I was wondering what the general concensus of opinion was on these dog "aids".
Should a dog no matter how much loved, when the quality of life is restricted through old age or whatever, be allowed to continue without the use of the rear legs. I was thinking of the poor dog having to be harnessed up each day to one of these things,be lifted over steps,the problems of taking a dog for a walk, and when wanting to relieve themselves the difficulties this involves. Does anyone have first hand experience of these dog "carts" and if so how have they managed and would they use them again.

I haven't got a clue about the topic, just wanted to say HEELLLLLLLOOOOOOO to Bazza....my old mate....its been ages!

Hi Sam
Yep long time as I am only going to post on subjects that I know or want to find out about.
Most of the time I now spend in a M.S.N dog group and chat room under the name Realseaspeed, not fair to mention the site on here but a little bit of detective work will find me.
Have a great Chrissie and New thingy
See you soon i hope

No experience of carts, but I do know that I would never inflict this on my dogs Bazza :-(

My first hand experience was 2nd hand if you like- my late Father's ESS was severly injured in a RTA - his back and plevis were broken - the vet said he *might* make some kind of recovery in 6 monthsor so, if my Dad could get hold of somekind of 'wheelchair' for dogs...... My Dad being a practical man (bearing in mind this was 17 years ago) made a cart from an old shopping trolley, and a harness lined with plumbing insulation. This was only ever intended as a road to recovery rather than a long term solution I hasten to add - much as we loved the dog, I don't think it would have been considered as a permanent solution. Anyway - the dog was walking under his own steam within 4 months, and within 6 months was doing the Springer 'bounce'! So my vote is yes - in the short term, but I'd have to think long and hard about the implications in the long term....

I don't think I would ever do this long term, but I don't think you can say never it might vary with individual circumstances
Anne

I think, if it was me and my dog, i would give it a go, and assess the dogs quality of life from there.
But if it was needed because of a condition that was likely to deteriorate, and cause pain, then i would think twice about it.

Emma

I've used one with a GSD with great success. Providing their is no pain and the dog has enough power in the chest & front legs, in my experiance it worked fine. We did have trouble trying to stop him chasing squirels up trees, but apart from that no trouble except when we wanted to take him out of it. I have a close friend who used one for a Gt Dane, also with success. Think it is important that the dog is not in pain, but apart from that they seem to take to the cart with no trouble and much joy. Ja:)kie

If you want to email me feel free.

Thanks all for the input. Its nice to receive other peoples thoughts and ideas without heated debates etc. as we all have or own ideas, and do what we each think is best for individual circumstances.

We had "H" a Boxer with a Neurological problem resulting in the gradual (over about 3 years) loss of use of his back legs. At first we used a specially made belly strap, all thick & padded with two nylon handles as at this stage he just neede to be kept straight when walking as he had all the strength & movement but just couldnt keep upright. Gradually he got worse & worse until we decided to try a trolley, he adapted to it no problem at all, as long as he could run & chase his ball/other dogs he was enjoying life and oblivious to this contraption!! At first it was a bit of hassle putting it on etc but after a couple of goes it took seconds. I could go on forever about it but luckily we were in a situation where we one of use was with him all day. It was bloat that we lost him to in the end, not is legs. We would have done anyting for "H"if it meant he wasnt in pain and could have a good quality of life after all would you have a relative put to sleep just because they needed a wheelchair.

Good luck
Sacha

By the way, try hydrotherapy (swimming) we found it helped as he was boyant and could excercise his legs (plus he got a shower & blow dry which he looooooved)!!

hi, where did you get this dog buggy from - do you have a photo as I may be able to make one myself. I am open to suggestions and ideas for my rough collie bitch who is off her back legs, but appears to be in no pain - eats well, barks at cats - asks to go outside etc etc.

You can get them from www.doggon-uk.com hope that helps

you're a STAR - thanks

hi, where did you get this dog buggy from - do you have a photo as I may be able to make one myself. I am open to suggestions and ideas for my rough collie bitch who is off her back legs, but appears to be in no pain - eats well, barks at cats - asks to go outside etc etc.

Hi - I have a 13 year old rough collie called Gemma, she is unfortunately unable to use her back legs, but her mind is so active, and she seems so happy she is quite content to be carried around, and continues to bark at the cats, birds, squirrels etc and for me to hold her back legs while she walks around the garden. She has different barks for asking to go outside and wanting attention etc. Plus I have an 11 year old rough collie dog who dotes on her! - anyway, I am open to ideas, and willing to try one of these carts, aids, harnesses, or whatever you call them, but don't know where to get one from - could even build one myself if I could see a photo of one. Anyone any ideas?

I personally would use one of the cart if ever the need arises.
I have a Miniature long Haired Dachshund, who ruptured a disc in February of this year. It was the second time he had ruptured a disc, the first time was 2 years ago and he recovered fully with crate rest and medications. When he went down this time, the vet suggested surgery, which we chose not to do, for a number of reasons (none of which were financial). We treated him with crate rest, and medications. After 6 weeks, he showed absolutely no improvement. I was doing physio three times a day and he had no resistance in his back legs. The vet suggested a cart, and we were about to order one, when suddenly Cooper started to stand! We were delighted! He will never recover fully, but he is now nearly 13 years old, and he is perfectly happy with his limited movement. He can manage to get himself around inside and outside on level ground and he has full control of his bowel and bladder.
I believe he would be perfectly happy if he had not recovered, and needed a cart. He even plays with my 1 year old pup!
Pauline

my friend had a lab that became paralysed secondary to a virus at an early age, and had a cart. the dog had a long and VERY happy life, was cheerful, got walked twice a day along canals and parks. She certainly did not suffer. :)