Hips displasia/arthritis - may be a time for the op....

SadBunny

gettingready wrote: »

Stairs are dry - Zara's paws are wet and that makes it slippery.. and she got such furry paws....

D'oh - firstly didn't even think of this simpler, more obvious suggestion - then forgot to post
I am so easily distracted - coming back as a goldfish!

I really liked this when I started to use it as it does absorb the water from the dogs paws and legs, but it is a bit clumsy to use. I have since invested in a Easidri towel which is much better. This is actually easier to use off the mould.

Would this be just as good?
Or this? Or this?

I also think Microfibre cloths are brilliant.
Wonder if these are any good? Think Wilko ones look much better.
The best ones look like this - chose purple and you can magnify to see fabric detail.

I've successfully dried many very fluffy paws (soaked up water like a sponge!) with microfibre.

Zara would need to stand her paws on these for a several seconds to allow the cloth to absorb moisture.
A quick wipe is no good.

I trained Messrs Mucky-Paws to stand on Turtle or Dirt Trapper Mats rather than rush straight indoors.
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=302&pf_id=1986
(Sometimes I had the dripping dog roll on the mat to get the worst off.)
This might be nearly as good? - I think you'd be better with the microfibre cloth or mitt.
They are light to carry and dry quickly.

SadBunny

gettingready wrote: »

Soon it will be 3 weeks since the op and half way there - .

Well - I hope the first half is the worst half; and that it all gets better and better from now on.

I remember when I had to syringe feed an injured cat - it was easier when he was really poorly and weak.
Once he got stronger it was impossible - thought he would starve to death!
It was hard work - I feel for you!

Just remembered DAP - might make her feel more relaxed and less excited/energetic? But - I think it takes up to a week to start working and it is expensive.

Don't know if I believe this:
"Put a thick lead rope on your dog to prevent excessive motion ... a thick lead will discourage movement and keep the dog controlled."

I agree with this:
"Keep several toys for your recovering dog and rotate the selection in her crate each day. She should have at least three toys at a time, but these should be changed daily so that she's always enjoying a "new" toy or chew."

Put her food in an activity ball or Kong, so her meals are entertaining and last longer?I also read "cut a slit in a tennis ball and filled it with food, and gave it to them, no throwing or bouncing or anything just let them chew it!"

http://gear.tripawds.com/2010/06/01/everlasting-fun-for-post-surgery-recuperation/

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_toys_dog_training/activity_dog_toys/snack_activity_balls/62847

Obviously you pick the suggestions that suit your Zara - but I particularly liked this advice: "A rolled up newspaper can be an effective training tool when used properly"

Caroline_a

GR if you have to resort to a halti type head collar, I'd recommend the Dogmatic if you need to get one - much more comfortable for the dog than the Halti!

gettingready

No money to buy anything and I mean anything at all - and I already have halti at home...

SadBunny

gettingready wrote: »

No money to buy anything and I mean anything at all - and I already have halti at home...

Has Zara recently worn the halti?
Just thinking you might want her to wear it and get used to it again while still in the flat - because we know she is already excited when she goes out.
I think the Gentle Leader is very similar; and the first time my dog wore it he twisted, and bounced about in the most alarming manner for nearly 10 minutes.
Then he accepted and used the collar happily ever after - I guess the calming effect kicked in.
I think these collars are great - glad you already got one.

While checking I was correct about the calming effect I saw this - would be great if you could borrow one. (I wonder why vets don't lend them out to help with recovery?)
I think points (a) and (c) are particularly relevant to your needs.

It reminded me that a dog will walk more sedately if it has something to carry ie "Give your dog a job".
I know she already carries her ball - hoping for a game!
Not finished but gotta go!

gettingready

I am a total complete utter idiot.

Felt so sorry for Zara so though will let her walk a bit around the flat....

Let her out of the cge without lead on and she was off like a shot - into my bedroom and JUMPED onto my bed... belly up ready for cuddles whle I went white:

1) Her leg - jump??????
2) How am I going to get her (safely) off the bed by myself when I should not lift anything never mind 40kg of a dog....

She got a good cuddle and I got her down onto the floor but jesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss feel like I am going to have a baby any minute now... off to lie downl... still have to collect 3 out of 4 cats from the garden and take Zara for a pee.....

gettingready

It got worse....

Took Zara out and was happy that she walks fine (after the jump) - just as we were getting back home a fox turns up outside the block.. Zara JUMPED forward I was holding on to the lead for dear life also hlding the sling but the way she charged forward .. the sling kind of was holding her hips at wrong angle.. the blo...dy fox just sat there for like ages looking at us , Zara was going psyho.. dinally dox gone and I stared walking back home with her - she was limping on THAT leg

Thi is a total complete utter nightmare

gettingready

I did not sleep most of the night with worry.. Took her out just now and she seems fine. Walks on that leg, bit lighter putting it down but no swelling no crying, bending the leg etc so hopefully ok.

And there was a guy on a motorcycle.... she never ever reacted to those before but today she lunged towards him... not as bad as with the fox last nigh, just a bit, held her in place.

She obviously thinks she is ok already, way too early - bit like me after my own op silly cow.

I feel absolutely dreadful today so called in sick t work and going to spend the day in bed with painkillers myself...

3 weeks gone - 3 more to go... sigh....

gettingready

Emailed Alex at FR, he emailed me back within minutes - she is no limping and no swelling so should be ok... sigh... of relief.....

Caroline_a

Damn dogs!! I'm sure she is ok, lots of the healing will have happened by now, and if no limping, etc then all will be fine.

Won't help if you throw her at burglars though.. :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: