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Post by charlie81 on Mar 18, 2013 8:35:56 GMT -7
Our 3 year old doxi/lab mix, Lexi, will be done with crate rest on April 5th  She is definitely anxious to be done!! At this point we are almost done weaning her off of prednisone and are completely done with the pain meds. She has no bowel/bladder control so we express her 4 times a day...with poop surprises here and there Her back legs still cross and have no function what-so-ever. We've had vet check-ups every 2 weeks and at our last one, it was recommended to start looking into wheelchairs for when her crate rest is done. They will help us fit it, and get her into it for the first time. I've looked at a ton of websites and the ones listed on Dodgerslist...but am so nervous about making the actual purchase!! Lexi is still so young, so I want to get one that will last a long time, but also reasonable in price. My main concern is getting one that holds her back legs up, and allows for potty breaks while wearing...plus comfort and ease of getting in and out of. I would LOVE any feedback or recommendations from owners who have wheelchairs and what has been the best for you. Thank you so much - It's been such a blessing to have this support group! It's a comfort to know there is a family of dog lovers out there going through what we are and are there for encouragement and help! (I'll add a picture once I figure it out...lol) |
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Post by barbaratechel on Mar 18, 2013 9:55:44 GMT -7
Hi there, I can understand your wanting to make sure you get the right and best wheelchair. I felt the same way when fitting my dog Frankie for one seven years ago. One thing I feel is very important especially when dealing with a dog with IVDD is that the wheelchair be custom fit. You want the spine to be stabalized and a custom chair helps with that. I've only ever suggested one company because they are the one I worked with for my wheelchair for Frankie, which is www.eddieswheels.com. When Frankie began using her wheelchair her back feet would knuckle under and drag, but over time, she learned to pick her feet up, and often times you'd see her legs moving. This was good as it acted as therapy for her and kept her muscle tone strong. I also know many dogs who after using a wheelchair that do walk on their own again. Frankie never did do that, but she could hop at times like a rabbit, which I attributed to her custom wheelchair. I hope this helps! Barbara Techel |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 18, 2013 10:47:18 GMT -7
Our 3 year old doxi/lab mix, Lexi, will be done with crate rest on April 5th :)At this point we are almost done weaning her off of prednisone and are completely done with the pain meds. She has no bowel/bladder control so we express her 4 times a day...with poop surprises here and there :) Her back legs still cross and have no function what-so-ever. I would LOVE any feedback or recommendations from owners who have wheelchairs Charlie, I too have an Eddie's for Clark since 2007. It still functions like new and I highly recommend if it fits your budget. In fact I would save up for it as they are used everyday. Not all day, but for periods of time such as 2 hours when outdoors and under supervision. But first before we go too far just wanting to check that Lexi started crate rest on 2/8 and 8 weeks would have her graduating on Apr 5? Can she wag her tail if you do some happy talk to her? Tail movements at other times might be reflex....so look for tail move because she is happy. I takes two weeks for a cart to be made. After graduation, there should be a gradual reintroduction back to physical activity. Part of that can be scooting around the house. Sling walks in the yard. I would wait until all 8 weeks of crate rest have been completed At that time you can assess whether money is better spent on say under water treadmill or investing in a cart to let Lexi get back to fully participating in family activity while waiting on more nerve healing. Have you seen the after crate rest what now info? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm |
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Post by charlie81 on Mar 18, 2013 13:16:37 GMT -7
Lexi went down the weekend of February 8th and we crated her right away - ya'll were one of the first places I contacted I have read almost every page of literature on the Dodgerslist website! Great information. For after crate rest we'll be using the guidelines for introducing her to activity. We'll also be doing a drag bag, we already sling her (towel)for bathroom breaks, and we'll be doing massage. We have little Lexi pods around the house ready for her to be comfortable in, no matter what room we're in. We have a vet appt tomorrow for a check up and for measurments for a cart. We figured that would give us a few weeks time for it to come and be ready when she's done with the crate. Thanks for the information - I'll check out Eddie's! |
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She is definitely anxious to be done!! At this point we are almost done weaning her off of prednisone and are completely done with the pain meds. She has no bowel/bladder control so we express her 4 times a day...with poop surprises here and there 
