Torn ACL injuries are common, and in large breed dogs often need to be dealt with surgically. We usually see these dogs after repair has been done to one knee, and within weeks the strain borne by the other rear leg results in injury to the other leg… We wonder why it does not occur to veterinarians to suggest the use of a cart as a preventive and rehabilitation aid for these dogs.
Some orthopedic surgeons do – as was the case of Rocky, a 157 lb. Rottweiller who needed surgery on both his knees. His surgeon sent him to us before surgery was scheduled to order a cart. Rocky liked his wheels the day he picked them up – what a relief to take a little weight off his rear legs and let the cart hold him up. His surgery and rehabilitation was a complete success, and within 3 months, Rocky’s happy owner donated his cart back to us for other large breed pets to use.
Rocky got his cart to help rehab from double ACL surgery
We modified Rocky’s cart for Spin, a growing lamb, and she used it as a rental cart for several months. Today, we modified Rocky’s cart again as a rental for Lily, a Giant Mastiff weighing 140 lbs. who has already had one surgery on her left knee. In the meantime, her right knee has given out, and there is the possibility of lesions and possible amputation. Lily is painful, and has difficulty walking on three legs, especially since her good leg is only a couple of weeks post-surgical. It was great to have a cart on hand for her to use while her repaired leg gains strength, and her torn ACL on the right leg is not weight-bearing..
In this video, you can see that Lily is not weightbearing on one side, but the longer she stands and walks in the cart she realizes that the cart will support her. Dogs use carts intuitively, and once they trust it, let the cart hold as much weight as they need it to in order to walk in comfort. Instead of holding her injured leg up, she lets it fall and toe touch. She relaxes and stops guarding against pain. She’s able to use her functional leg without overstressing it, maintaining and building muscle mass again. Had she had use of a cartimmediately after her first surgery, it is likely that the second knee surgery could have been avoided.
I am Lilly’s “grandma” from Iowa and she is loved so much by her family. I am so glad your “wheelchair” may help her be more mobile. Your website is awesome; it made me smile!
Lilly is one wonderful soul. We so enjoyed meeting her, and we were so glad that we had a cart on hand we could rent to her while her test results come in.
How can we rent a Eddies wheels for our dane? He is 135 lb. thanks, carol
Had we a used cart the right size for your dog, we would require that you pay for cart and shipping upfront, as we have not had positive rental experiences. When the cart is returned to us in the condition it was sent out in, we would refund a portion of what you paid . When we rent, it’s usually to folks who live within a driving distance from us. Rent is $50 /month for used carts. We do not build new custom carts as rentals, as we need to cover our manufacturing costs.
How much is the cost of the carts and how much for shipping to the Philippines. My rott until recently is unable to get up and walk around.
We would need his measurements and your address before we can give you a quote. We can break it down as a ship kit for less than a fully assembled cart.