Mobility impairment in a pet can lead to various problems: unwanted weight gain due to lack of exercise, contractures (stiffening of the joints from non-use), inability to access a litterbox (putting them at risk for urine scald and fecal soiling), and compromised circulation, among others. All these factors put the mobility-impaired pet at risk for skin ulcerations (“pressure sores”) and subsequent infection, which can ultimately be life-threatening.
The goal is to keep areas of pressure (such as feet, or bony prominences) clean and dry while allowing air to circulate, and to relieve pressure to the areas as much as possible.
Fake sheepskin (sold in fabric stores) over absorbent towels, on top of a waterproof surface (cheap plastic tablecloths work for large floor surfaces) is a great solution – the sheepskin “wicks” the urine away from the pet and into the towels below, while the plastic tablecloth protects your flooring. This would work well for any small pet as long as they do not chew on and ingest the sheepskin.
To keep very small chewers and ingesters (small rodents) dry, a thick layer of hay or other bedding would work (no pine shavings) BUT it must be changed daily to prevent ammonia buildup which can harm your pet’s respiratory system (and make your house smell really bad). For larger chewer/ingesters such as rabbits, diapers can work BUT they do hold moisture in which can contribute to skin breakdown, so you are going to have to remove the diapers several times a day to let your bunny’s behind have a ‘breather’. Depending on what sort of a companion rabbit lives with your disabled rabbit, you may not have to remove the diapers yourself!
Monitoring your pet’s diet will help him to maintain a normal weight, avoiding increased pressure to already compromised areas. Offer plenty of fresh hay and greens, and limit fruits, starchy vegetables, pellets and treats.
Performing a gentle stretching of the affected limbs and/or gentle range of motion even once daily will not only help to prevent further contractures but will definitely improve the circulation to the affected areas. A gentle massage to the affected limbs is extremely effective in improving circulation as well as providing comforting, calming touch for your pet.
It is critically important to do your best to prevent urine scald and fecal soiling, which can quickly lead to breakdown of skin and subsequent infection. Checking your pet at least a couple of times a day will allow you to quickly intervene before problems develop. Gently wash the affected area only (no need to stress a pet out with a full bath) with a gentle shampoo, such as Opie & Dixie Gentle Puppy Shampoo, and carefully dry the area with soft toweling and possibly a blow dryer set on low (be careful not to hold it too close and burn your pet’s sensitive skin).
Depending on the degree of soiling, a wet washcloth or a baby wipe (for sensitive skin) might work instead of a bath, for minor problems. For very minor problems, such as urine on the fur only, cornstarch rubbed into the fur and then brushed out can be effective.
The first sign of pressure related tissue trauma is fur loss at the point of pressure – usually over a bony prominence. At first the skin will be a normal pink, but as the pressure continues the area will become a darker pink, then reddened, then blanched (light/white in appearance). This is critical, as the next stage is skin and tissue breakdown (a pressure sore).
Pressure sores are difficult to heal and will set your pet up for possibly life-threatening infections, so it is imperative that you know the early signs of impending problems to allow for early intervention.
Tomorrow: padding the areas of pressure
Emily is a lovely Netherland Dwarf bunny. She is altered, has great litterbox habits and is currently bonded to another bunny. Both of them are currently in foster care with Dayton Area Rabbit Network.
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