My blue pitbull was diagnosed with an FCE

[CarolC]

That is great about the thyroid. One less thing to worry about.

Here is a link to a website about Chelsea, who had the same problem. I am attaching the information in a Word doc and also giving the link to the source. Unfortunately, this really helpful website was taken down a few years ago, but it is archived in http://www.archive.org. Don't know what we'd do without archive.org.

now available at: http://web.archive.org/web/200702281220 ... s/aids.htm
originally found at: http://home.earthlink.net/~rwakeling/di ... s/aids.htm

click to enlarge

Which kind of harness are you using right now? Another option might be a rear lift leash. I have not tried it, do not know how well it would work with your dog, but it is basically a loop around each leg and does not press the bladder.

http://handicappedpets.com/www/index.ph ... leash.html

A diaper is another idea...a bit of fuss to diaper a dog, but you calculate how much fuss it is to clean the floor and decide which is better, and really you don't have to get it on her super good if you are taking it off as soon as you get to the yard.

Other Doggie Aids.doc

(47 KiB) Downloaded 281 times

[LuvElla]

Actually I'm not using a harness, I just hold her inside her thigh/legs and kind of "wheelbarrow" her outside for quick trips when she doesn't want to get in her wheelchair....I did buy a harness at a local pet store when this all started but it's of no use because it lifts her from her midsection instead of from the rear....I also use a towel now and then, but had that same problem with the "untimely" pushing on the bladder before we get outside....I do like the rear lift leash, I checked it out in the products section.....thinking I may give it a try....I'm noticing she is having an aversion to her wheelchair....I wrote to the company and I'm going to take her to the vet again soon to make sure it's properly fitted...of course the company told me several things that my need to be adjusted and it's NOT cheap : ( soooo, I'm going to ask the vet first, she was the one that originally adjusted it when it arrived...Ella doesn't love getting into it and then when we go outside, she rarely wants to go anywhere, sometimes she'll go for a walk (actually, the other night, I had her running along side me in the cart and she seemed to love it!) but for the most part, she just wants to go out the front door and kinda just stand there ....it's cute BUT I was hoping it would help her enjoy the joys of being a dog and being outside...anyways, we'll see if the vet needs to adjust it

[Talulah]

for the great information - much appreciated! I bought diapers yesterday, and even though I bought an XL, they were still a little snug, but not bad. She just won't "go" in them, she waited all day for my husband to come home from work before she could get out. The stairs are a problem, and even with the "rear end lift" that we purchased from the handicap website, she just can't make it down the steps, or up them. I am in a post-cast arm support from a broken arm, and I am getting ready for back surgery in a month . . .yeah . . .we are in a world of hurt here. My neighbor is great, and says to just call him anytime, but I am one of those that hates to ask. But I will though. Sure wish I could come up with a way to safely and comfortably (for both of us), get her up and down those stairs! Thanks again, for the support!