| Limb paralysis is a very common condition in dogs | | | | more than one leg was lost (amputated), then |
| which can occur both in fore leg or hind leg, but | | | | there was no other option available, especially in |
| more common in hind legs. Various reasons for | | | | India and the animal was put to sleep (euthanized). |
| hind limb paralysis are trauma due to accident or | | | | But now the conditions have improved markedly |
| fall from height or fight among animals. Other | | | | in India and such animals can live further with |
| common causes are old age, neurological and | | | | proper treatment. |
| degenerative diseases, tick paralysis and nutritional | | | | Animal should be lifted from the ground and |
| hind quarter weakness. | | | | should be given proper treatment as early as |
| Due to the paralysis or hind quarter weakness | | | | possible so that the blood supply to the area |
| dog is unable to walk and bear weight on its legs | | | | becomes normal. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy |
| which leads to recumbency. Recumbency has | | | | should start as they increase the rate of |
| several complications like muscle degeneration, | | | | recovery. To facilitate the standing of the dog, |
| disuse atrophy of the muscles, neuronal | | | | devices are now available in India in variety of |
| degeneration, soft tissue damage, pressure sores | | | | forms like slings, two wheeled wheel chair/wheel |
| and decubital ulcers. In addition to this, the blood | | | | carts and four two wheeled wheel chair/wheel |
| supply to the area gets disturbed. As veins are | | | | carts. In addition to this, orthotic and prosthetic |
| superficial seated, they get blocked due to the | | | | devices are available in India at nominal cost (http/ |
| weight of the animal whereas arteries are deep | | | | which can markedly improve the living pattern of |
| seated and initially blood continues to pool which | | | | the animals. An orthotic is defined as devices used |
| causes marked swelling of the area (odema). | | | | to support or protect an injured limb like braces |
| Later, production of super oxides damages the | | | | (e.g. knee brace). A prosthetic device is designed |
| cells and local tissues which take the form of a | | | | to replace a missing limb or body part (e.g. artificial |
| vicious cycle causing further production of free | | | | limb). The products available in India have several |
| radicals and more damage. The blood supply will | | | | advantages for the pet lovers and owners the |
| eventually stop leading to the death of the limb | | | | most important of which is the reduced cost. In |
| leaving to no other option but to amputate the | | | | addition to this, the products are custom made i.e. |
| leg of the animal. In addition to trauma, neoplasia | | | | product is made individually for each animal/dog. |
| can also lead to the amputation of the limbs | | | | Slings may be strapped around the body or fitted |
| legs. If treated properly at an early stage the | | | | for the fore limb or hind limb or both. Straps are |
| complications of the recumbency and amputation | | | | long hand held to allow handler support the dog. |
| of leg can be averted for which proper ambulation | | | | Slings help in transitioning a recumbent pet to |
| and rehabilitation is very important. Earlier, when | | | | standing position. |