Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? The wheels may seem like a great solution to the problem of a back end that would otherwise drag on the ground. But they do not in any way, return a full range of movement to the dog. A dog with his rear end on wheels cannot clamber up a rocky outcrop, leap a ditch, or splash along a stream. He cannot run through heather, or dive into a bramble bush. These to me are all an important part of just being a dog. We cannot know that the dog has no memory of being able to do these thing, nor any sense of loss or frustration at his disability on an hourly or daily basis. A dog with his rear end on wheels cannot attend to his own toilet needs. Adult dogs are naturally clean and many are distressed at any kind of incontinence or soiling. And no matter how carefully he is nursed, nor how often his nappy is changed, this does not alter the fact that this dog’s quality of life is irrevocably diminished. The dog on wheels, does not wear those wheels around the clock. There are hours during the day and night when the wheels come off. The part we don’t see. Behind closed doors. The part where the dog drags himself around by his front legs to get a drink of water, or to greet his owner at the door. I think that most of us just know, in our hearts, that this is not right. Fifty years ago, this wouldn't have been a debate, we all grew up knowing that it is wrong to keep an animal alive in this condition. But somehow, some people have lost that natural empathy, with other animals. Perhaps it is because people have become so detached from the process of death in modern society, that is seems preposterous and unacceptable to them, to consider that this dog might be better off at peace. And of course, dogs themselves are incredibly adaptable and brave. They will try hard to join in, to greet us, to play with us, and there is no doubt that the dog on wheels may enjoy moments of his life. His character won’t change, he is still a great companion. In fact, the dog on wheels is still there, for those that care for him. But in my personal view, they are no longer there for him.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? This is a very hard topic. As a teenager I fell in love with my brothers lab cross who was about 2 years old at the time. This dog made an attachment to me and would constantly escape their yard and head to ours. I didn't know this at the time but my Mother was talking to my brother about letting me keep the dog as he and his wife really didn't have the time or resources to care fully for him. Anyway on the day they agreed he did his usual escape trick and was hit by a car on his way to us. He was paralysed and had absolutely no control of his back end. I begged my mum to let me keep him and care for him etc. thankfully my mum took control and had him put down. I was devastated but still say thankfully as he would have had to be kept in a very small cage to stop him moving around and doing more damage. So he was completely incontinent, on pain meds and isolated in the cage(we did bring him home but Mum could not stand to see him suffer.) He was so miserable. Yes wheels would have given him some form of locomotion when they were on and only while under full supervision as they can tip over quite easily causing even more injury. They still don't help with toilet issues and even though it hurts to have lost him I don't think I could stand by and watch him struggle for movement and be sitting in his own waste, no matter how quickly I was able to clean it up. Sorry for the long story but it's something I've been through and hope never to have to go through again. But if I did I would definitely have them put in peace.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? Oh I've stayed out of this discussion because I can't bear to think sad things about dogs...or any animal for that matter ,I know that's not mature,intelligent or sensible but I just get upset :-[ But I've had to drop in to say what an awfully sad story Annette,and I can tell it still upsets you now xxx The experience of looking after my friends dog who was PTS just before Christmas will stay with me for a long time and brought the reality of that situation home horribly to me.Like Barbara, I hope I can be brave when the time comes and I always want to think I would make a decision based on pain and discomfort for the dog rather than my own pain and upset at losing them :'( :'( :'(
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? I think it all depends on the dog. At this point in time wheels would suit barley because of his laid back attitude to life. But only if it was a fact of his back legs did not work, if he was incontinent it would be kinder to let him go, especially as he is such a big dog. If he was, god for bid, to lose a leg in a n accident he would most likely end up with wheels as he would not be able to cope on 3 legs, but as long as he was pain free, happy and enjoying life still i see no problem with it. Puzzle would not suit wheels as she is so active and into everything running, jumping and playing. Incontinence would draw the line for me. There are many factors to include on this, especially financial, time and the dog in question.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? Even if continent, a dog that cannot lift its hindquarters, will have difficulty evacuating its bowels without soiling itself. Wheels have to come off at night and at times during the day because the dog cannot lie down and relax in them. A big dog is particularly vulnerable to abrasions and discomfort when dragging itself around by its forelegs. Not to mention how this makes the dog feel
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? Thank you for sharing your story Annette. Your Mum made a brave decision, it must have been very hard for her to see you so upset.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? Although I have already posted my thoughts , this is a subject close to my heart . About nine/ten years ago whilst living in France , we rescued two young terrier pups from the most dire living conditions , they were living within a pack of dogs who were all interbreeding with the usual consequences of deformed puppies . We took Lily and Paddy , we knew that we were in for heartbreak but couldnt leave them , so decided to give them whatever time they had being loved . Lily had brain damage which manifested in seizures but she managed to sustain a happy life for seven years with the help of our wonderful UK Vet . Paddy had terrible skeletal frame problems , the base of his spine was twisted and his back legs were shocking , he was also barrel chested in the extreme . He was a happy little dog who, for 18 months, seemed to cope with his issues but was on NSAID`s which seemed to help but also, due to the long term prescription affected his tummy and liver . Aged two , we became aware that Paddy was struggling and , despite his young age , we felt that it was right and proper to allow him release from the pain he was started to suffer . Wheels , a cart , was mentioned at some point but for the reasons stated by Pippa, this was not an option for us as I too believe that dogs are meant to have some dignity, to run free and keep clean . We were devastated but also knew that this was on the cards from the start , we took comfort from knowing that he was loved , quality over quantity for us x
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? This is a 'Head or Heart' issue. My head says "that's no life for a dog", but my heart understands that people hang onto their pets be ause they cannot bear to let them go. I am proud that I have never shirked doing 'the last best thing' for my pets. Having a little snivel.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? I really hope Otis lives a long happy life with me. I hope like some of you have done I will do what is right for him, when the time comes to say goodbye. I agree with Pippa on the wheels issue, Ive seen dogs paraded on facebook on wheels, and had mixed feelings, but reading what you have said Pippa, has made this issue clear, thankyou . Maggiex
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? Interesting discussion, isn't it? And all within the bounds of respectful exchange of opinions , which is why I love this forum... I'm pretty sure that for me, the answer would be 'no wheels'. If my beloved Poppy were paralyzed, with no hope of recovery, I am sure I would let her go. :'( I know that, because when Bones was suddenly in such pain last year, the vet told me his liver was failing, but they could try palliative treatment to eke things out for a few more weeks or months.. I wanted him with me, but couldn't put him through it. It would have been selfishness on my part. That little dachshund pulled at my heart strings. He was obviously a plucky little dog, doing his best to cope with his life. His little face was so sweet, with an interested, cheeky look, and he was clearly much loved. But his poor, twisted little legs, and that nappy, really made me think - no. Definitely no. :'(
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? Annette, what an absolutely gutting experience that must have been :'( It can be hard to judge a dog's quality of life, or the potential for unhappiness due to a medical condition. I guess we just have to make a judgment based on things like their demeanour, our own understanding of what constitutes a decent life, and our vet's advice. I found one of Pippa's points earlier particularly thought provoking and that was the observation that people have lost empathy with dogs and that is one reason why some can't make a call based on their welfare but instead do what is in the human's interest. I don't know - I think that dogs are more likely to be seen as warranting human standard treatment now and people are doing for their dogs what they would do for a human with a comparable condition. I don't know if our ability to understand what dogs really need has changed or improved, but I think that dogs are seen as more similar to humans than they used to be and that is a factor in the great lengths that some people go to to keep their dogs alive. Plus there have been so many advancements in canine medicine that people are faced with options they once never would have had - I think that some people feel they should take these options or they will be a bad or uncaring owner. It is probably hard for vets too, trying to help people balance the medical possibilities against the impact on the dog and the owner.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? This has really made me think. I have a freind on facebook, Jac knows her to, Marie, who has Bear a blind labrador and three other labradors. He has a great quality of life despite being blind, getting upto all sorts of things in the highlands of Scotland. He uses his scent, he swims, retrieves and loves mud and playing. he was taken to a vet as a pup to be put down, the vet saved him ( he refused to put him down )and contacted Marie, who adopted him. He oviously isnt incontinenent, and can run jump and play, yet he was going to be pts. Marie is a great mum, she dosent wrap him in cotton wool , she lets him be a dog. So thats a nice story, and shows that the right judgement has to be made. Maggie x
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? I think that blind dogs can get on very well I would not put a down down for blindness. They would just need some thoughtful management and help. Sounds like Bear has a good life.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? Bear has a ball! A much better life than many dogs I think its all about dignity, isn't it? Although, that is humanising animals, which isn't necessarily right (despite what we may feel). Lilly was bred by an ad hoc breeder who worked his dogs. If she had been kept by him, she may not be here now as a result of her hip problem. To him, a dog like Lilly might be regarded as "not fit for purpose" and economically not worth keeping. I think it is closely tied in with beliefs, values, culture and also economics. As far as the original question goes, it all depends.........
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? [quote author=drjs@5 link=topic=4361.msg53054#msg53054 date=1391897154] I think its all about dignity, isn't it? [/quote] I think I'm a bit odd (seriously) because I don't think so. I really struggle to understand how dogs might interpret a human concept of dignity. I think it's about physical comfort, and access to activities that give them pleasure and joy. I think dogs (and humans) adapt to their circumstances. Dogs perhaps more easily than humans.
Re: Dog with paralyzed back legs - what would you do it? I agree 100% with Pippa. I think it's a caring and loving owner that will know when it's the right time to say goodbye to their beloved dog and not keep it alive at all costs :'(. I think it's cruel and turns the poor dog into a 'freak show' attaching wheels to it's rear end and as for putting the poor dog in a nappy :'( :'(
