Usually when people talk about mobility aids like dog wheelchairs they are referring to older dogs. However, certain conditions can cause paralysis in dogs from birth, requiring the use of a wheelchair from infancy through old age. It’s not just old age that can lead to mobility issues.
Can a puppy wheelchair help a young dog?
![A French bulldog puppy uses a dog wheelchair](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/Freddie-2.jpg)
For growing puppies who have difficulty walking or standing on their own, a puppy wheelchair is an ideal mobility solution. The younger a dog is, the more likely its body will grow and change as it grows, which means it needs a cart that will grow with it.
An adjustable wheelchair is the best option for a paralyzed puppy. With easy height, length and width adjustments, the Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair can grow with a pup. A wheelchair expert can help you select a size wheelchair that will grow with your pup the longest.
Conditions that cause loss of mobility in puppies
There are a wide range of reasons why a puppy may have difficulty walking, whether due to injury, birth incident or genetic cause. Here are some of the most common reasons why a young dog may experience a loss of mobility:
Cerebellar hypoplasia
![Puppy with hydrocephalus rides in full support dog wheelchair](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Toby_Hydrocephalus-puppy.jpg)
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a disease that affects balance, posture and coordination in dogs. The cerebellum is underdeveloped in animals with cerebellar hypoplasia, the part of the brain responsible for maintaining motor impulses.
Dogs with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) typically exhibit irregular balance and difficulty placing their paws. Their gait may resemble walking and appear unsteady. CH puppies may also experience head shaking and involuntary shaking. To stand and move without falling, puppies with cerebellar hypoplasia need a full support wheelchair with wheels at the front and back for optimal support.
Idiopathic epilepsy in puppies
Idiopathic epilepsy is a condition in which your dog exhibits abnormal brain function that causes seizures. Although the cause is unknown, it is most likely a genetic trait, as purebred dogs are more prone to seizures.
Puppies with epilepsy will usually have their first seizure within the first year of life and may continue having seizures throughout their lives, or it may be a one-time event. Seizures are generally unpredictable and depending on their occurrence, some dogs may need support or suffer brainstem trauma that leaves them paralyzed.
Congenital vertebral and vertebral malformations
These defects can cause malformations of the vertebra and cause spinal cord injury. Spinal cord trauma can cause mobility difficulties and paralysis.
These spinal defects are evident from birth and easily visible. Most often this is manifested by the curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is one of the most common birth defects of the spine in puppies.
Congenital hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a rare disease in dogs. Hydrocephalus literally means “water on the brain”, but the fluid that accumulates is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In hydrocephalus, this fluid cannot drain properly and increases pressure on the brain. Congenital hydrocephalus is thought to be due to a problem during fetal growth and is seen in puppies. Hydrocephalus can cause spastic or striding walking and seizures, which will lead to decreased mobility.
Dancing Doberman Disease
Named after the breed it typically affects, it is a neural disorder that affects the gastrocnemius muscle in Dobermans. Around 6 or 7 months, their hind leg will start to flex when they stand up. Eventually, it will start with the other hind leg.
When the muscles flex, it looks like the puppy is dancing, hence the name! Dancing Doberman disease progresses to hind leg weakness and muscle atrophy within a few years.
Wobblers Disease
Wobbler Puppy Syndrome Usually affects large breed and giant breed dogs. Caused by a constellation of abnormalities in the vertebrae and soft tissues of the neck that cause compression of the spinal cord.
Symptoms of Wobblers are an unsteady gait that slowly gets worse. Typically, wobbly gait begins in the hind limbs but will also affect the forelimbs.
This is not an exhaustive list of conditions puppies may experience that cause mobility issues. If you think your puppy is not moving as it should, please contact your veterinarian.
Helping a puppy with mobility issues
Early intervention is important for young dogs with mobility issues. In the beginning, every day counts for the development of a puppy. Work with a veterinarian and rehabilitation specialist to help the pup build strength, and introduce a wheelchair when you can. It is extremely important for young puppies to be as active as possible from the start.