HOME PAGE
Welcome to our site! You’ll find here, links to a range of sites organised into groups. The first three, CATS, DOGS and OTHER ANIMALS, are disability sites. SPECIALIST REFERRALS includes links to vets and vet hospital or university centres where advanced medicine and surgery are practised.
ORGANISATIONS lists places and links that might be helpful, such as animal behaviour, SCAS – the society for companion animal studies, and others.
The RESCUE pages include an alphabetical list that reflects the lists linked to species.
Our SHOPS & SERVICES page has links to a range of different outlets but mostly those that have useful equipment and don’t sell anything that would be illegal in the UK such as some kinds of behaviour modifiers for dogs. SERVICES includes memorial, art, medical and insurance links, amongst others.
The email address for information to help with a disabled pet is disabledanimalsclub@yahoo.co.uk Barring IT problems or unforseen circumstances, this box is checked daily and some support can often be given very quickly.
All of these links and ideas come from our visitors so please continue to send them via disabledanimalsclub@yahoo.co.uk Please also let us know when links go down or a service is discontinued, this is a one-person facility and minor inconveniences such as the day job often prevent frequent maintenance.
Dr Suzanne Conboy-Hill
Rezo, the problem I have with Doggone Wheels is that they are not so well engineered as Eddie’s. Other makers seem to have a problem with fit and with wobble and shake in their carts – fo any animal with spinal problems thi scould be potentially harmful. For a dog like mine, with a limb disorder that may not be quite so important, but fit and stability do affect the quality of life, the confidence that the animal has in their cart. For an older animal there is a steep learning curve, and anything that could knock confidence is a NO No as far as I am concerned. Regarding fit – amny other carts put undue pressure on soft body parts, causing rubbing and chaffing – or even decubitus ulcers. Eddie’s carts have a proper supportive saddle, promoting optimal anatomical postitioning – and thus avoiding many of those problems. Price wise I don’t think there is a lot of difference, but in every other way, I cannot imagine compromising on fit, comfort and stability for my beloved pet -who may have many more happy years of life ahead. Liz
+1
Barny, you are so right – fit and stability are vital. And having seen other makes of cart I was really quite shocked to see how they wobble and shake – I am sure if the dog doesn’t know anything else they will get on with it, but why should they have to? When there is a better product – that fits, is stable and doesn’t shake or wobble – and is much the same price . OK I had to pay import duty on my Eddie’s cart – but for me, it was a small price to pay for quality workmanship – as well as a cart that I could not get anywhere else.
anyone thinking of buying a dog cart please do not get involved with a guy called Jim Colla
Check out the disclaimer on Eddies Wheels site
Here is the link
To be fair, it is a manufacturer’s criticism of a competitor and it does make the point that they would rather people use these carts than some others on the market. As always, use your judgment and choose accordingly.
A reply via Liz , which I can’t put up in full as it contains comments that could lead to litigation, says:
‘Jim Colla started out as an agent for Eddies Wheels – then they discovered ……. So, yes, he is a competitor but …. He does not make carts for front limb disabled animals, so I had only Eddie’s to go to for my dog.’
As a general comment, it’s important to know about difficulties and possible bad practice but please do include a link to something that substantiates what you say. Even then, I reserve the right to publish or not as it’s my legal backside on the line. Hope you understand, people.
Hi just found this site and have been moved by the comments. My little 12 year Westi has had her front leg removed today because of Cancer, Just herd that she’s doing really well and can come home tomorrow. I cant tell you how happy I am……………….
Wonderful news – well, the coming home tomorrow part anyway! Although she’s getting on a bit, she’s small and that will make it easier for her to adjust. Some people might suggest using a towel folded and looped under the chest to gently support her as she gets used to the new balance arrangements. Or you can go to one of the dog wheelchair sites – they make all sorts of aids for assisting with mobility. Once she’s pain-free, and if she looks as though she’s afraid to move about, use gentle play to help her forget she’s lost a limb. One person told us about her little dog who refused to use wheel herself away from the car. We started a regime whereby she was carried out into the field where she and her owner could play with a ball, and then required to wheel herself back. That took no time at all and pretty soon she was wheeling herself all over the place! Good luck to you and your little lass.
Hi! Sorry to hear about your little Westie – but dogs are much more adaptable than humans so get ready for her to just pick herself up and go. Most do.
I have a 10yr old Boder Terrier who has been sdisabled virtually since birth – for years she got around on her 3 legs (her right foreleg is useless). Nearly 3 yrs ago we noticed that her good front leg was giving her trouble – and we got her a special cart from Eddies Wheels in the USA – they are the only people who make front-limb disability carts. Its been the making of Hope – If I have any regrets, its that we didn’t get one years ago for her. Have a look at their web-site – INSPIRATIONAL. Your dog has plenty of life in her yet, don’t despair, GO FOR IT! Plenty of high-value (to her) treats and lots of encouragement. Don’t coddle her – and if she slips, don’t make a big fuss – just help her up and encourage her to go on.
I was trying to find information to help one of my disabled cats.I stumbeld upon you at he WINN FOUNDATION site while trying to find information about antibiotics for feline encephylitis. I have the largest non profit handicapped cat sancutaries of its kind in the US (Oregon to be exact). I am going to be accessing this site now that I know of it. If you are interested in what I do, you can visit my sanctuary at http://www.critterfolks.org. We have also created a cat litter to help the handicapped cats. It can be visited at http://www.kittysgonegreen.ocm.
That’s really helpful, thank you for posting.
I have a german shephard who is around 11 years old, his back leg is bothering him, what could I get him to help him?
He can get up most times on his own, but occassionally have a ral hard time.
What items could I puraches to help him?
Thanks.
Have you looked at the K9Karts site? They have all sorts of support aids, not just karts. DogMobile might also be able to help, and Eddies Wheels. In fact, most of the companies making karts, also make itmes that can assist a dog that doesn’t quite need a kart.
As your Shepherd is losing muscle strength I would recommend using a rear harness/sling to support him getting up and down. A cart would also be a huge help to him. IN the UK K-9 carts are the most common – but from experience they are not the best. I would highly recommend Eddies Wheels, even though you would have to import it form theUSA – WELL worth the investment. I have seen other makes and Eddies are far and awy the best engineered, best fititng – and best functioning.
There is a rehab centre based in Guildford UK, which use slings – and I believe they can supply too. I thinkthey are caled Greyfriars – there is a ink via the Eddies Wheels site. GOOD LUCK!
Please see:
http://www.doggon-uk.com/products.html
Rezo, the problem I have with Doggone Wheels is that they are not so well engineered as Eddie’s. Other makers seem to have a problem with fit and with wobble and shake in their carts – fo any animal with spinal problems thi scould be potentially harmful. For a dog like mine, with a limb disorder that may not be quite so important, but fit and stability do affect the quality of life, the confidence that the animal has in their cart. For an older animal there is a steep learning curve, and anything that could knock confidence is a NO No as far as I am concerned. Regarding fit – amny other carts put undue pressure on soft body parts, causing rubbing and chaffing – or even decubitus ulcers. Eddie’s carts have a proper supportive saddle, promoting optimal anatomical postitioning – and thus avoiding many of those problems. Price wise I don’t think there is a lot of difference, but in every other way, I cannot imagine compromising on fit, comfort and stability for my beloved pet -who may have many more happy years of life ahead. Liz
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DisabledAnimalsClub, DisabledAnimalsClub. DisabledAnimalsClub said: Need to fund leg splints for an injured dog. Looking for UK based company that manufactures them. VERY URGENT! http://bit.ly/f1h79E pls RT [...]
Tweets that mention Disabled Animals' Club -- Topsy.com said this on January 28, 2011 at 10:55 pm |
I urgently need to fund leg splints for an injured dog. Can you please refer me to a UK based company that manufactures them. VERY URGENT! Thank you.
Can anyone help here? Vets are the most likely to have an answer. I’ll putt this out on twitter to see what comes up.
Just found this site and its lovely. I am writing because I have a 20 month rescue dog who had to have his front leg amputated through gangrene. We adopted him but he came with issues, thinking he had to fight for food most of these are sorted now and has been hard work but so well worth it. I have recognised another problem now and that is he wants to do flyball as much as my other two but we have to restrict him. Paddy is full of energy, stamina and raring to go and so this holding him back really frustrates him. The aqua therapy pool close to us has sadly closed and so I will try and find something just for him so that he can have his special time and help him to be more focussed on us. Has anyone any suggestions please. I also want to have a harness designed for him and wondered if anyone knew of a company that could do this. He is a huge dog and I think a harness would help physical problems which might occur as he gets older. Thank you for reading this
Thank you Joan, those are lovely comments. And it’s lovely to hear how well your rescue dog is getting on following his amputation. Sounds like he’s landed well and truly on his (three) feet!
As to harnesses, K9Karts or DogMobile both have all sorts of supports for dogs whose legs aren’t quite up to the job so maybe get hold of them and see if they have a solution for you. There are links on the site here.
Good luck!
Suzanne
Hi Joan.
I have a front limb disabled dog who uses a cart. After considerable research we found that the only people who make carts for htese animals is Eddie’s Wheels – find them on-line. They are really helpful and knowledgeable. Their carts are extremely well made and good-fitting. Other carts look like a meccano set and don’t give the dog the same degree of mobility that an Eddioes’ cart will. Check it out!
Re a harness – check out a fleece harness – they fit better, are more supportive and they are comofrtable – won’t rub. Called the “perfect fit” harness, they are made in the UK – check out dog-games-shop.co.uk – they aren’t cheap, but they are well made and robust – and they look good too. My dogs walk so much better in them.
Thank you all for your responding to my first post. I have to say that Paddy doesn’t know he’s disabled and it is us that have to restrain him. He throws himself into everything. He is a big dog and can cope with 3 legs really well. His mobility is fantastic and we want o keep it that way but we are thinking about the future. Fleece harnesses sound good. I really appreciate your comments. Is there a forum here? Best wishes Joan x
I have yet to figure out how to set up a forum! I’m sure it must be possible so thanks for the hint!
Thought I would just let you know that we bought a harness from dog-games which we adjusted to fit Paddy (Pawdie). It is super and has meant life is a lot easier and much less frustrating and less painful for the puppy. We bought it from dogs-games. If any one wants to see him he is on there website – fame at last!!
Best wishes Joan
Brilliant, I’ll see if I can find him and put the link out. Even more fame!
Yeah! Aren’t they great?! Both my dogs have them, including the non-disabled one – andhe is so much happier in it.
We have a FORUM! Click the link on the right and sign up. It’s free and once you’ve joined, you can post your messages. Fingers crossed I’ve set it up properly!
Hi! I have a front-limb disabled dog and she LOVES flyball! She is now 9yrs old, and cometed in flyballf ro about 4 yrs – she had to retire because of the wear on her good front leg. IF I had our time over again, i would stil let her go and do it, for a while – but be repared to retire her when she clearly was getting too tired. Now she loves to watch it on TV when Crufts is on – or occasionally when she comes to our local dog club. It is a tough balance between protecting and molly-coddling – seeing the dog rather than just the disability – for their mental health I strongy believe they need to be allowed to try – and then supported to their limits – just like you would a disabled child. Otherwise they become frustrated and angry/depressed. They DO learn what they can do and what they can’t – and are far more accepting of their limits than most humans.
animal rights should be at the top of all our thoughts. for anyone interested please listen to Jessica Stout (animal rights advocate) on this short convo at http://www.nowyouknowradio.com/confessions-from-the-animal-shelter/
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hello, I’ve tried emailing questions, and appreciate and would appreciate if you would get back to me.
I’d like to see what other people are asking as well.
Is this a good place to post, or is there a forum somewhere else?
Thanks
You can post here, Markn, or on any other page that feels relevant to you. There isn’t a forum but maybe there should be. I’ll see what can be done.
this sites brilliant i have a disabled cat who broke her 2 back legs and severed her spine over 10 yrs ago she lives a normal life sadly she never got better but i give her the best life poss i was thinking of getting her a cat wheelchair but dnt no if its 2 late now as shes been like it for such a long time any suggestions of anything i can do to help her would be brill thanx everyone
It’s never too late to offer a new way of doing something if you think it might be an improvement, as long as you can afford to abandon it if your cat doesn’t want anything to do with it. Cats are cats after all!
A cart can be expemsive – but if you look at the cost over the life of your cat, its not so bad. I don’t know how your cat manages at present – or how much you help her. One indicator I was told when considering a cart for my dog was: if the animal accepts help with something like a harness (to carry the disabled limbs) then they are quite likely to accept a cart. Talk to the folks at Eddies Wheels (ther’re on-line) – they have so much experience AND they wil be totally honest with you
Retweeted your homepage to our large database of followers on Twitter. We work alongside both http://www.dogsforthedisabled.org and the Cinnamon Trust assisting in promoting the great work they both do. We will reccomend this Blog as much as we can for you.
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Thank you! That’s very kind, I hope it helps people who need a nod in the right direction to find the direction to nod in.
I have visited a few other forums related to this subject in the past couple of days in doing a research report for my boss. I have to say that what you’re saying here makes perfect sense and is helping me to get my head around this subject. Do you have any other blogs you could recommend to help my research?
Thank you,
Chiropractor
Chiropractor Myrtle Beach
You could pick up a selection from the Blogroll and TwitterRoll alongside –>
Does anyone know of a person or service that will keep my Lab-Dog overnight in their home while I’m away. The dog was hit by a care and only has the use of 3 legs. He can not climb stairs. He is 8 yrs old. He is very friendly. He also bites himself due to allergies and needs to have dressing changed at least 1x/day. I can not find any accomodations for him while I’m away on business. Huntington Long Island NY. All help is appreciated. Please reply.
I’ve put this out on twitter too. Fingers crossed for a helpful response, Beverly.
I would like to get together with other owners of dogs who use mobility carts. I have an 8yr old Border Terrier who now uses a front wheel cart, due to front limb problems. She would love to meet other dogs in carts, and we could have some fun with them all. We live in the Greater Manchester area.
Hi.Just come accross this site today. I noticed your Border Terrier post. We have a four year old Border ( Best breed in the world) Who upto 5 weeks ago was fit, healthy and full of energy. However he slipped a disk in his spine and is now left incontinent and paralysed in his back legs. ( It has been hell and we are heartbroken) But we are doing our very best for him as we love him to bits. We are looking to buy a cart and are just in the process of working out which is the best one. I noticed your Border uses a cart, I know its different because yours is for the front legs but I just wondered where you got your cart from and if you are happy with it. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Katy Atkin and Benson
Hi Katy – so sorry to hear about your fella’s accident. Our cart was made by Eddie’s Wheels, in the USA – they have their own web-site. Before you buy one here go check Eddies Wheels out – they have a lot of really good advice/experience – and they WILL respond to email quickly. You can buy rear-limb carts here – which will probably cost around the same as an Eddie’s cart – BUT – the engineering is not so great, and some carts tend to have quite a lot of wobble – which Eddie’s don’t. Their web-site also has some video links, so you can see the difference between different makes.I’m not on commission from Eddie’s, but I AM a fan – and would definitely buy form them again, the service and engineering and quality of build has been fantastic. For us, the expense of the cart (which is greater for our type of cart) was well worth the improvement in Hope’s quality of life – which is what it’s all about at the end of the day. If you live in our area why not come and see?
Hi Liz.
Thanks for responding. That is interesting to hear about Eddies wheels. We have already been looking on their site and also on walking wheels and the British sites. Its difficult beacuse we really don’t want to spend such a large amount without seeing a cart first. So your offer to come and see yours is much appreciated. We live in Sheffield and would be very interested in coming to have a look at your cart if you are sure you are happy for us to do this. It’s a big decision and we just want to get the right one. You can contact us on this E-mail address, info@peteratkin.com. Thanks very much for the offer and we will look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes Katy
Katy – we’d love you to visit! Hope is a show-off and loves to demonstrate her driving skills. I have sent you an email privately, and lets hope you can make it over the weekend.
Sorry if you you get 2 replies i’m not sure if first one worked!!!!
Hi, thanks for your response. That is very interesting about Eddies wheels. We have already been looking at their web site along with walking wheeels and the UK companies. Our concern is spending so much money and not having the chance to see the product before you buy it. So we very much appreciate your offer to come and look at yours. We live in Sheffield so we would be very interested if you are sure you don’t mind. we have said all along that the best people to talk to are the people who are using the wheels not selling them.
If you are happy to arrange for us to come and meet you and look at the cart you can contact us by E-mail info@peteratkin.com We will look forward to hearing from you.
Best Wishes Katy
Great Blog. Caught up with you on Twitter.
Thank you! I pass on your very useful links when I see them on Twitter. Good platform, that blue bird!
I have a GSD who is badly cow hocked in his back legs. It is not a condition that I had heard of in GSD’s, but following my research, it seems that he is extremely common in show dogs!
He has been seen by a specialist in this field, who recommended hydrotherapy, which has been extremely helpful and we have now started working trials.
Since this involves a certain amount of jumping, I sort the opinion of our vet, who suggested that we continue with caution!
There is such little information on this deformity and I would very much appreciate any further information that may be available.
Not sure I understand the term, Nina, but I’ll have a look around. Anyone else have information or ideas that might help?
Here’s a link to wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow-hocked (you probably already know this Nina) which says ‘cow-hocked’ means the knees ar set wrongly so that the back legs are splayed. In animals with hooves, it causes uneven wear, and so we can assume that it does something similar to feet without hooves too. I wonder, Nina, if your vet suggested physiotherapy for your GSD? It might help to re-balance the muscles and ease pressure on other joints. Look on our site for ACPAT which is an association for specialist animal physiotherapists.
It might be worth tracking down an animal chiropractor, who would help your dog to get the most out of what he has. Swimming would offer low-impact exercise, and improve general fitness. There is also an animal rehab group in the surrey area, who have a l lot of good advice AND equipment that might be useful. You can find them by typing in Animal rehab into Google, I think.