A
system (or apparatus) for supporting a disabled, immobilized, injured, sick, or partially or fully paralyzed pet or animal in a standing or substantially standing position so as to facilitate various activities, care, diagnosis, or treatment is disclosed. The
system may include a foundation or frame to which one or more slings and / or stirrups may be selectively attached or tied using one or more strips in order to support the animal in a standing or substantially standing position. The front of the frame may be substantially open. Different slings (e.g., seat-like slings) and / or stirrups may be attached to the frame or bathrub depending on the individual needs, purpose, and support needed for the pet or animal. The frame and sling may be configured and sized to accommodate pets or animals of different shapes, sizes, and / or weights, and may be ideal for, but not limited to, medium-sized dogs. Because the
system supports the animal in a natural standing or substantially standing position rather than laying on its side, the owner or handler can advantageously use both hands freely to work on the animal. The ability to use both hands to express the bladder and / or bowels of the animal, while in a normal standing or substantially standing position, results in a more complete emptying of the animal's bladder and / or bowels, which provides
health benefits for the animal such as prevention of urinary tract infection and consequent infectious diseases, which are common in disabled animals. In addition, the use of both hands freely allows the owner or handler to clean the animal and / or change its diapers in a more clean and efficient manner. The system is versatile and may also be suitable for use in one or more additional exemplary applications such as
physical therapy rehabilitation (especially for in-
home use), the stretching of muscles, exercise through placement over a small, portable
treadmill, improving circulation (especially when there is a need to manipulate the limbs),
massage therapy, chiropractic treatment,
acupuncture treatment, wrapping of bandages, support for
bathing in a
bathtub, diagnostic evaluations, etc. such that the system or aparatus is adapted for use over a
treadmill for
rehabilitation. An aluminum frame, when selected, allows easy lifting and placement on an elevated surface, such as a
bed, making it easier and more comfortable for the owner or caregiver to work with the animal at approximately
waist height rather than in an uncomfortable position on the floor or ground.