Question:
I'm not sure if this goes here or in another forum, but since it is a health matter, I decided to put it here.

Does anyone know of the cost of care it takes to own a small breed (under 10lbs) dog who's back legs are paralyzed? She's 7 months old, and just the sweetest little dog in the world. She belongs to one of our customers at work (his father's a vet). She was born to them (from a foster, I believe) and sort of scoots around, and they just didn't have the heart to give her up. However, they have other dogs in the house and just don't have the time for her.

I'm seriously concidering fostering her until they find a home (SPCA said they'll put her to sleep before they even try to adopt her out, so that's not an option), but I'm already in love with her, so fostering might not be a good idea for me. I have the time to give her what she needs, but I'm not sure exactly what that is. She's been 100% problem free so far, but I have concerns regarding future vet bills (naturally). I still have to talk to them regarding exactly what caused the paralysis (she was born this way), but I've been told that she's slowly gaining movement so the paralysis is only partia. I still need more information (so I apologise I can't offer you any more).

Has anyone had any experience with this? Can you please give me an idea as to what I can expect if I take her in? I'm completely broken hearted about this.

Answer:
You could not only save her life, you could improve it. There's a daschund belonging to someone on this board who has wheels for his back legs and does very well. I've seen other stories in the press. The fact that she is beginning to recover some function is encouraging - acupuncture might help, or water therapy.
I would take her to a vet you trust, good at answering questions, and have her assessed. Maybe with a little care, this sweetheart has a chance at a better life.
Since she has a pre-existing condition, pet insurance would probably not be an option but I would definitely look into it.
My heart is sinking here, because maybe I'm giving you reasons NOT to adopt her! But you've clearly lost your heart already

Answer:
From what i understand, dogs can live extremely happy and productive lives with back end paralysis (i know someone with a border collie who has wheelies for her back end, and she scoots around like nobody's business!!!)
I can't comment on future vet bills, but I'm sure if you have her checked out, the vet would be able to give you a better idea. If she's gaining mobility, that could be a good thing! (not to get too hopeful, but you never know)
You're a wonderful person for taking in this little angel, and I hope the two of you have a long and happy life together!
R & C

Answer:
I've already spoken with a couple different vets, as well the ones associated through my work. As I mentioned in my original post, this dog was born into the house of a man who has been working as a veterinarian for well over 25 years, and although I haven't spoken to him directly, I have spoken to his son (the person who told me they were looking to rehome the puppy, and someone I've known since elementary school). This dog has been VERY well cared for, but my reason for this thread is to ask if anyone here has had experience with raising such a dog.

Working with rescues, I have experience with dogs who have suffered paralysis through injury (car accidents, etc), but not being a vet myself, and not ever owning a dog with physical challenges, I'm a little unsure as to what I can expect as a full time owner.

Although my heart is absolutely lost on this little girl, and before I decide to take her in, I want to make sure that I'm doing it with the best of intentions for HER needs, and not my own.

I never wanted a toy breed (don't know what the heck I'd do with one!), but she's just a sweetheart. She's black and fluffy, doesn't shed, doesn't bark, calm tempered, playful... I think she might be a havanese cross, or maybe even maltese, but boy is she ever cute, and my dog would just LOVE her.

Answer:
you just might want to see a chryo, my 1 min pin male fell off the sofa and was total paralyzed, that was 3yrs ago with the help of the chryo he is about 90% better good luck to you and the pup brenda and the pins.

Answer:
Why is she paralyzed? Was she born like that?

I've heard good things about little wheelchairs for dogs. They adapt to them really quickly and are capable of having a wonderful life with the wheels. I am thinking about researching this as well, as my dog has a back disorder and will most likely lose the use of his back legs.

I think it would be like having a dog with full use of all of their legs. I don't think it would be too difficult, as the wheels would serve as their hind legs. The only set back I could forsee is with the bowel and bladder control / issues. I've read that sometimes you have to express the bowel and bladder manually if the dog has issues. But it wouldn't be much different than letting pup outside to do his business, would it??

Answer:
There are some great organizations that provide support for animals with so called disabilities. animals accommodate much better than we do with these issues and I think this puppy has a wonderful future. My gramndmother -who was always rescuing cats- had a few tripods - kitties with three legs and they did just fine!! They need care of course but they never let it bother them as humans do. I know some ppl - have a neighbour actually with a doxy who has a back problem and they built ramps around the house for her to jump on the bed and other places she can no longer get to on her own.

I am sure you will do well with this dog - it is not that unusual amg dogs who have such issues.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Mocha's mum
Why is she paralyzed? Was she born like that?

Yes, she was. She was born with full paralysis, but is slowly regaining some movement. She will never be able to walk, and we're hoping that the movement will continue to improve, but the reality is that she's likely going to be like this for the rest of her life (which is just fine by me!).

As far as I know (I will double check the next chance I get), her bathroom duties are all good and well, so she does have feeling in that area and is able to eliminate on her own. How much they help her at this time though, I do not know (maybe they have to hold her in a certain position?). I believe it's just the back legs that don't work. And since she's so small (6 lbs, I think), a litter box will probably be the best idea in this situation (never thought I'd say that! lol). Obviously, I have many more questions to ask the owners.

I really can't see how this would be at all different than raising a healthy dog, aside from the obvious limitations. And I'm not afraid to take her in and care for her... it's the unexpected... well... anything unexpected that I want to be aware of, before I take her. Costs, special care, etc. I know I can get a pretty nice kart (wheelchair) for only a couple hundred dollars, and so far she does seem pretty problem free... and since the current owner IS a vet, I'm sure he'll insist on keeping the position of being her veterinarian (which makes it easy for me).

I'm still going to try to find a more suitable home for her, and so for now I'm trying really hard not to just throw my hands up and yell "I'LL TAKE HER!". LOL!! Not easy.

Answer: