Langley Advance Oct 18,06

Alanna Dale takes Patches for walks in a loaned canine wheelchair. As Patches learns how to stand and walk again, she may not need the chair in the future.
Matthew Claxton/Langley Advance

Animal welfare: Paralyzed dog gaining mobility

The prognosis is good for a dog found paralyzed on a Langley road last summer.

by Matthew Claxton

"People have big hearts in Langley," said Sean Baker, manager of the Langley Animal Protection Society shelter.

Baker knows that first hand. He has collected about $1,000 in donations on behalf of just one of the shelter's dogs in recent weeks.

Patches won the hearts of many Langley residents after her story appeared in the pages of the Advance.

The dog was found in rural Langley, with her back legs paralyzed.

She was taken to the animal shelter, where she quickly became a favourite with staff and volunteers. Despite her limited mobility, Patches greeted everyone she saw with enthusiasm, pulling herself along with her forelegs.

"She's quite a friendly dog with people," said Baker. "Quite a love bug, actually."

Her friendly demeanor let staff know she hadn't been abused, and her muscle tone indicated that she had only recently lost the ability to walk. Other than that, the cause of her paralysis remained a mystery.

Now Patches has had two bits of good news.

One of the shelter volunteers has loaned a Doggone Wheels-brand canine wheelchair to Patches for the duration of her stay at the shelter.

With her back legs strapped into the wheeled device, she can go for hour-long walks on the trail system around the shelter.

Patches has quickly gotten used to the new method of travel.

"She's quite good, actually," said Baker.

Baker said veterinarians who have examined Patches believe she must have suffered a sudden traumatic injury, possibly being struck by a car. However, she doesn't have any of the other characteristic injuries associated with a hit and run, such as road-rash type scrapes and scratches.

Last Thursday, a specialist in canine spinal cord injuries examined Patches and delivered a very positive diagnosis.

"There's a high likelihood of her regaining the use of her legs," said Baker.

Staff and volunteers at the shelter have already noticed that Patches is improving.

"She can definitely wag her tail," said volunteer Donna Linke. Feeling is returning to Patches' hindquarters, especially on her right side, Linke said.

"She can stand for a few minutes, she just can't walk," said Alanna Dale, an animal care worker.

Unfortunately, walking again will require therapy and more medical visits.

Patches will need either a CT scan or an MRI to check for bone fragments in her spine, according to the specialist, Baker said.

That will cost $900 to $1,800. Surgery to remove any bone chips will also be pricey.

Following that, there could be a lengthy series of therapy sessions, including hydrotherapy.

Buying Patches a permanent wheelchair will cost around $800.

The money already donated for Patches will go towards whatever course is chosen, Baker said.

While the shelter is looking at medical options, Patches will not officially be up for adoption.

Baker said they want to know what her long-term prognosis is before they hand her over to another owner. She will now require a lot of specialized care and vet visits over her lifetime, and they need to find someone who is willing to take that on.

After weeks of mystery, Patches' original owner contacted the shelter about the dog, but he isn't able to care for her in her current state, Baker said.

Any donations and help for Patches, or the many other dogs at the shelter, are welcome. The public can call the shelter at 604-857-5055.

published on 10/17/2006