Rescue with Congenital deformity

Please post questions about pets who are expected to undergo amputation or who have already undergone amputation here, as well as pets born with missing or incomplete limbs.
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FistBumpsAndKisses
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Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2017 6:40 pm

Rescue with Congenital deformity

Post by FistBumpsAndKisses »

Hi there,

Today, by chance, we ran into a meet and greet for a local animal shelter. My partner and I have been talking about getting another dog but kind of always put it to the back burner for "another time." However, I met a rat terrier named T-Rex and I fell in absolute love with him. T-Rex was born with his front legs deformed and can not use them. I have submitted an application for possible adoption of him and have been researching about taking care of handicapped pets. We have already determined that he would be getting a pretty mean wheelchair so he can run free, gates that lock for our stairs and a crate for his crate training (he is 12 weeks and most likely not house trained) but I'm wondering what other items he will be needing to make his life happy and healthy. Also, any tips you can give to a first time (possible) handicapped pet owner would be lovely. Thank you all in advance.
FistBumpsAndKisses
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Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2017 6:40 pm

Re: Rescue with Congenital deformity

Post by FistBumpsAndKisses »

Also, your experience regarding wheelchairs for him would also be appreciated.
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critters
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Re: Rescue with Congenital deformity

Post by critters »

I'll move this to the Amputee board for you.

Some front bipods use a special front cart, but they seem to be problematic. Many bipods, like Faith the Dog, learned to walk upright. Would prostheses be a possibility? Maybe not, depending on the deformities.

:whale:
FistBumpsAndKisses
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2017 6:40 pm

Re: Rescue with Congenital deformity

Post by FistBumpsAndKisses »

I don't really know that much at this point in time, I just filled out the application yesterday and haven't been contacted with more information about Little T just yet. His legs are bent inward so I don't know if prosthetics would be a good fit for him. I did see on the adoption Facebook page that they have started to train him with a homemade wheelchair so I'm assuming that was the best choice for his particular deformity. Thank you so much for moving this to where I might get more advice/help!
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CarolC
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Re: Rescue with Congenital deformity

Post by CarolC »

I agree with Critters. They do make front wheelchairs, and from what I've seen different dogs accept them differently. Some dogs seem to do pretty well, others appear uncomfortable. It may take more training to use a front cart than a rear cart, so you may need to work with him a little to be sure whether it is going to work out or not. Since you don't really know how your own dog will do till you try one, it more or less means spending the money with the understanding it may or may not work out. What the dog prefers may turn out to be different than what you thought logically would work out best. :wink: Many dogs, such as Faith who Critters mentioned, learn to walk on their hind feet. Here are some links to give you some ideas of what has been tried.

Timmi leash walking.
:hearts:

Bear walking on 2 legs (note, rugs can help with traction)


Scooter and his sister - be sure to see all the pages of this website, it is old but the photos are great
http://disabledchihuahua.8m.net/

Homemade front cart
http://www.stpetersburgtimes.com/2003/02/05/TampaBay/Puppy_receives_a_new_.shtml

Kandu is a similar breed to your dog (and you can contact the owners)
http://www.kandu.us/index.html

Outdoors in front cart (example of energetic athletic little dog, the short-waisted body type probably makes lifting the front cart easier)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E-e1Gs-IQU

http://orthopets.com/adaptive-devices/h ... elie-vest/
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