Dear Daisy Dog
Barney, my miniature dachshund, suffered a ruptured disc in his spine, and now his back legs are paralyzed. Unfortunately, I can’t afford back surgery for him.
On television, I saw a paralyzed dog running around in a cart that looked like a doggie wheelchair. How expensive are they? Do you think a cart is a reasonable option? If so, where can I buy one?
Daisy Responds
A dog friend with degenerative myelopathy, a spinal cord disease that causes hind leg paralysis, loves his cart.
However, not every paralyzed dog benefits from a cart. Obese dogs and dogs with weak or arthritic front legs find it difficult to manage one.
If you feel Barney will do well with a cart, ask your regular veterinarian or a veterinarian who specializes in canine physical rehabilitation to refer you to a cart company.
If they don’t know one, contact K-9 Carts (www.k9carts.com or 800-578-6960) or Handicapped Pets (www.handicappedpets.com or 888-811-7387).
A custom-made cart sells for several hundred dollars, but the investment will be worthwhile if it restores Barney’s mobility.
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