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Elderly, disabled, and injured dogs and cats are considered "Handicapped Pets." With proper care and a little extra help, these animals can continue to enjoy a happy, healthy, quality life. Caring for a handicapped pet can be a richly rewarding experience filled with love and creating a special bond.
Common Pet Handicaps
Common handicaps include Hip Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), spinal and cervical problems, cancer, arthritis, urinary problems, blindness, and other conditions that may require extra care. Sometimes, handicapped pets may require surgery; hip replacement, tumor removal, leg amputation, and more. Other treatments include massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and holistic healing methods.
A handicapped pet requires additional care and, often, special equipment.
Injured Dogs & Cats Don't Have to Lose Mobility
Animals that lose the use of more than one leg can be outfitted with dogkarts, or wheelchairs. These consist of a set of wheels attached to a lightweight frame that straps to the dog. Front, rear, and four-wheel carts are available. Animals in properly fitted dogkarts can run and play. Dogkarts can be homemade or purchased for between $300 and $500. Similar products include harnesses and carrying slings, rear end support leashes, and more. Carts and other products can often be purchased used through classified ad sites.
When an animal has a difficult time walking, it is often due to dried footpads that slide on wooden or tile floors. This can be avoided by using pet boots or, sometimes by simply placing small throw-rugs on the floor. Ramps and pet steps can also help a handicapped pet get around the house.
Dealing with Incontinence in a Handicapped Pet
Many handicapped animals lose control of their bowels and urinary function. Learning to 'express' an animal from a vet (or manually empty the bladder or bowels), is simple but extremely important. Urine left in the bladder can become infected, and fatal, in a matter of days. To make life with an incontinent pet more pleasant, pet diapers, and specially designed bedding can be helpful.
The choice to care for a handicapped pet is an important one. Contacting other caretakers and listening to their stories can help you appreciate the work and the rewards. It is important that caretakers of handicapped pets do not try to care for their pet alone. The help of a veterinarian and the support of one of the many discussion groups on the web is an important part of this journey.
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