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I was really excited at week 12, when it looked like Penny used the pee pad in her penthouse for the 1st time.. I was so proud of my little fur ball, I wanted to frame it! I completely refuse to think it was accidental, but after another 3 weeks, the incident has not been repeated.... still, it gave us hope for a few days.
After discussing the wheelchair issue with Dr.Neil Barnsley, (Pennys acupuncturist/Holistic health vet) at first he was like, well, it's a bit early to say she is not going to improve any more at this point, and putting her in a wheelchair could maybe be a bit premature... then the next week he was all well, I've been thinking about it, and it may be a good idea.
To wheelchair or not to wheelchair, this is the question.
There seems to be 2 schools of thought on this...
One side thinks that once you put a dog into a wheelchair/trolley that the back legs then become lazy and loose muscle tone and there is little chance then of getting them out of it.
The other side thinks that using wheels encourages leg use and can support the spine during the recovery period.
In any case they need to be properly fitted and adjustable in height so you can lower the wheels as the legs get more strength, and of course the dog can not be in them unsupervised, or 24/7.
The wheelchair my physio recommended is called "Walkin Wheels" they are fully adjustable, and through her they cost $550 plus a full consult fee $120 to fit them. If you buy the same wheels direct from the USA from Handicapped Pets they are US$249+ US$95.30 shipping. It comes with a how to dvd.
There are many other wheel chairs available, including some really nice custom built ones here in Australia. The best ones I've seen so far are from "Wheels and Paws" AU $350 + shipping.
Kane thinks he may be able to make a set, and has started to build some, so hopefully he will be successful, and we can trial them on her to see if they help and if she likes them. If they work, that would be great and save us heaps, if not, at least we maybe able to see how she goes and if we should spend the money on a custom set.
Her poor little paws are rubbed raw from dragging on the floor and concrete pavers outside, and I can not seem to keep any-type of sock/bootie on her feet. I've tried dog socks, dog booties, dog booties that look like balloons, medical tape, elastic bandage that I got from the vet, bandaids, gaff (with cotton pads on 1st). She either can not walk in them at all, or they just slip off... frustrating.
As were were sort of discouraged by our physio, Dr.Neil suggested we may spend our money instead on hydrotherapy, and to keep doing her PT exercises daily at home . I turned to the resources page on the Dachshund IVDD support fb site,and found a hydrotherapist nearish to us (about 1:20 mins away) in Londonderry. She had her 1st swim at 13 weeks. It was really great.
So K9 Swim is an old greyhound exercise pool, with heated water and everything. Sharon and her team are really nice, and very experienced. Sharon said they do see a lot of dachys there, some even worse than Penny and she has had good results. They fitted Penny with a little life jacket and got into the pool with her. On one long side of the pool is a ramp which start shallow and goes deeper. Penny loves to swim, so her little front legs immediately started dog paddling about 1000 miles per hour. She was only a little concerned at 1st, and was a bit frantic, but settled into a nice steady pace... One lady held Pennys front lifejacket and steered her, while Sharon worked the back legs and did various water exercises with her. It was great to see Penny moving and getting some exercise after being limited for so long, and doing something she loves! I cried of course. Afterwards, a nice warm rinse off and lovely conditioner.
Emotionally its still tough going.... I still find myself crying for "no reason" and very sensitive on so many levels. I am finding it really hard to enjoy life and to relax. I suppose this will pass, and we have to just keep soldering on.
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