cvneutron
Member
- First Name
- Matt
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2024
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 6
- Location
- Bend, Oregon
- Vehicles
- R1T
- Thread starter
- #1
Hi all,
I’m looking for any recommendations on a ramp accessory for my dog to get in and out of the R1T easier.
Background: On 9/27/25, my blue heeler suddenly yelped at home and lost the ability to use her back legs. We brought her to the emergency hospital where she was evaluated and admitted in critical condition. She was diagnosed with an acute intervertebral disc extrusion at T12-13 causing severe spinal cord compression, swelling, and rapid neurological decline. On 9/29/25 she underwent an emergency left-sided T11-13 hemilaminectomy to remove the herniated disc material and decompress her spinal cord, which was required to preserve her ability to recover function and prevent further life-threatening complications. She remained hospitalized for intensive monitoring, imaging, IV fluids, and medications including pain control, antibiotics, and bladder management. At discharge, she was still paraplegic and deep pain negative in her back legs. Her recovery plan includes restricted activity for 6 weeks, follow-up recheck, and potential rehabilitation/physical therapy. We’re hopeful that with time she will regain normal function and the ability to walk again, but the doctor said she is also a strong candidate for “spinal walking” if not, with intense rehab. I honestly think the repeated stress jumping out of the truck onto the driveway is what hurt ultimately hurt her by degenerating the disc material.
So I’m starting to look around at what options are to ease getting her in and out of the truck. She used to jump in and out on her own just fine, but she shouldn’t be doing it for at least the next 8 weeks even if she does regain her mobility. The vet said she can’t use stairs for at least the next 6-8 weeks as well.
I’m looking for any recommendations on a ramp accessory for my dog to get in and out of the R1T easier.
Background: On 9/27/25, my blue heeler suddenly yelped at home and lost the ability to use her back legs. We brought her to the emergency hospital where she was evaluated and admitted in critical condition. She was diagnosed with an acute intervertebral disc extrusion at T12-13 causing severe spinal cord compression, swelling, and rapid neurological decline. On 9/29/25 she underwent an emergency left-sided T11-13 hemilaminectomy to remove the herniated disc material and decompress her spinal cord, which was required to preserve her ability to recover function and prevent further life-threatening complications. She remained hospitalized for intensive monitoring, imaging, IV fluids, and medications including pain control, antibiotics, and bladder management. At discharge, she was still paraplegic and deep pain negative in her back legs. Her recovery plan includes restricted activity for 6 weeks, follow-up recheck, and potential rehabilitation/physical therapy. We’re hopeful that with time she will regain normal function and the ability to walk again, but the doctor said she is also a strong candidate for “spinal walking” if not, with intense rehab. I honestly think the repeated stress jumping out of the truck onto the driveway is what hurt ultimately hurt her by degenerating the disc material.
So I’m starting to look around at what options are to ease getting her in and out of the truck. She used to jump in and out on her own just fine, but she shouldn’t be doing it for at least the next 8 weeks even if she does regain her mobility. The vet said she can’t use stairs for at least the next 6-8 weeks as well.
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