Rescue Dog needs Cart

[jslotridge]

I am the foster parent of a 13 lb. mixed dog that was born with rear leg deformity. This is my first expereince with htis kind of thing. We have done all her surgery so she is ready for adoption we just think if we had a cart and she was trained to use it she would be more likely to be adopted. I believe she is fully grown as she is a shih tzu/pug/yorkie/poodle mix that was dumped at a shelter from backyard breeder. I have had her for 5 months. She walks on her front legs and has even mastered up and down stairs. I allow her to be a regular dog and figure things out for herself. She is an amazing girl. I would like a cart and thought maybe someoen would donate it as it would be tax deductible. She is part of a 501 (c) 3 rescue. I would also love to talk to someone that has done this before for some advice. Thank you for listening to me babble and any information would be appreciated. I can send pictures and videos to anyone that may be able to help her.

[k9carts]

Hi jslotridge and welcome to the K-9 Cart Used Dog Wheelchair Board.

Most dogs with a single leg deformity or amputee can do well without a wheelchair. You should call us and speak to us about your special needs dog to determine whether a wheelchair is appropriate.

if so, you may want to consider a custom dog wheelchair rather than a used dog wheelchair since most used wheelchairs that are available are for animals with rear limb disabilities. In any case, whether you chose a used dog wheelchair or a new one, we will need for you to measure your pet.

You can get measuring information on our main website:
http://www.k-9cart.com/General-Interest ... s-and-info

Feel free to phone or email us if you need more information or want to discuss your pet in detail.

[jslotridge]

If you read my post you would see that I listed this dog as having rear leg deformity. I am not stupid. Both legs are deformed. She is part of a rescue and we can not buy a custom cart. I am looking for a donation from someone that might have a used cart. We rescue dogs and have little money. Our organization is tax deductable and it would be a tax write off. I don't appreciate the canned answer. I am looking to learn more about the use of carts and talk to someone abou thow this works. I will not be just measuring her legs and ordering a cart. One of her legs is not even straight and I don't know how this will be dealt with. Thanks for nothing with this response.

[k9carts]

Yes, you wrote

born with rear leg deformity

, which implies a single limb not both limbs. If this was the case, many animals may benefit from an orthotic, protective device, or perhaps surgery. You mention surgery, but do not provide details or the nature of the deformity. Without knowing more details or seeing pictures/video, it is hard to determine whether a cart is appropriate. At K-9 Cart Company East, we are not just trying to sell a product but provide the best mobility option for your dog. Thus, we again encourage you to contact us. We provide this advice (FROM A VETERINARY ORTHOPEDIC AND NEUROSURGEON) free of charge.

It is possible that you might find a used cart that would work for you, but since there is a big difference between a pug and a yorkie. Providing the weight and the possible mixes in your dog is just insufficient on a forum to find you a used cart. So we do encourage you to help us understand the size and shape of your dog by providing measurements. We wish you well. You obviously have a big heart to take on this special needs dog.

[jslotridge]

Her surgery is her spay. I would gladly send a video. She walks on her front legs only and has since birth one back leg is long but not as long as her others and the joints don't bend in the correct way. She can bear some weight on it to pivot when she runs but will never walk on it. The other leg is totally bent and faces in all kinds of wrong directions. Her foot pads face up and she nas no flexibility in any of the joints in this leg. She has complete feeling in these legs and has use of her hips. She runs at full tilt on her front legs and has great mobility and dextarity. That is why we want to get her in a cart while she is young and can figure out how it will work and will make the most out of it. How would I send a video and picture? We have had her evealuated by an orthopedic specialist. That is why I am looking for the cart. What I am asking is if there is a possiblity that a donation would be made on her behalf? We belive this is her best chance of being adopted.

[k9carts]

If the videos are not too large, you can try and email them. Otherwise, you can use a service like "yousendit" or youtube/facebook to share the videos. You can also post them on our K-9 Cart Company East facebook page http://www.facebook.com/k9carts.

Many owners will donate their carts to a good cause such as this. We have also seen people have garage sales or online campaigns. Currently, For Paws Hospice is raising money for a cart. We are happy to tweet this information and share it on facebook to assist you with raising money if needed for a new cart or to seek a used one.

You might also look at the K9Carts youtube channel. Toby had a congenital rear limb deformity and did well in a K-9 Cart. http://www.youtube.com/k9carts#p/u/41/8fRZPe0q4sw

You are correct that it is a good idea to get a cart now. Walking on the front limbs for an entire lifetime will lead to other orthopedic problems. Also, dogs that learn how to walk on just the forelimbs are harder to train to walk on all four limbs again.

We look forward to hearing from you.

[jslotridge]

She will never walk on all fours again. She is not a candidate for surgery. I will post the video and pictures of her legs on Faxcebook as I know how to do that. Thank you for the information.