Dog News

Partially Paralyzed Shelter Dogs Get Back on Their Feet

by Katherine

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This past March, Wichita Animal Control in Kansas picked up Alexis, a Terrier/Dachshund mix, and Mordecai, a Dachshund mix, as stray dogs. Both dogs suffered from partial paralysis and dragged their rear legs. The Kansas Humane Society stepped in and placed the dogs with foster families.

Alexis  Photo Credit: Kansas Humane Society
Alexis
Photo Credit: Kansas Humane Society

It seemed Alexis was hit by a car and had severe muscle wasting, while Mordecai suffered from spinal disk problems that enabled him to walk on his own.

Veterinarian Brenda Cederberg of Countryside Pet Clinic and Resort offered to do laser and physical therapy on both dogs.

“I wanted to use it as a teaching case,” Cederberg told The Wichita Eagle. “We have a vet tech in school right now who is becoming certified in rehabilitation.”

Alexis received therapeutic laser treatments and therapy exercises twice a week at the clinic. Mordecai had two laser treatments as well and is currently getting therapy at his foster home.

Tommie Redington had been fostering Alexis throughout her treatments and after seeing that not too many people were interested in the dog, she decided to adopt her.

Mordecai  Photo Credit: Kansas Humane Society
Mordecai
Photo Credit: Kansas Humane Society

“She’s very smart and very playful,” said Redington. “She needs someone who’s home all the time. That’s kind of hard to find.”

Mordecai who started with less mobility than Alexis is being fostered by Vet Technician Fenning but the dog is still in search of his forever home. Mordecai continues to have some weakness in his back end. He is able to go down the stairs but can’t make the climb up.

Ideally, Mordecai’s forever family will be Dachshund knowledgeable. He needs to be in a controlled environment where other dogs won’t wrestle or challenge him. Too much activity might cause his mobility problems to reoccur or worsen.

If anyone is interested in adopting Mordecai contact the shelter at 316-524-9196.

Watch the following videos to see Alexis’s journey to recovery.