Super Lance is back to playing ball in his power wheels
If ever there was a breed of dog who could take credit for the invention of the dog wheelchair, it would have to be the dachshund. We’ve seen photos of dachshunds in wheeled carts that date back to the 1930′s. Because their long back backs and short legs create stress on that fulcrum between the thoracic and lumbar spine, dachshunds have a predisposition to disc problems that often result in rear leg paralysis. However, their indomitable spirit makes it impossible to keep a dachshund down for long.
When we first started Eddie’s Wheels, we had intended to concentrate on large breed dogs, but it wasn’t long before we realized that we’d be building LOTS of dachsie carts. Then we adopted Daisy, a 6 year old dachshund with four herniated discs, in order to learn the finer points of building carts for this breed. After just a day of trying to keep her from dragging herself raw without a cart, we began to understand the challenges such little bundles of energy could present to a caregiver. Slings were useless. It was like trying to lassoo a snake – she’d wriggle right out of it. We built her wheelchair in record time.
Daisy loved to pose in her handknit sweater and her pink powdercoated cart.
Daisy taught us so much of what we needed to learn about caring for a disabled dachshund, from how challenging it was to measure this wiggly dog, to bladder expression, and finally the progression from total paralysis to spinal walking. She lived for another 10 years, passing on this winter at the age of 16, and was active and healthy right up to the end, when she had a stroke.
She left us with a wardrobe of powdercoated carts that we had built for her as samples and show carts. Her legacy provides dachshunds who come here for measurements the possibility of going home with a Daisy loaner set of wheels while we build them their permanent carts. Daisy just happened to be the most common size of dachshund for whom we build carts – about 12 lbs, and 9 inches long between the front and rear legs.
Such was the case today when Lena came for a measurement, just days after her surgery for an exploded disc. Lena still had the staples down her back, but she fit one of Daisy’s carts and took right off in it. Her mom was grateful for the loaner, because Lena is not one to lay about for long. Here’s her video:
i have an eleven year old thats family.he has in the last two weeks lost all control of his back legs.how much would one cost?i too am disabled due to back problems,so dont have alot of cash.but most definately want to save my dog.thanx
A dachshund cart with stirrups for a dog under 20 lbs. is $370.00 plus $35 for shipping. If we have a used cart that will fit, it will be less. We need your dog’s measurements, so fill out the order form and we’ll give you a quote.
My 8yr old dachshund has had knee replacement and ever since then cant walk like before. I have noticed he doesnt even try to stand up anymore he just sits there. I have been looking around for a wheelchair and was wondering what the cost would be. I dont have alot of money but it brakes my heart to see him this way. Can you give me a quote?
A new dachshund cart, built to his measurements is $325.00 plus $35. for shipping. This is without stirrups, so he could use his rear legs and hopefully strengthen his knees. The cart would be a great way to rehabilitate him.
My dachshund is 14 pounds I need low cost wheelchair what would you recommend?
Unfortunately the really inexpensive carts are not very therapeutic, so I recommend you do some fundraising to get her an Eddie’s Wheels cart. We rarely have any used dachshund carts, but once we have measurements, we can look for a used cart.
punky is a 2 1/2 year old dachshunds mix she has the dachshunds body she is 11 lbs she is starting to lost control of her back legs do to intervertebral disk disease this is new to use so would these wheels her from losting all control of her legs
Visit http://www.dodgerlist.com to learn more about managing IVDD in dachshunds. A cart will help to support your dog in a healthy normal stance and give her a better quality of life. I would not be able to say that a cart will prevent her IVDD from getting worse – the usual advice is to keep her quiet (crate rest) for 6-8 weeks.