Caretaker-reported quality of life, functionality, and complications associated with assistive mobility cart use in companion animals

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1466405 · Published: October 28, 2024

Assistive Technology Veterinary Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Assistive mobility carts, like wheelchairs for pets, are used to help animals with mobility issues. This study aimed to see how these carts affect the quality of life for both the animals and their owners, as well as any complications that might arise. The researchers sent out a survey to owners of dogs, cats, and rabbits who use these carts. The survey asked about satisfaction, the animal's ability to do daily tasks, and any problems encountered while using the cart. The results showed that most dogs and cats had a better quality of life when using the carts, and so did their owners. However, rabbits didn't seem to benefit as much. Many animals experienced complications, like wounds, from using the carts.

Study Duration

2/1/23 to 2/15/23

Participants

1,221 survey responses: 954 dogs, 219 cats, and 46 rabbits

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Dogs and cats experienced improved quality of life with cart use in 62% and 57% of responses, respectively, while rabbits did not show improvement.
2
A significant percentage (64%) of animals experienced complications from cart use, with wounds being the most common issue (53% of complications).
3
Across all species, caretakers reported improvements in the animals' ability to perform daily tasks and activities when using assistive mobility carts.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the impact of assistive mobility carts on companion animals and their caretakers by surveying caretakers of dogs, cats, and rabbits using mobility carts. The survey assessed the animal and caretakers’ quality of life, acceptance, ability to complete functional tasks, and complications associated with cart use. The study found that while dogs and cats generally experienced improved quality of life, and improved ability to perform daily tasks with cart use, there was a high rate of complications, particularly wounds.

Practical Implications

Clinical Recommendations

Future research should explore specific disease conditions and long-term outcomes to guide clinical recommendations regarding assistive mobility cart use.

Cart Design Improvement

Further research into the use of different materials to line high-contact areas of carts is needed to help reduce wound development.

Veterinary Training

Standardized veterinary training on assistive mobility cart fitting is needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce complication rates.

Study Limitations

1
Self-reported information by caretakers without medical record confirmation.
2
Potential selection bias of respondents based on their experiences with cart use.
3
Single-use survey format may have excluded data from animals that have used multiple brands or types of carts.

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