The phrase “special needs animal” can be used to describe many situations and challenges animals face.
At The Sonar Project, for our work we define special needs animals as animals with a range of physical disabilities and/or chronic medical conditions that require ongoing vigilance or special care to manage. That care may take the form of ongoing medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, at home aid and/or training.
Physical distinctions may include:
Blindness
Deafness
Amputation
Severe arthritis
Deformities
Paralysis
Medical conditions may include:
Diabetes
Cancer
Chronic allergies
Chronic urinary tract infections
Chronic Incontinence
Epilepsy
Neurological diseases
Lyme disease
Digestive disorders
And many other diseases