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

krlyr

I agree, I don't think stairs will be feasible for a while. Also consider how you will get her back into the flat after the op - my GSD was heavy enough at 36kg to get back into the car after her hip x-rays, she was completely out of it all afternoon/evening and struggled with the one step down from the back door! I would definately try seeing if she will pee indoors. I vaguely remember there's a product you can use for puppytraining, it's a liquid you dropped onto newspaper or puppypads to encourage them to toilet in that area, that could be worth a try?
In regards to crates, check for second-hand ones too, I paid a tenner for a 42" recently from Gumtree but that's the most I've paid - before that I got one for £1.50 from Ebay! Many people are willing to courier them and places like Parcel2Go may be cheaper than Royal Mail if the seller is happy to let you arrange it yourself - so a few quid on the crate and £10 on a courier, half the price of buying new. My £10 from Gumtree was in nearly new condition, nothing a bit of cleaning with Hibiscrub (vet disinfectant) couldn't sort.


Sorry Katy, I can't remember how long it took exactly but it will vary from dog to dog. If he's not catching on then I'd perhaps have a look at your method - perhaps you've giving the cue at the wrong time and he's not realising what you want him to do?

Wellyboots6

The minute he squats I am telling him to 'busy busy', and then praising him.

Been doing this for months but not sure how to move on to the next stage as he just looks at me like I am a fool!

Not sure when to give the command when he starts circling either... when he starts circling, when he settles in position, or when he actually goes?

gettingready

good info re vet beds...

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/All-about-Vet-Bed-vetbed-pro-fleece-dry-bed?ugid=10000000004133079

tankgirl1

Hi guys!
I'm jumping in, but have not read the whole thread - sorry!

My thoughts - Mr Fitzpatrick or his consultants will know the best surgically and medically for Zara - no doubts about that!

Ask the nurses for post op care - that is what they train for after all - and his nurses are sh!!t hot

Given your circumstances, and Zara's preference for grass, I would look into trays of turf. I've seen it used v successfully for pups....Tho to be honest, I think post op she will go when she needs to, and later when walk leads are indicated you could use a lift??

If lift is not possible then turf trays and speak to Mr Fitzpatrick's vets and nurses xxx

elliesmemory1

What about a large plastic dog bed and a roll of turf. You could cut the turf to fit the bed and then she could just step in to it to use. I think you would be better to use turf as if shes used to going on grass she might not be happy going on puppy pads etc. She will have to go sooner or later but it will be distressing for her having to hold on if shes does not wantto go indoors.

You could always replace the turf as needed.
you might be able to get a old dog bed from freecycle and dont think a roll of turf is very expensive.

gettingready

Thanks - as I mentiond already turf/grass with 4 ats indoors is not an option, cats would be in there all the time....

I will have to try the "human" kind of pads for her ans see how it goes...

Week to go before the consultation now...

elliesmemory1

Ok. Hope it works out for you. It is sometimes very difficult to get dogs to go on surfaces they are not used to so Good Luck. Im sure the vets will advise you.

gettingready

I know but with 4 cats indoors and me working - got to work something out that ios managable between me and the dog walker... sigh...

gettingready

OK, so...

Leaving home tomorrow around 5 am to get to Richmond (walk, train, overground just over 1.5 hours) for around 7 am where a friend will pick us up in her car to go to Fitzpatricks (around 1 hour 15 min from there).

Appointment is at 11:30 but we rather get there early and wait then get stack in a car with a dog in traffic in this weather.....

Friend will lend me her 48inch cage (sigh of relief here(, found the pads I wanted:

http://www.tender-care.com/proddetail.php?prod=003U

Need to order a vet bed to line the cage (possibly - will ask at the vets) and whatever else they will tell me, possibly comfy collar as there is no way will ever use to lampshade ones on any of my pets.....

Hopefully Zara can stay there till Friday late evening as have no way to pick her up before then (friend/work/car), took whole NEXT week off so if picking her up on Friday, would have whole 9 days at home with her 24/7 to try and make her go on the pads and from following week the dog walker would take over at midday when I have to go back to work.

Really freaking out now...

Off for a nice long walk with Zara in a bit....

Pls keep your fingers crossed for her for tomorrow - I am assuming the op as this is normally what they do at Fitzpatrick, they schedule an appointment and a slot for an op on the same day.

Thanks everyone...

paddypaws101

Gosh I had no idea she would be having the op straight away! Seriously, they have a consult and then straight into surgery? Amazing. Sending all the well wishes I can your way GR and will be thinking of Zara all day.
xx