Why a Wheelchair May Not be the Best Thing for your Paralysed Dog

When there is an interruption or damage to the spinal cord whether it be due to an injury or a prolapsed disc the body has the ability to heal that area to some degree. But, in order for healing to occur specific exercises that encourage weight bearing and gait stepping are required. These exercises provide neural feedback and simulate special areas in the spinal cord called CPG’S. These areas are able to create a stepping motion without an impulse going to the brain. We call this type of walking “spinal walking”. So, without an intact spinal cord one is able to “teach” a paralysed pet to walk again. These patients are mobile but can still be a little unco-ordinated. But the most important thing is that they are able to ambulate and do their daily function.
Now this neural plasticity is the strongest in the first 6- 8 weeks after an injury. For this reason it is really important to start therapeutic exercises as soon as possible. Often when an pet is diagnosed with a disc prolapse the first thing the owner will think of is a wheelchair. In my opinion these can be contraindicated in the first 2 months after the injury. The reason is that the animal gets lazy and has no need to try and walk when their weight is completely supported by the wheelchair. In order for neural feedback to occur the paws need to be touching the ground. Most paralysed dogs will walk in a wheelchair dragging their legs behind them. I much prefer harnesses which allow the owner to offer support yet still allowing the dog to take some weight e.g Holisticpet walker. One can use sticky pawz together with the harness. These are rubber socks which help to provide traction when placed on the paws. The hind legs are already weak in a neurologically compromised animal and this product prevents the feet from splaying out to the side. The more control the pet has of its feet the more chance of neural feedback.

Drag bags are bags which offer protection to the legs and abdomen. I prefer not to you use these bags in the first 6 -8 weeks either as they get no neural feedback when in the bag as they are unable to stand in them.

For more info on wheelchairs for pets please click here