Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Quality of life and problems with mobility carts for pets
By Narum, Melissa et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2024·Department of Comparative, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Caretaker-reported quality of life, functionality, and complications associated with assistive mobility cart use in companion animals.
Plain-English summary
Many pet owners have found that using mobility carts can help their dogs and cats live better lives, even if there are some complications. In a survey, 62% of dog owners and 57% of cat owners reported that their pets' quality of life improved after using a cart. While there were some issues, like wounds from the cart, most caretakers felt they could manage daily tasks better with the help of the carts. Overall, these devices seem to provide significant benefits for both pets and their owners.
People also search for: dog mobility cart benefits · cat wheelchair quality of life · complications from pet carts
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of assistive mobility carts on companion animals and caretakers' quality of life by investigating factors pertaining to caretaker satisfaction, the ability to perform daily tasks, and complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 23-question survey was distributed to caretakers of animals using carts to evaluate the animal and caretakers' quality of life, acceptance, ability to complete functional tasks, and complications. Data from canine, feline, and rabbit responses were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Dogs and cats had improved quality of life in 62 and 57% of responses and 61 and 60% for their caretakers, respectively. There was no improvement in the quality of life of rabbits or their caretakers. Regarding the complication rate, 64% were reported to have at least one complication associated with cart use, 53% of which were wounds. Across all species, there was a reported improvement in ability to perform daily tasks and activities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caretakers reported that assistive mobility carts improve both companion animals' and caretakers' quality of life, despite high prevalence of complications, including wounds. Future studies exploring specific disease conditions and long-term outcomes will be useful for guiding clinical recommendations.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39529851/