Dogs can become paralyzed for any number of reasons. When it happens, it’s terrifying: I would know. I’ve been through it with one of mine. It often comes on very suddenly, and it brings a lot of uncertainty you were probably not prepared for.
However, paralysis is not the end of the world. Paralyzed dogs can go on to live long and happy lives, a lot of the time, as long as they have proper support. In a lot of cases, they can even make at least a partial recovery! My dog can walk pretty “normally” these days.
For one sweet Pit Bull, paralysis is not going to get her down. No way! She’s way too strong and stubborn to give up. She goes to physical therapy, which helps, but her mom recently found out that she likes to try getting in extra practice at home:
@rollingwithkayleeShe works so hard I can’t beleive this 😭 #dogmom #disability #paralyzeddog #paraplegic #fyp
The way she’s getting so much better at walking, it won’t surprise me if we’re not Rolling With Kaylee for much longer. She’s so determined! Kaylee wasn’t always paralyzed: it was a slipped disc. She’s a rescue. Something similar happened to my dog, and I can confirm that it’s scary.
They kind of just lose their ability to walk at random. Since there are seven thousand different reasons for that, and a lot of them are very scary, that ride to the vet is easily one of the scariest. Luckily, though, Kaylee’s condition isn’t too severe.
Since her back legs became paralyzed, Kaylee has been having regular PT sessions with an underwater treadmill. They also have a special harness and even a wheelchair to help her get around the house, but they recently found out that she likes to practice when they’re not around.
She’s getting really good! Pretty soon, she’ll be back to walking as normally as she can, though it won’t be quite the same. Even so, they’ll still love her, and so will her boyfriend:
@rollingwithkayleeKaylee boyfriend reveal 😌 #disableddog #boyfriend #viral #dogmom #fyp i’m
A gorgeous couple. I love them together!
‘Spinal’ walking in dogs
After a spinal cord injury, dogs may become paralyzed, but that doesn’t mean they can never walk again. Through physical therapy and regular exercise, many can regain some ability to “walk,” even if they still can’t feel their legs.
Spinal walking refers to the way a dog walks after a spinal cord injury, even though they can’t feel their legs. It’s more muscle memory than anything, and typically a little different from regular walking. Dogs who spinal walk will:
- Take smaller steps.
- Drag their feet.
- Occasionally lose their balance.
My dog’s entire left side was paralyzed, but that was several years ago: today, he can walk, more or less, fine. He drags his feet on the floor and, sometimes, his back leg involuntarily kicks out from under him, but it’s okay! We have rugs. I hope Kaylee gets there soon!
