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HELP. Tully's can't walk

Discussion in 'Senior Sheltie Health' started by Caro, Jan 28, 2023.

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  1. Caro

    Caro Moderator

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    I think the plate in Tully's back leg, that fused her ankle, has come detached and she can't walk.

    I think it's been about 2yrs since she had it done. and back then I was told she had to come of the steroids or it wouldn't hold. Well we couldn't get her off the steroids.

    Unfortunately she has little strength in her front legs, and I think those wrists are collapsing too. We went for a walk and now she can't stand at all.

    I'm wondering if anyone knows of a frame for dogs that kind of holds them there - like a baby walker? I put her flyball harness on but she tips forward. If you can think of any other options too let me know. Atm I'm going to try to sew a bigger harness, I'm desperate.

    Kis had surgery on Friday night to remove a foxtail seed from her eardrum and is not well.
     
    Caro, Jan 28, 2023
    Caro, Jan 28, 2023
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  2. Calliesmom

    Calliesmom Moderator

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    sorry to hear about Tully and Kis having issues- no help here......................
     
    Calliesmom, Jan 28, 2023
    Calliesmom, Jan 28, 2023
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  3. Sharon7

    Sharon7 Moderator

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    Oh no... I desperately wish I could think of something to help but I'm coming up blank. I'm so sorry Caro I know it's killing you to watch her struggle.
    And then poor Kismet also ailing.... it's too much. :hugs
     
    Sharon7, Jan 28, 2023
    Sharon7, Jan 28, 2023
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  4. Cindy

    Cindy Premium Member

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    I know handicapped pets has a quad wheelchair that supports the entire weight of the dog....But it is @ $500.
    amazon has some cheaper ones...don't know how well they work.
    I hope both your pups start feeling better.......
    Tully puts Gavin to shame, she;s such a tough old girl!

    As far as to stand, I've seen someone on FB who uses a people walker with a sling between the sides with her mini schnauzer.

    DIY.... https://www.handicappedpets.com/lanies-homemade-dog-wheelchair/
     
    Cindy, Jan 28, 2023
    Cindy, Jan 28, 2023
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  5. Piper's mom

    Piper's mom Moderator

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    Would a towel under her abdomen help Caro, with you holding the other ends of it? Kinda make a sling for her belly (more of her lower belly) and maybe help support her weight? Sending prayers you find something that helps.
     
    Piper's mom, Jan 28, 2023
    Piper's mom, Jan 28, 2023
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  6. Margi

    Margi Premium Member

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    Oh my that is awful. I hope you can use the walker idea! I'm useless for this.
     
    Margi, Jan 28, 2023
    Margi, Jan 28, 2023
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  7. Ron Atkinson

    Ron Atkinson Premium Member

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    There is a lady in our town that exercises her disabled poodle in a homemade sling she made from a cloth shopping bag. She cut the ends out sewed new seams and was left with the sides with the handles attached. She is carrying the weight of her dog but I thought it is a nice homemade sling. Might work till you can get a more permanent solution?
     
    Ron Atkinson, Jan 29, 2023
    Ron Atkinson, Jan 29, 2023
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  8. Caro

    Caro Moderator

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    Thanks. I'll give it a try! I have a lot of shopping bags.

    I tried the towel but she slipped in it. A thick lead around her back worked for peeing but we haven't negotiated a poop yet. I wish I could find the brace I used before her fusion but I think they must have taken it when she had the surgery.

    What am I going to do long term? She is in pain right now. She's nearly 15.9yrs old. They will not do revision surgery for the fusion (I was told this at the time) and she's too old to weather an amputation. God I don't want to lose her over this when she's fought so hard through everything else.

    Had a look online, there is one body sling that's expensive and would take 2-3wks to get here (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09SBKZG8X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A4XRJ8S0WXSO0&psc=1). Don't know whether to take the risk. It's hard and expensive to get shipping to Aust. Over here there's only rear end walkers. I had seen the PVC home made walkers when Tully needed the fusion but the Ortho vet said it wouldn't be helpful.
     
    Caro, Jan 29, 2023
    Caro, Jan 29, 2023
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  9. Sandy in CT

    Sandy in CT Premium Member

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    Sad to hear your tough old gal is in bad shape. I do hope you come across a solution.

    Looking at your pic there, if you are creative with a sewing machine, you could use some wooden dowels sewed into the shopping bags noted above, maybe two along each side and one along each side under - I am not sure how much stability she has or needs. You wouln't wnt the dowels directly above her spine or directly below her ribs as that would put addition pressure, but along the sides. Here, dowels could be found at home building supplies, arts and craft shops. And you could sew on rings. also found at either of those, to attach straps for your handles. Might not be pretty but sure as hell wouldn't cost 500!

    Edited to add... sorry about Kis, hope she heals up. You have a ton on your plate!
     
    Sandy in CT, Jan 29, 2023
    Sandy in CT, Jan 29, 2023
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  10. Cindy

    Cindy Premium Member

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    There are some paralyzed dog groups on facebook, as well as IVDD groups.
    they might have some more ideas.
    I am on wheelchair groups which are less helpful for this.
     
    Cindy, Jan 29, 2023
    Cindy, Jan 29, 2023
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