Vital Feed

This awesome article was sent to us by Jeff VerHoef of Canine Mobility who worked with "Leda" the Bouvier. He was interviewed by Kate Poss, the founder and writer for This is Whidbey.  We've talked about how physical therapy, massage, braces, and anti-knuckling devices can help dogs regain mobility.  Now read Leda's story about overcoming severe arthritis and spinal stroke (FCE).  It may "take a...

Dogs with recent physical trauma or limb amputations can experience a variety of sensory abnormalities.   Dogs with neurological injuries can have partial sensory loss (unable to detect touch and feel) as well as odd sensations like burning and tingling (much like the “pins and needles” we get in our leg sometimes when we sit on it awkwardly for a while).  Some injuries can...

Some animals have a hard time getting adopted from traditional shelters, particularly if they are handicapped, injured, or have a serious medical condition. That’s where Animal Lifeline in Des Moines, Iowa steps in. As a special needs, no-kill shelter - the only one of its kind in Central Iowa – Animal Lifeline rescues animals who need medical or rehabilitative care before they...

There are many conditions that produce weakness and can lead to knuckling or dragging of the front and hind paws and limbs.  Conditions that can affect the hind legs include degenerative myelopathy (DM), sciatic nerve injury, disc disease, and spinal cord injury.  Brachial plexus and radial nerve injuries can cause front paw knuckling or limb dragging. A fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) can affect either...

Older dogs and those with injuries or balance issues can have trouble moving around the home, especially on slippery surfaces like tile or wood floors.  Some dogs react to slippery floors by not wanting to get up or walk - they lack confidence and will elect to "stay put" rather than risk slipping.  Pets that are nervous about moving around can become even weaker by...