antiquity
12-20-2002, 09:52 AM
Thai doctor uses wheelchair to rehabilitate paralysed dogsĀ*
By Indochina Bureau Chief Romen Bose
A Thai veterinarian has come up with a wheelchair for dogs, that is used in rehabilitating paralysed canines.
But the wheelchair is only one of several methods used to help the dogs get back on their feet.
Dr Suthasanan Jearaporn, who works at the downtown Ekkamai Animal Hospital in Bangkok, specialises in helping lame and paralysed dogs walk again.
Every week, he sees close to 10 dogs which need help because of accidents or birth defects.
He has had to come up with new methods to treat the dogs because there was just none available before this.
"One of my own pets was paralysed before and I suffered from that. My friend suggested that we try (placing animals) on wheels, so we bought the wheels and we prepared everything together for the first design.
"That was a simple one, like a skateboard so the animals lie on the board with the wheels so they can crawl and grab themselves on the road," recalled Dr Suthasanan.
The initial wheels turned into functional wheelchairs over the years.
This helps prevent bedsores and infections as the paralysed legs can now be held up and the dog is more mobile as a result.
The wheelchairs are custom-made at the hospital so they fit each dog perfectly.
Besides a new set of wheels, Dr Suthasanan has also begun using electrical accupuncture, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy on dogs which have responded well to the various treatments.
He says these sessions can increase recovery rates by up to 80 per cent, as long as pet-owners continue with the treatments.
But the most important help for the animals is immediate medical attention.
"If they have an accident that hurts their vertebrae, you have to bring the animals right away and don't try to let them drag themselves because the bone cannot heal in the same position.
"If you want to help the animal, you must use a plate or piece of wood and tie the animal before sending it to hospital," advised Dr Suthasanan.
His treatments are costly but many owners do not seem to mind.
Dog owner Supanee Pibulrat said: "This is a convenient service for animal lovers. Just like humans, we must have such these treatments for dogs. The animal is the same as a human. We love them so we must take care of them. So I think it's good to have this kind of service."
Dr Suthasanan says he has received offers to take the wheelchairs and therapy overseas, but the huge demand at home is keeping him very occupied.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/27658/1/.html
By Indochina Bureau Chief Romen Bose
A Thai veterinarian has come up with a wheelchair for dogs, that is used in rehabilitating paralysed canines.
But the wheelchair is only one of several methods used to help the dogs get back on their feet.
Dr Suthasanan Jearaporn, who works at the downtown Ekkamai Animal Hospital in Bangkok, specialises in helping lame and paralysed dogs walk again.
Every week, he sees close to 10 dogs which need help because of accidents or birth defects.
He has had to come up with new methods to treat the dogs because there was just none available before this.
"One of my own pets was paralysed before and I suffered from that. My friend suggested that we try (placing animals) on wheels, so we bought the wheels and we prepared everything together for the first design.
"That was a simple one, like a skateboard so the animals lie on the board with the wheels so they can crawl and grab themselves on the road," recalled Dr Suthasanan.
The initial wheels turned into functional wheelchairs over the years.
This helps prevent bedsores and infections as the paralysed legs can now be held up and the dog is more mobile as a result.
The wheelchairs are custom-made at the hospital so they fit each dog perfectly.
Besides a new set of wheels, Dr Suthasanan has also begun using electrical accupuncture, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy on dogs which have responded well to the various treatments.
He says these sessions can increase recovery rates by up to 80 per cent, as long as pet-owners continue with the treatments.
But the most important help for the animals is immediate medical attention.
"If they have an accident that hurts their vertebrae, you have to bring the animals right away and don't try to let them drag themselves because the bone cannot heal in the same position.
"If you want to help the animal, you must use a plate or piece of wood and tie the animal before sending it to hospital," advised Dr Suthasanan.
His treatments are costly but many owners do not seem to mind.
Dog owner Supanee Pibulrat said: "This is a convenient service for animal lovers. Just like humans, we must have such these treatments for dogs. The animal is the same as a human. We love them so we must take care of them. So I think it's good to have this kind of service."
Dr Suthasanan says he has received offers to take the wheelchairs and therapy overseas, but the huge demand at home is keeping him very occupied.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/27658/1/.html