Paralysis

Lost Mobility in a Dog: Diagnostic Tests Are Only As Good As Their Interpretation—R.G.’s Hind End Lameness

How often do you think veterinarians misdiagnose their patients? Diagnosis is a process, and sometimes it is not easy to peel the onion. However, sometimes a bad diagnosis is just that—a bad diagnosis due to a cock-up. The most common veterinary mistakes involve: surgical mistakes drug-related mistakes diagnostic errors Both graduate vets and experienced practitioners can cock-up the diagnosis, whether…

by Jana Rade

Canine Wheeled Carts: Mobility Aids – Wheelchairs for Dogs

Believe it or not, canine wheeled carts are a controversial subject. Does getting a wheelchair for your dog mean the beginning of the end? Is it unnatural? Or a gift of mobility and quality of life? I literally draw a deep breath and steady myself whenever I feel the necessity to address wheeled carts with clients. I never know what…

by Susan E. Davis PT

Canine Hind End Paralysis: R.G.’s Hind End Lameness and Paralysis. What Would You Do if It Was Your Dog?

Paralysis is the partial or full loss of body movement. Symptoms of canine hind end paralysis can vary in severity. Mild neurological deficit leads to weakness and knuckling. Full paralysis results in a dog dragging their rear legs. Associated problems include pain, potty accidents, inability to urinate or constipation. R.G. was a happy, active girl, until one day she suddenly…

by Jana Rade

Dog Iliopsoas Injury Diagnosis: Figuring out What Might Be Going on with Cookie’s Legs

Diagnosis is a process. Sometimes, figuring out the reason for your dog’s mobility issues can be quite a journey. Most of the sinister reasons why Cookie’s legs weren’t working the way they should were more or less ruled out. We were awaiting the appointment with an orthopedic specialist hoping that we’ll get some definite answer(s). Appointment with an orthopedic specialist…

by Jana Rade

Transient Dog Mobility Issues: Figuring out What Might Be Going on with Cookie’s Legs—The Process

There are common causes behind dog mobility issues, and then there are mysteries. Cookie’s case started as a mystery. Cookie’s legs transiently not working as if they were partially paralyzed was a mystery. It was nothing I have seen before. I have put a lot of time and work into taking care of Cookie and figuring out what’s is going…

by Jana Rade

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

View Full Profile →