Tuesday, May 3, 2016

National Specially-abled Pets Day


Diane, LVT
The doctors and staff of Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic would like to take a moment to discuss the significance of this day.  

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.

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