Mobility - OFF TEMPORARILY
Mobility Aids & Highly Qualified Care
Our dedicated team can assess your pet to determine which combination of therapy and ergonomic equipment may help improve their mobility following a neurological diagnosis, surgery or trauma.
Limited Mobility in Pets
Some cats and dogs need treatment, physical therapy and mobility aids for acquired or genetic illnesses and conditions, or for a temporary period following surgery.
At West Chester Veterinary Medical Center, we can assess your pet and determine which combination of therapy and ergonomic equipment may help improve their mobility and quality of life.
Whether they have been impacted by trauma, a neurological condition, injury or other circumstance, we can evaluate their mobility needs and suggest equipment and tips to adapt your environment at home to help minimize stress - for both you and your furry companion.
What to Expect During Treatment for Limited Mobility
Ergonomic equipment and mobility aids can provide stability to your pet's joints, assist with standing and weight bearing, and help them stay active - while easing the workload on you. Our highly qualified team can provide advice about which mobility aids or environmental adaptations your pet could benefit from.
Cart Adjustments
Many senior pets and pets with joint issues show signs of mobility issues later in life. If your pet is showing any mobility changes or pain when walking, talk to your vet immediately. Your vet may recommend a wheelchair.
Your pet's wheelchair may need adjustments throughout their life. This can be due to changes in weight or your pet’s activity level. Carts can be adjusted in height, length, and width.
Our vets are experts, so you can trust them to make the right adjustments to optimize your pet's comfort and give them back the freedom to move.
Mobility FAQs
Read our most frequently asked questions about mobility for pets.
- What are common causes of mobility issues in cats and dogs?
Many conditions or problems can cause mobility issues in both cats and dogs, including but not limited to these conditions:
Cats
- Arthritis
- Ataxia
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Feline diabetes
- Spinal or neurological conditions
- Fractured back
- Saddle thrombus
Dogs
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
If you think your pet may need a mobility aid, contact us for an assessment. We can help determine their needs and what equipment or changes at home may work for them.
- How can limited mobility affect my pet?
When your pet has limited mobility issues, you may see symptoms from minor lameness to challenges rising or standing, to an inability to walk. Clearly, this can impact almost every area of your pet's life, from how much physical activity and exercise they are able to do, to how they interact with your family and others and even how easily they can move around as independently as they used to.
But your pet need not suffer, and you don't need to do the back-breaking work of carrying them around. Mobility aids are here to help.
- How will I know which mobility aids my pet needs? How can they help?
Our team at West Chester Veterinary Medical Center can help your pet walk and navigate obstacles such as stairs. With tools such as strollers, there's no need to stop the walks you and your pet used to enjoy and with non-slip booties, you can be assured they can get up even from a lying down position, without slipping.
A wide range of mobility aids can help improve your dog's quality of life.
- What can I do at home to improve my pet's mobility?
If your dog is diagnosed with mobility issues, you can take preventive measures at home such as creating a regular exercise routine, providing natural remedies or medication recommended by your vet, being thoughtful about the floors and your home and taking other measures. Consult your vet for recommendations.