Intervertebral Disc Disease

Bonnie is a crossbreed daschund that came from the SPCA about seven years ago. Four weeks ago, Bonnie was not looking happy. She was listless and not moving much and when trying to get on the couch she would struggle, even whimper sometimes.
The dog was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD or Disc Disease or Slipped Disc). Basically it's the calcification of the discs seperating the vertebrae and can lead to paralysis.
We were recommended to a specialist vet who suggested that the only sure fix was an operation.

The dog has now returned from the operation and is on "sick leave" for 3 months, meaning NO STAIRS OR JUMPING.
Having to lock the dog in the downstairs toilet was a workable but unsocial option, so we decided to get a kennel or cage. Searching the internet led to numerous ideas but the prices were high for everything. Simple wire cages cost over R1000.00.

Although I am not a good carpenter, I can surely make something that looks fairly decent and won't cost an arm-and-a-leg. We need the pay for the operation after all - no money left over for cages.

Check out the build in a later post.