Help! I need wise brains re ASD and dog and heck

[amber32002]

O great and wise folk of the SN board, I need people whose brains are working.

As you know, dh and I are both ASD, and dh recently had a brain haemorrhage which means he's got to take it very easy until his blood pressure stabilises. No nasty shocks etc.

Our beloved, wonderful 12 yr old Bernese Mountain Dog, (about 85lbs) who has been a fantastic support for us both through her life, has become semi-paralysed in her back legs. Not in any sort of pain, still eating ok, still happy, still enjoying her dog bones etc, just can't walk unless someone's supporting her.

There are dog 'wheelchairs' available that can help dogs get about. Are we a) mad to even consider it - she's too old b) wise to consider it because otherwise we're buying into the idea that disability equals worthlessness and suffering c) wise to consider it because if she has to die right now it'd push dh and I clean over the proverbial edge and who knows if he'd survive it.

We're taking an expert vets advice, and of course will listen intently to what he says, but because it's so related to her 'job' helping us as people with an ASD too, I wondered if people had any thoughts/ideas/cups of tea going spare??

I don't really know much about animals, so can only really offer virtual tea/sympathy, I am very sorry to hear your dog has these health problems. I honestly don't know enough about dogs as to how psychologically suitable a dog wheelchair would be - my gut feeling as a non-doggy person is it does sound a sensible thing to consider.

www.dogswheels.com/id6.html

I have seen dogs on dogwheels (at the Scruffs alternative dog show); they seemed pretty happy, and the owners were saying they adapt to the wheels quite quickly (although these were younger dogs). I'd say, go for it; the dog will probably let you know whether she likes it or not. No idea how much they cost, though

Ah, and forgot to say, sorry about DH. Hope he gets much better very soon

If you can afford it it seems like a very sensible thing to do for your dog's welfare and for yours. It isn't daft like so many dog accessories you can get. It solves a problem.

I would have thought that your breed would be well-suited to it. (Didn't they pull little carts when they were a working breed?) And because your dog is heavy, you don't have the alternative of carrying her about to compensate for the lack of mobility.

Thanks muchly. Threadworm, yes, they are bred to pull carts, so she should adapt well to it in theory. The man who makes them has already been in contact to say he's helped breeds bigger than her, so that's good news too.

Seems to make sense for all the reasons you've stated

I believe the average dog lifespan is aprox 17yrs, thats another 5yrs for your pooch - and as its just mobility problem that she has, i think its a marvelous idea!

Realistically, for that breed she's not far off the maximum, though they can live to age 15. If she can make it even through another six months of happy life, that would take a lot of pressure off dh and give him a better chance of a full recovery, though. Really hoping the vet says yes and doesn't find anything more dramatic.

Poor you Amber - sorry to hear that there is another thing to have to think about. Glad to hear that hubby is on the road to recovery. Poor woofer - I love Bernese Mountain Dogs and we saw lots last year when we were near the Bernese mountains. I think that if the wheelchair is viable and in every other way she is fine and you finances can stand it then give it a go.

The death of a much loved pet now would be a real blow to you both. At least if you did this and even if it didn't work (hopefully it will) you can comfort yourselves with the fact that you did everything in your power to make it right.

All the best to you , hubby and woofer

Flyingmum, only wish i could be as eloquent ... kinda the sentiment i was after , sorry im crap with words Amber. XXX

A disabled dog in our area is taken everywhere in the chassis of a pram - He seems to enjoy it and looks very happy with life

Blimey, it'd be a huge pram to take 85lb of Berner and can you imagine the surprise of little old ladies staring into it to smile at the cute baby?

The vet found more nerve damage than we were hoping for, so we've had to let her go. This is certainly turning into the year from hell for us as a family.

Oh gosh. Amber. . I'm so sorry.

Amber, I'm so so sorry. I can imagine what a blow this is for you all.

very sorry to hear this amber.

So sorry Amber

oh gosh!
I am so sorry

Oh Amber, sorry about your dog. Think you might deserve some good luck soon. Sending, not virtual cups of tea but rays of sunshine and buckets of sand for a virtual holiday as you probably earned one for this year.

How is DH doing? Are you getting any breaks?

sorry to hear that

Amber, so sorry to hear about your dog. Hope your DH is getting better. I guess slow progress not helped by the poor dog. What a horrible time you are having.

Thanks, all. Greatly appreciated.

DH is really shocked and so exhausted by this latest disaster in our lives. And we've got to keep going for the sake of the business. Luckily we get to go away for a few days fairly soon, which will help. But he's got big medical tests this week and next week so we'll have to keep everything crossed for those...

So sorry to hear about the woofer. I still feel the loss of my beardie 12 years later. Every best wish to you hubby and Amberboy. Keep us posted about the tests.