Wheel carts-UPDATE Myndi

[Freedom]

Marlin started this last weekend, can't seem to keep his rear end UP. He has hip dysplasia. He is on aspirin and Tramadol, for inflammation and pain. Talked with the vet on Monday, and we increased his Tramadol from 2 times a day to 3 times a day. In 3 days he was doing better. So it is possible that Myndi can use some help with inflammation and pain relief as a start.

Many folks use the carts with success. The only one I recall on here though, is Annabelle, the poodle, who did not take to it at all.

Here is a link to Eddie's Wheels. This company is in Massachusetts; I spoke with the owner at the New England Pet Expo last October:
http://eddieswheels.com/dog-carts/?_...FYNo4Aod-jDJaA

If you go this route, Myndi needs to get used to a harness. IF you are using a collar on her, you can start her in a harness now, as a step in the process.

So you don't have to keep bending, they do sell slings you can use to hold up the dog's back end. This means you have to walk beside her. Here is a link, just the first one that popped up, to show you what I am talking about: http://www.dog-sling.com/?gclid=CIK-...FcMQNAodmkMzZg

It is sad watching them age.

[pomtzu]

Thanks for your comments. I was really hoping that there was someone here that had experience with one of these carts, but it looks like I struck out this time.

Asiel: I checked out the site that you listed for small dogs, and while the poly frame is a good idea and lightweight, the wheels are really small. I'm certain those would not work well outside in the grass, and larger wheels would be needed for that and to run smoothly and not drag. The small wheels would work good for the smooth surfaces inside, but she would be needing a cart more for outside. I did find a site that had carts especially for small dogs, and the frame is lightweight aluminum and it has larger wheels, and the price of those carts wouldn't break the bank - one was $167 - and they were designed by a vet.
And the hugs were delivered to my little one.........

Sandie: This girl would NEVER tolerate a sling! She is so darn independent, and doesn't like me following her around when we go outside, and she really would spazz and we would get nothing accomplished that way. I use a harness on her as opposed to a collar, and she has no problem with having that on when we go anywhere that I have to have her on a leash. So at least I know that wouldn't be an issue if it comes down to her needing a cart. I don't know how she would tolerate a cart, but I think she would accept it. In my research yesterday, it says it takes about 2 weeks for a dog to get used to it.

But - I don't know that she will need one anyway - just thinking ahead to the possibility of it. After her couple of "butt down" episodes again yesterday morning, she hasn't had any more at all. But I'm still taking her in to see doc tomorrow, and get her take on all of this.

So Myndi could still use some good vibes and PT prayers. Wish us luck, and I'll post back after her vet visit in the afternoon.


ETA: Sandie - aspirin is DEFINITELY not an option for her. She was on a baby aspirin twice a day and with food, when she developed that intestinal bleed and almost died a couple of years ago - and she had only been taking them for 2 or 3 weeks at the most. Sure don't want to go there again!

[pomtzu]

Thought I'd fill you in on wha's going on. Myndi had another "butt down" episode this morning that lasted about as long as the first one she had. So I'm seeing a pattern here - she only has them when she gets up from laying down an extended period of time - like a long afternoon nap, or a long night's sleep.

Doc wasn't surprised that this is happening - even said she's surprised that Myndi has gone this long with relatively no leg issues other than the crappy knees. So she has the luxating patella and arthritis in the legs, and now also arthritis in her spine, which of course will only get worse. Doc put her on Tramadol twice a day, but can't give her any of the anti-inflamatory drugs because of her stomach. She said there was one she considered, but that one can cause issues with the kidneys, and they are already compromised, so that was out too. I asked her what her thoughts were on a cart, and while she said it could be helpful, she doesn't think that now is the right time, and that Myndi could get lazy and depend on it, and thus cause her legs to weaken at a more rapid rate. Makes sense - and I was thinking about that too. So as long as these episodes are rather short lived, I'll put the cart idea on the back burner for now.

So that's where we stand for now. Hopefully the Tramadol will help her to feel better, and even tho she doesn't act like she is in any pain, obviously she must be. I guess she's like me - I suffer in silence!

[Freedom]

Aw Myndi, Marlin sends his sympathies, he knows EXACTLY what you are going through. Well, hips not knees, for him, but arthiritis in the legs and spine, yep.

Ellie, when Marlin gets up, I try to give him a bit of a massage all over, but especially the spine and rear legs. This helps get the blood flowing to those areas. Seems to help.

I totally forgot! Marlin is also on gludosamine and chondroitin, has been for 3 years or more. I buy Joint Care 3 from Drs. Foster & Smith.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=19868

[pomtzu]

Aw Myndi, Marlin sends his sympathies, he knows EXACTLY what you are going through. Well, hips not knees, for him, but arthiritis in the legs and spine, yep.

Ellie, when Marlin gets up, I try to give him a bit of a massage all over, but especially the spine and rear legs. This helps get the blood flowing to those areas. Seems to help.

I totally forgot! Marlin is also on gludosamine and chondroitin, has been for 3 years or more. I buy Joint Care 3 from Drs. Foster & Smith.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=19868

Thanks for the idea of a massage - I'll try that in the morning before I get her out of bed. Can't hurt, and I'm sure Sparky will give me "the look" until I give him a little one too.

Both of these guys are on the gluco/chond too. Remember how I told you a couple of years ago that I got it at "Wally World"?? I still giggle about that every time I think of it......

[Alysser]

I'm sorry to hear about the "butt-down" episodes you've been having!! I remember those well and Sassy was only 9 when they began happening. That was scary and while they were short lived by the middle of her 10th year we knew it was way too much for her body anymore.

Myndi is a beautiful little girl and I'm glad you don't have to do this yet. Hopefully you have no more scares for awhile! She must have been quite the active girl to have such good legs at that age

[Freedom]

Oh I DO remember "Wally's World," just didn't know who that was with ha ha haa.

Another thing which helps is to raise the food bowl about 5 inches.