By Dr. Robin Downing

When Frankie was hit by a car on the streets of Denver, two vertebrae in his midback were shattered, and his spinal cord was crushed. At that moment he became a permanent paraplegic, never to walk normally again. In times past, he would have been euthanized.

Fortunately for Frankie -- and for other pets with special needs -- times have changed. No longer are mobility issues an impediment to an excellent quality of life. In fact, dogs and cats -- and even unusual pets such as rabbits and ferrets -- can be fitted for assistive devices that allow them to sustain the activities they've become accustomed to. Pet owners can be taught how to manage their pets' bodily functions. And the pets themselves can easily be taught to accept the use of the various assistive devices that are currently available.

Mobility challenges come in many guises:

-- The pet may be too weak to walk. It is critical to get as complete a diagnosis as possible from the pet's veterinarian because some pets are weak from pain. Once the pain is managed appropriately, the pet may be restored to normal mobility. It is also possible to have pain AND weakness coexisting in the same body. In this case, relieving pain remains a priority, which will allow the use of assistive devices with maximum pet comfort.

-- The pet may be paralyzed rather than simply weak. Paralysis can occur from trauma to the spinal cord or from a progressive disease like degenerative myelopathy.

-- The pet may have an issue, such as a torn cranial cruciate ligament in the knee (rear leg), causing instability in that joint. If surgery to stabilize the knee is not affordable or not an option for some other reason, the pet will be incapable of walking comfortably without an assistive device.

-- Amputation of a limb (or part of a limb) may render the pet incapable of normal mobility.

-- The mobility challenge may result from a nervous system issue, such as a stroke to the brain or spinal cord.

So, what is a loving pet owner to do?

Any pet facing a mobility challenge, no matter how slight or severe, deserves to have a thorough veterinary evaluation to ensure that if pain is present, it is treated appropriately. Next, examine the pet's lifestyle and activities up to the time of the mobility issue. This is where creative thinking becomes important.

If, for instance, a dog is used to walking or running every day with his owner and then develops the progressive weakness of degenerative myelopathy, a "walking wheelchair" is a great choice. The walking wheelchair design allows a dog to continue to use his rear legs without having to support his full weight, thus delaying the progression of the weakness. Once the weakness has progressed to paralysis of the rear limbs, the walking/running activity can be maintained simply by suspending the feet so they do not drag on the ground. Wheelchairs that support all four legs are also available, as are wheelchairs custom-built for animals that have lost limbs or were born without limbs.

Slings allow pets to be supported in a simple fashion that also allows the pet owner to maintain good ergonomics. This decreases the risk of a back injury to an owner from lifting the pet inappropriately. And a sling allows the pet to move himself rather than simply being carried around, thus sustaining part of his personal independence. There are now custom braces and prosthetic devices available for pets. If a limb has a joint injury that cannot be repaired, a brace may replace the action of the damaged joint, thus restoring mobility. Likewise, if part of a foot or leg has been amputated, removable prosthetics can be manufactured to serve in their stead.

Fortunately, when four legs aren't enough, pets have many options for sustaining and maintaining their active lifestyles. Adaptation to a mobility-limiting condition is restricted only by our imaginations as pet owners. Times have changed for the better, and our beloved animal companions are the beneficiaries.

Dr. Robin Downing is an internationally recognized expert on the management of pain in companion animals. She is the owner of The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colo.

Q&A

Cats can adapt

to vision loss

Q: I just adopted a stray kitten who has a bad eye infection. The veterinarian says her eye is so damaged that it will need to be removed. Will she be able to get around OK with only one eye? -- via email

A: Animals are truly amazing in their ability to adjust to disabilities that people would find devastating. For one thing, cats rely less on vision than people do, so a loss of vision is not as disturbing to them. After all, cats don't read or drive or do some of the other things that people can't do without their sight. They don't feel sorry for themselves or think about how much better life would be if they could see.

And a kitten, in particular, has a brain that is still very plastic, meaning that it adapts rapidly to changes. When a kitten loses an eye, the brain simply switches developmental pathways, from binocular vision to monocular vision. You would think that a cat who is missing one eye would have less depth perception and less reliable vision overall, but that's not the case. Cats with only one eye are just as mobile and acrobatic as their siblings with two eyes, so much so that you would never know they had only a single eye.

Even kittens or older cats who lose vision in both eyes are capable of getting around nimbly and fearlessly. They ramp up their other senses -- especially those of scent and hearing -- and make use of their wide, sensitive whiskers to find their way through their homes just as if they could see. Cats are very good at sensing touch, vibrations and changes in air movement. Those environmental cues replace the lack of visual information.

An adult cat who loses his vision may take a bit longer than a kitten to get a feel for getting around his environment because he is more used to using his eyes, but he'll quickly adjust to his new status. Some people don't even realize that their aging cats have lost their vision because the cats adapt so well. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

THE BUZZ

After-bath time

needn't be a mess

-- Cats play with their prey before delivering a spine-breaking bite to the neck as a method of self-preservation. A study used cats who were extremely hungry, a little hungry and those who had just eaten. Cats who were extremely hungry were the most likely to play with a rat. The study's author suggested the cats were most likely to play with the rat as a way to tire out their prey in order to safely make the killing bite and protect from a defensive bite from a capable opponent. Conversely, cats played with the mice less often when they were extremely hungry, and played with the mice for longer periods when they were not as hungry. This suggests hungry cats played less with the mice because they were more willing to risk a smaller chance of injury in order to get their meal sooner.

-- About 5.5 million people are bitten by snakes annually, resulting in 400,000 amputations and between 20,000 and 125,000 human deaths. As if that weren't alarming enough, there is evidence that snake venom is becoming more poisonous. A study published in Toxicon found the genes in the eastern diamondback rattlesnake are undergoing "positive selection" for more dangerous venom. The cause for the evolution is not known, but may stem from new defenses evolved by the snakes' prey. In North America, California ground squirrels and rock squirrels have developed blood that's resistant to certain toxins found in rattlesnake venom. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

By Mary Cvetan

Want a happy house rabbit? Make sure your bunny's digs are suitable.

The best indoor spaces for rabbits are both safe and stimulating. They keep your bunny out of trouble when you are away from home, but give him the space to dig, chew, play, stretch, snooze or just sit and think.

The right housing has room for a large litter box, a generous stack of hay, a water crock, toys to chew and toss, and a towel to arrange and rearrange. A surprising must-have: a cardboard digging box, double or triple the size of your bunny.

The right spot will give your rabbit an entertaining view of family members as they cook, clean, talk on the phone, watch TV, use the computer and get ready for -- or come home from -- work.

Some options include:

The entire house, free-roam: Many older rabbits are past their woodwork-chewing "baby stages." These bunnies have earned their owner's trust and roam the house freely. However, all rooms must be rabbit-proofed, to protect your bunny and your valuables. That means electric cords, computer wires, toxic house plants, rubber bands, remote controls and any treasured wooden furniture must be kept out of reach.

One or two rooms, free-roam: Perhaps the kitchen and dining room are open to the bunny, or the family room and the bathroom. Baby gates keep him from entering other rooms when you are not able to supervise. The rabbit will choose favorite spots to snooze, chew a hay cube or daydream.

Part of a room, enclosed in an exercise pen: Exercise pens, also called play yards, are a convenient way to keep rabbits confined to a specific area. Available in different heights, these pens feature hinged panels that can be arranged in varying shapes or stretched across the room to divide it. Some rabbits climb or jump out, so owners clip a sheet to the pen to make a "roof" that keeps bunny safely inside.

A two- or three-story bunny condo: If you can't build wide ... build high! Give your rabbit a multilevel condo and he'll be able to not only enjoy his perch, but also have plenty of space for all of his toys and supplies. Many owners build their own condos, using wire-frame storage cube sets from building supply stores. Easy directions can be found online; search for "bunny condo." Make sure that it's tall enough inside for him to stand up on his hind legs and stretch.

A large dog crate: Paired with an exercise pen, a large dog crate can make a great bunny house. The door on the crate swings wide open, giving you easy access for cleaning. Crates allow space for the litter box, bowls and have ample head room. Cover the top with a blanket or towel. This gives bunny's sensitive eyes some protection from overhead lights and provides a nice "burrow" feeling.

A cage: Standard animal cages are too cramped to accommodate a large litter box, hay, digging box, bowls and toys -- so go bigger! Avoid cages with doors that open on the roof. Bunnies don't like to be pulled up out of their houses. Let your rabbit enter and exit his cage on his own. Choose a cage that rests on the floor (not up on legs), with a large door on the side or front.

Whatever house you choose, your bunny will feel more confident about interacting with you if he can easily get back to home base to use the litter box or take a hay break. After all, every rabbit needs his own space to retreat and relax. Isn't that what home is all about?

(Mary Cvetan is a member of the Pet Connection advisory team and the co-founder of the Pittsburgh House Rabbit Club.)

Q&A

Cat allergies put

strain on couple

Q: I have allergies, both to my new girlfriend's cat and to spring pollens. I've been able to tolerate the cat -- barely -- but with spring here, things are getting bad. Is it too much to ask her to get rid of the cat? -- via email

A: Ultimatums often don't work out as you plan them. She may choose the cat over you, or she may resent you for forcing her to give up her feline companion. Why not try to make it work with a compromise or two on her (and her cat's) part instead?

If you can get a good night's sleep, you'll be better able to cope with almost anything, even allergies. That's why one of the best pieces of advice to those who are allergic to their pets is this: Declare your bedroom a "no-pets zone," at least during the worst of spring allergy season.

Reduce allergy triggers further by keeping your sleeping area sparsely decorated with furnishings that do not attract dust, and be sure everything is cleaned frequently. Bedding should be washed often to combat dust mites, and pillows should be made of non-allergenic material -- no feathers. Consider running a HEPA air cleaner in the room at all times.

The idea is to keep your total "allergy load" -- pets and everything else that triggers your allergies -- to a level that you can live with or that can be controlled by medication. It's worth it to make an effort. Out-of-control allergies can make lives miserable and, in the case of asthma, can be life-threatening as well.

Here are more tips for those who have both pets and allergies:

-- Work with your doctor. While you'll still find allergists who insist a pet must go, look for one who's willing to work with you and will prescribe medications that allow your allergies and your pets to coexist. 

-- Limit exposure to other allergens. Avoid cleaning solutions, cigarette smoke and strong perfumes. Consider using a mask when doing yard work and housework, especially when pollen counts are high or your home is especially dusty.

-- Delegate cleaning. Let someone else do the dusting and vacuuming, if at all possible, and if not, invest in a vacuum that filters the air it releases. 

-- Keep pets well-groomed. It's essential for pets to be bathed frequently and to be kept combed and brushed. Ideally, a non-allergic member of the household -- your girlfriend -- should assume this responsibility. Even cats should be bathed, by the way: A weekly rinse of your cat in plain water has been shown to help people who are allergic to them. -- Gina Spadafori

THE BUZZ

Feline love: It's� not just the food

-- Cats attach to their people out of a social bond, not solely because owners provide food. A study accepted for publication in the journal Behavioural Processes found cat-human relationships closely resemble human relationships. Food is a token of affection, and for humans and their cats, the relationship is similar to a human caretaker and the pre-verbal infant. The study also looked at the difference between bonds of male and female owners and their cats. Cats approached female owners and jumped on their laps more readily than cats with male owners, suggesting that female owners have closer relationships with their cats than do male owners.

-- The "one bite" rule has been around at least since the 1600s. This legal tradition gives a dog owner the benefit of the doubt for the behavior of an animal who has never bitten. After the first bite, however, the owner is presumed to have knowledge of the dog's propensity to bite. While the "one bite" tradition commonly pertains to dogs, it has been used in a court case involving a horse. In 2008, a child was visiting a farm with his family in Connecticut where he was bitten by a horse. The family argued in court that even if the horse did not have a known history of biting, the farm was responsible for the animal's action. Since the horse had not bitten before and had given the owners no reason to believe the animal would bite, the court sided with the owners of the horse.

-- A cat named Smokey is believed to have the loudest purr in the world. While most cats purr at 25 decibels, Smokey can purr at levels that average 80 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a lawn mower. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

You worry about your job. You turn on the TV and the news is upsetting. Your spouse is distant, and your kids are into their social networks. Whom do you turn to? If you're like most Americans, you'll be talking to your pet. And you won't much mind doing so, either.

And when I say "most Americans," I'm not exaggerating. Last month in Orlando at Global Pet Expo, Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association, revealed the trade group's annual snapshot of the pet care industry, as well as the executive summary of the association's special two-year in-depth overview of who has pets, what kind, what they spend on them and why.

How many of us are there? Pet ownership is at an all-time high of 72.9 million households -- up 2.1 percent since the last survey two years ago -- and in those households, the number and variety of pets has also increased. Not surprising, that means the amount of money spent on these companion animals has barely hiccupped during the Great Recession, and is predicted to top $50 billion this year. For perspective, the amount of money spent on pets tops that spent on jewelry, candy and hardware, combined, and overall is the eighth-largest retail sector.

"I'm constantly amazed at the resilience of this industry," said Vetere in releasing the APPA figures. "Not only did we weather the recession very well, but we're poised to take advantage of the recovery."

While Vetere is speaking of the pet industry as a whole, it's clear from any time spent on the trade floor that not only have consumers been spending relatively freely on pets, but corporations have, too. The rate of acquisitions of small companies and hot product lines by big international players has been staggering. These companies are now squaring off like the superpowers they are, ready to compete tooth and claw against each other, both within the larger retail sector and in the pet care section. For example, the APPA press conference was followed by the product release of Fiproguard Plus, the Sergeant's Pet Care product that the company says has the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus made by pharmaceutical giant Merial. The difference? Fiproguard and other products will be sold directly to the consumer through retail outlets, not to pet owners through veterinarians.

The Sergeant's product will be competitively priced, of course, and that was the other underlying theme of the trade show. While you could still spot pricey bling here and there, such products were relatively rare compared to years past, and even the "silly stuff" is designed to be appealing in price as well as cuteness.

Aggressive pricing is what everyone's betting will lead the industry to another record-breaking year, as recession-battered consumers ease their way into the purchase of nonessentials with small buys that make them as happy as their pets do.

"Their pets were a rock after a horrible day," notes Vetere. "And now, people are wanting to reward their pets."

And that's what this industry is counting on.

Q&A

Model good behavior

for kids with pets

Q: Any advice about cats for a family with three children from preschool to fourth grade? We're adopting a shelter cat -- our first "big" pet after success with hamsters and guinea pigs -- but we don't want anyone bitten or scratched.

A: Children and cats are natural together, but you need to lay some ground rules for the safety of both from the moment your new pet comes home. Kittens can be injured by the loving attention of children, especially young ones. And with about a half-million cat bites reported every year in the United States, you can clearly see that some cats give as good as they get.

The key to keeping children and cats together safely is to make sure that their interactions are supervised and to teach children how to handle and respect cats.

Toddlers can really try a cat's patience, even though they aren't being anything but normal. Young children can't understand that rough poking, squeezing and patting aren't appreciated. Although most cats figure out quickly that children this age are best avoided, your child could be bitten or scratched if your cat is cornered or startled. Keep an eye on all interactions, and consider putting a baby gate across the entry to a "safe room" for your cat, so he can have a place to go where he isn't pestered.

From the time a child is in school, he or she can start learning to care for a pet and take on an increasing amount of responsibility -- under supervision, of course. One way to teach younger school-aged children to play carefully is to play the "copycat game." If your child pets the cat gently, stroke his arm gently to show how nice it feels. Teach your children, too, how to hold a cat properly, with support under his chest and his legs not left dangling. A cat who feels secure and safe is far less likely to scratch or bite.– Gina Spadafori

THE BUZZ

Poll: Breed matters

less than training

-- Most people believe that training, not breeding, makes a dog either safe or dangerous. A poll by The Associated Press and Petside.com supports the idea that dangerous dog legislation should target all problem dogs, not just breeds believed by some to be a problem. About three-quarters of respondents believed all dog breeds are safe if properly trained, and 60 percent said all breeds should be allowed in residential communities. Only 38 percent believed breed-specific bans were appropriate. As for pit bull terriers, the No. 1 dog target by breed-specific legislation, age plays a large part in how the dogs are viewed: 76 percent of those under 30 believe pit bulls are safe, while only 37 percent of seniors believed the same.

-- The nation's first animal trauma center has been launched by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. The center will be used to help the school's veterinary hospital track how its staff handles cases and drive improvement in care. The new center is working with five other universities around the country to develop other trauma centers that should be able to share information in the future.

-- U.S. News and World Report named the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell as the nation's top veterinary program, followed by the programs at the University of California, Davis, and Colorado State University. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.