spinal stroke, occurs when intense physical exercise causes a piece of intervertebral disc material to loosen, break away, and get stuck in one of the arteries that nourishes the spinal cord with blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Even when this problem resolves itself (as it often does), it can leave permanent nerve damage behind. Cancer Of The Spine - Cancerous tumors can develop within the spine or metastasize to the spine from another part of the body. Diagnosis of Spinal Injury in Dogs Veterinarians who suspect a spinal injury in a dog may run several types of diagnostic procedures to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the exact cause and location of the problem. Diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can make the injury visible, while lab tests can determine the presence of cancer or infection. At the same time, your veterinarian will observe your dog's posture, gait, and any signs of discomfort to help determine how seriously the injury affects your dog's quality of life. Treatment of Spinal Injury in Dogs Treatment of spinal injury in dogs depends largely on the kind of injury involved. A fracture and related trauma may call for emergency surgery to reassemble bone fragments, fuse unstable vertebrae, and seal lacerations. Surgery can also remove cancerous tumors, although other anti-cancer treatment may also prove necessary. A less extreme injury such as subluxation may respond to chiropractic adjustments that realign joint components non-surgically. Some cases of FCE require surgical intervention, but many are left to heal naturally. An infection of the spine commonly requires treatment with antibiotics, although it may also require surgery to address damage left behind by the infection. To ease IVDD symptoms, your veterinarian can perform a procedure to remove damaged disc material and/or fuse neighboring vertebrae together, thus eliminating the pain created by joint motion. Recovery From Spinal Injury in Dogs Spinal injuries in dogs (and the surgeries often used to address them) can take a long time to get over. In some cases, permanent nerve damage causes partial paralysis that lingers after other damage has healed. Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of physical therapy and medication to help your dog regain as much function as possible. A canine that suffers from partial paralysis or leg weakness can benefit greatly from a dog wheelchair. Some dog wheelchairs provide support just for the rear legs, while others offer full support for dogs whose front legs have also lost some function. Buy or rent an adjustable, customizable wheelchair to ensure that your dog will enjoy a safe, comfortable fit. You can learn more about these assistive devices in our expert’s guide to dog wheelchairs. As valuable as a dog wheelchair can prove to restore mobility to your dog's life, you can't rush your dog into accepting this assistive device. Use the wheelchair for just a few minutes at a time for several times a day until your pet gets used to it. Eventually your dog will look forward to going on longer and longer expeditions made possible by its new set of wheels. If your dog needs some help getting around due to the lasting effects from a spinal injury, turn to K9 Carts for comfortable, durable, effective mobility aids such as dog wheelchairs. Browse our online product guides today and contact us with any questions you may have. References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16266334/ https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/hospital/animal-health-topics/disc-disease https://en.wikivet.net/Spinal_Column_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology https://cvm.msu.edu/vetschool-tails/non-surgical-solution-to-traumatic-spinal-cord-injury-in-a-dalmatian

Almost any dog owner will agree that their canine friends seem practically human in many ways, including the ways that they process emotions and react to situations. Unfortunately, this fact means that dogs can fall prey to the same kinds of emotional disorders as humans, including the development of a problem known as separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can prove devastating for dogs. The more you understand this common problem, the more easily you can recognize the symptoms of separation anxiety in your own dog, and help it overcome those problems. Let's take a look at separation anxiety's causes, effects, remedies, and prevention. What is Separation Anxiety? Separation anxiety involves the unreasonable fear of being separated from particular individuals for a significant length of time. This emotional disorder occurs in humans as well as pets (interestingly enough, being separated from a beloved pet can cause anxiety in humans, just as separation from a beloved human can trigger anxiety in a pet). Pets can also experience anxiety over being left alone in general. Dogs who experience this problem sometimes earn the nickname "Velcro dogs'' for their obsessive desire to stay close to the humans in their lives at all times. Why Do Dogs Get Separation Anxiety? The underlying cause of separation anxiety can vary from dog to dog: In some animals, a traumatic experience at a kennel or boarding facility may have left them extremely gun-shy about any situation that might place them back in that environment. In others, a recent death, divorce, or departure for college may have left a dog missing one of his beloved family members for the first time. Yet other dogs have never really experienced solitude at all, leaving them totally unprepared for the situation when it finally happens to them. Which Dogs May Have an Elevated Risk for Separation Anxiety? While any dog can develop separation anxiety, some may have more vulnerability to it than others. Here are some examples of dogs who may acquire this condition especially easily: Geriatric dogs - There's a reason for the expression "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Older dogs are more set in their ways and more resistant to change than younger dogs. When those changes occur, so does anxiety. Dogs with pre-existing anxiety issues - If your dog has displayed anxiety triggered by outside events in the past, they may be more prone to separation anxiety. Even if the dog has overcome its anxiety over other issues, a sudden separation could easily trigger this additional problem. New members of the family - Have you recently adopted a dog? This new family member may love and appreciate the new surroundings, but may also feel vulnerable and afraid due to the new environment. Shelter rescues who have been abandoned in the past may feel especially sensitive about being left alone again. Puppies - Puppies are in a formative period of life, one in which they're experiencing everything for the first time. They're also used to receiving constant love and attention from their mothers. The uncertainty of long lonely spells can "program" them to fear solitude. That's why it's so important to teach your puppy to tolerate separation as a non-threatening experience. Which Dog Breeds Are More Prone to Separation Anxiety? Heredity can certainly play a role in a dog's vulnerability to separation anxiety. Humans have bred dogs to display specific traits, some of which may favor the onset of the disorder. Dogs bred for intelligence, companionship, and high energy levels fall into this broad category. Specific breeds prone to separation anxiety include: Labrador Retrievers - Known as family dogs, Labrador retrievers feel a strong need for social interaction, potentially experiencing anxiety if they don't get it. German and Australian Shepherds - These working dogs are both extraordinarily intelligent animals. They also require lots of activity to keep them from getting bored. Without humans to play or work with, separation anxiety sets in. Bichon Frise and Toy Poodles - These dogs are bred primarily as companion dogs. Deprived of their companions, they understandably suffer from separation anxiety. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels - Another traditional companion dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also has a natural tendency toward anxiety. Jack Russell Terriers - Jack Russell Terriers exhibit ceaseless energy. If they don't have an available human to keep them happily running around, they can develop significant anxiety. Border Collies - Border Collies may represent the ultimate combination of high energy and high intelligence. This combination invites separation anxiety. What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs? Dogs can act out in some distinctive ways when they're going through a bout of separation anxiety. Watch for the following signs of potential anxiety in your own canine: Vocalization - An anxious dog will bark, whine, howl, or cry when left alone unexpectedly. Property damage - Separation anxiety compels some dogs to chew on furniture, destroy upholstery, or dig holes in flooring and carpeting. Inappropriate elimination - Dogs may temporarily forget or ignore their toilet training when plagued by separation anxiety. They may even eat their own feces. How Can You Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs? You may have to train that anxiety out of them through gentle, gradual positive reinforcement. You might start by crating your dog while you're at home working on specific activities. Move on to ever-increasing periods of separation that acclimate your dog to this experience. Make goodbyes and hellos a casual, routine thing instead of a dramatic event. You can also take steps to make all-day separation more tolerable for your dog. Make sure that plenty of toys and other fun challenges keep your pet occupied while you're gone. If your dog craves human companionship, consider asking a pet sitter, dog walker, or just an available friend or neighbor to spend some daily time with your pet. Dogs who easily and frequently suffer from anxiety -- and who don't respond to behavioral training -- may need medication to treat that underlying issue. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog's history and current condition, prescribing anti-anxiety medications as needed. How Can You Prevent Separation Anxiety From Occurring in the First Place? You can use the above techniques to train a puppy or newly-adopted dog to accept periods of separation. If you've been spending lots of time at home and you're about to change that routine, consider some pre-emptive separation training, even if your pet has never shown previous hints of separation anxiety. One of the most important things you can do involves keeping to a regular, consistent schedule. If you make a point of leaving and returning at the same approximate times, your dog will come to expect your departure with a secure sense of when you'll be back. Separations can be hard for all of us, including our four-legged friends.