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Eli went for his recheck at the vet school on Monday. His orthopedist was pleased with how I have worked on his core strength, but both he and I were concerned at how much more his legs bow than Spirit and how much less steady on his feet he is.
Spirit is a lightweight, tall GSD, where Eli was bred to be a "wider, heavier" show GSD. Unfortunately this is now a disadvantage, as his little legs just aren't supporting his body, meaning he can't walk more than about 100 yards before starting to drag his hindlimbs. The result is that Eli gets to go out for walks much less as he is now too heavy for me to carry/sling.
I talked to Eli's orthopedist and he agrees that Eli may never be as good as Spirit is. We have thus decided that we will have my angel Bonnie's wheelchair modified for Eli, so that he can get out and about more. In the house and yard he'll be walking on his own hopefully encouraging him to keep walking and build strength - the thing I fear is that in using a wheelchair, Eli will lose the drive to walk as well as the core strength needed to keep himself upright.
World beware ... Eli on wheels!!
Spirit is a lightweight, tall GSD, where Eli was bred to be a "wider, heavier" show GSD. Unfortunately this is now a disadvantage, as his little legs just aren't supporting his body, meaning he can't walk more than about 100 yards before starting to drag his hindlimbs. The result is that Eli gets to go out for walks much less as he is now too heavy for me to carry/sling.
I talked to Eli's orthopedist and he agrees that Eli may never be as good as Spirit is. We have thus decided that we will have my angel Bonnie's wheelchair modified for Eli, so that he can get out and about more. In the house and yard he'll be walking on his own hopefully encouraging him to keep walking and build strength - the thing I fear is that in using a wheelchair, Eli will lose the drive to walk as well as the core strength needed to keep himself upright.
World beware ... Eli on wheels!!