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| Diane, LVT |
Disabilities in
pets (as in people) come in many forms. The definition of disabled according to
Webster’s dictionary is: having a physical (or mental) disability; being unable
to perform one or more activities (such as walking or running) because of
injury or illness (or congenital defect).
Disabilities can
present in many forms. Pet animals qualify for the term disabled due to:
blindness, deafness, spinal cord injuries (paralysis), missing limb, and/or
oral (mouth) issues (fractured jaw, or loss of all or part of a jaw due to
surgical removal due to cancer).
As pet parents, we
are bound to care for our pets, to the best of our abilities, throughout their
lives. When you adopt a pet with a disability, you know going into that
relationship that your pet will have ongoing special needs. Should your pet be
injured or become a victim of some sort of disease process, the disability will
be a new endeavor for you. In the event
of loss of sight or hearing at some point in life, that situation may cause
stress until you realize how to work through it.
We will now
briefly address some of the potential disabilities.
Loss of a limb
through amputation or spinal cord disease or injuries often result in partial
or complete paralysis of one or more limbs. There are many products and devices
available to aid with mobility in pets. These products include specially made
splints, braces, or boots to help keep the leg/foot in a normal position. There
are harnesses and slings to help support the body weight to help your pet move
about the house and/or yard for elimination purposes. In the event of
paralysis, there are companies that can make a custom made wheelchair or cart
to help your pet move about more independently. Believe it or not, most dogs
adapt quite readily to being on wheels! There is a joy that accompanies those
pets when they can get around once again and become more mobile. Some paralyzed
pets may need diapers or belly wraps to help with incontinence issues that
occasionally occur with loss of function. For additional help with dogs with
limited motor skills, you can purchase (or make) stairs or ramps to help dogs
get in/out of the house, car, or even onto beds and couches! Dogs with missing
limbs or some degree of paralysis can live a full life but you are required to
provide an additional amount of commitment.
Blind dogs,
including dogs who start out in life blind or those who lose their sight at
some point later in life, can also live a full life. Dogs especially adapt very
well to their dark world, but they do require a strong bond with their families
to have the trust they need to live day to day. Obviously, do not change the
furniture layout in your house too frequently – they will learn how to cope and
get around the house just fine using their other senses.
Dogs born deaf or
those who lose their hearing later in life can also do very well. Most dogs can
be taught many commands through the use of sign language. They are also good at
detecting your presence through vibrations and scent. As always – a good rule
of thumb for blind or deaf pets – be sure everyone who encounters your pets
knows of the special circumstances and does not approach or touch the pet
abruptly; that could trigger a fear – bite response in them, which could set
them (and you) up for legal/insurance troubles.
Dogs who have
sustained an oral (mouth) injury or disease can also do quite well with
specialized support. Oral fractures may require the mouth to be wired shut for
a few weeks of healing. Those dogs must be fed a liquid diet, possibly through
a feeding tube. If cancer dictates the
removal of part of a jaw, feeding support can include liquid diets initially,
but most of them can switch to a commercially prepared canned or possibly dry
food once the healing process is complete. As horrifying as it sounds, loss of
part or all of a jaw does not warrant loss of life. These dogs do very well and
are so adaptable – they will find a way to eat!
Keeping disabled
pets mentally and physically healthy can be a challenge for you as a pet owner,
but there are many resources available to help you along the way. As an owner
of any disabled pet, you do have to remember that they will require more love
and attention from you (and at times, more financial resources) than pets
without disabilities. But with appropriate care, love, and attention, these
pets can live out their remaining days relatively healthy and happy. Caring for
a disabled pet will make you feel an even greater bond with your pet and you
will always remember the special feeling you get from preserving that special
life. Please remember it takes a very special person to be able to care for any
pet with a disability and to applaud yourself for being able to go that extra
mile.
On May 3rd
(and always), celebrate your special needs pet with some special one on one
bonding time or a special treat, extra petting, etc.
