Monday Whisky Update

When the Puffy Paint didn't help add grip to Whisky's socks (infant socks), I ordered some non-slip fabric to see if that would work better. It arrived late last week and after a few tries, I managed to get it at the right spot

Whisky : Hey, I'm not slipping around anymore!

Whisky : I can run without worrying about falling!

Whisky : This non slip fabric works great, Mommy!
Despite the success, Whisky was still having trouble trying to get up from a lying position. I ended up having to videotape her trying to get up. That was when I discovered her ability to get up depended very much on her front legs being able to hold up her body while her back legs got up. Every time her front paws slipped, she would fall with a thud (as would my heart)

Whisky : Mommy made me non-slip socks for my front paws too!

Whisky : I like wearing socks. They don't bother me one bit  :)

Whisky : Mommy used shorter infant socks and sewed the non-slip at the "top" of the socks so I'm wearing the bottom at my top and the top at the bottom. Get it? BOL!
The heel part of the sock is exactly where her wrist is so it worked better the *wrong* way

Whisky : Wanna see how it works better this way? Watch closely and don't blink!

Whisky : I use my front paws to push myself up and the non slip makes sure my paws don't slide...

Whisky : Now my back legs jump into action

Whisky : And TA DA! I'm up!

Whisky : How do I look?  :D

Whisky does very well in her non slip socks. The front socks do slip off easily so we're still trying to figure that out. Thank you to those who responded to my request for suggestions on how to help my girl. Old Kitty (THANK YOU!) gave me a website that sold "breathable orthopedic shoes", suitable for indoor and summer use. I am considering getting her those shoes for outdoor use.

Monday Musing

Whisky : Hello Furriends! Mommy says I am like a carpet when I lie down this way...a carpet that yelps if stepped on. BOL!
Whisky has osteoarthritis in her hips and muscle wastage in her hind legs

It's all good until it's time to get up. We notice she is most able to get up with the right motivation (read : TREATS), although there are times she can't, and ends up "swimming" in that position until we help lift up her back end

She uses her front legs to push herself up. Sometimes she ends up sliding backwards. Whisky has been going for regular acupuncture and it has helped. Now, we have started her on physiotherapy to help rebuild her hind leg muscles in a safe manner

Whisky : But once I'm up, I'm ready to chase anyone for treats, even if I sometimes slide around as I walk / run!

We ended up buying her an array of baby socks to see if the little rubber dots are able to help. The blue booties are good as they have a rubber sole, giving very good traction but are a little too big. The others fit better but have the rubbery stuff at the wrong areas. She needs them to be closer to the top part and at the sides (to help when she gets up)

After doing some reading, I read that puffy paint can mimic the non slip qualities. It took a while but we finally found 2 types of Puffy Paint!

We got to work with her older socks. It wasn't as easy to get nice uniform shapes...but that's probably because we aren't very crafty. LOL

Whisky : Chasing after my treat ball is part of my exercise routine...this is one exercise I really enjoy!
The puffy painted socks didn't seem to make much of a difference. Looks like it's back to the drawing board!

I've ordered some non-slip fabric so we'll see if that works better. Doggy boots might work better but those aren't made of "breathable" materials so might be rather uncomfortable.  If anyone has any other suggestions, please leave us a comment!