I don't like duplicating my own posts, but am doing it for two reasons
this time:
 
1. There is am incorrect idea out there that a useful resource (Doggon)
   is no longer around, when it actually is still in operation.
 
2. If Regina is right about the time limit on what Yahoo searches
   then this is info that needs to also be here for anyone who needs it.
 
>question?  Does anyone know where I can start looking for wheels for my
>Hershey.  His rear legs are down and I thought it would be great if I
>could get in in some wheels.  We have a cat shelter here that have 2 cats
>with wheels and they love them.
>
>My back is killing me,racing around the house holding Hershey's legs up
>in a baby blanket.
>
>Becky
 
Becky, first make a pantyhose sling and save your back.  Instructions
are right in the past posts at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list/message/5477
              and
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list/message/2212 .
 
The second also has wheelchair info.
 
Personally, I'd like to see a different design for ferret wheelchairs,
though these certainly work.  Ferrets have long backs and long tails, plus
are inclined toward many sideways motions.  I'd prefer very light weight
360' casters (or light wheels such as model airplane wheels with a 360"
swivel capability) with more forward body support (third wheel, or third
and fourth wheels), and an optional tail sling.  I suspect that if there
were a standard frame that varying the sling sizes could possibly
accommodate multiple individuals more conveniently than the adjustable 2
wheeler.  (That sort of would be my dream ferret wheelchair.
 
   ------------
 
>Go to http://www.geocities.com/petsburgh/farm/2057/bigy.htm
>and read up on Bears story.  You can get some pretty good ideas about
>wheels from the pictures.  Unfortunately, there is a note that Doggone
>Wheels who made bears set is no longer in business.  Can you find out
>where they got the cat's wheels?
 
Hey, Russ, Doggon IS still in business and still selling wheelchairs for
dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets.  We got one of their's (about $150) just
late last year -- long after the FALSE rumor that they were defunct began
circulating, and the website comes up readily to show how to measure, what
the chairs look like, etc.:
 
Just go to http://www.doggon.com
 
Noticed at the website that they now mention front extensions and quad
chairs so this is good.  I'll have to go look.
 
To be extra sure I called them.  Yep!  They still exist!
 
Use [log in to unmask], 1-888-736-4466, 1-406-222-5574, and they have
fax numbers at the site, too.
 
  --------------
 
It is easy to make a sling for a ferret with mobility problems.  Choose a
pair of panty hose suited to YOUR height.  (If there are multiple human
members in you family with widely differing heights you can get different
color panty hose in the appropriate height for each one so that no one has
a sore back; then your slings will be color-coded.) Place one pantyhose
foot on top of the other and sew them together to form a hammock for the
ferret's belly.  Then roll the top down and sew together to make a handle.
You can place the hammock part under the ferret's belly and lift slightly
on the handle so that the ferret does not have to bear to much (or any --
depending on ferret) of the weight of the rear and walk the ferret that
way.
 
*****IMPORTANT: DO make sure that this is okay with your vet first, esp.
post-surgically!*****
[Posted in FML issue 3487]