Australian shepherd/restricted exercise

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mtj

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OK those of you who know the breed can stop sniggering now!

My nearly 8 yr old Aussie has a suspected sprain. The vet has precribed metacam and 2 months of 10 minute walks on the lead. I'm not sure which one of us will go nuts first.

Does anyone have any ideas for keeping the little guy amused (- he is a very good doer so food has to be limited)?

Thanks
 
Lots of training exercises will help tire him out a bit, can you get one of those balls to put his feed in so he has to "work" for it?

Although mucho mucho sympatico to you both :(
 
I feel your pain... My Border Collie had a few issues towards the end of last year (ripped dew claw, infection in front paw, ripped open front paw and was finally diagnosed with mild hip dysplacia before xmas) and was on restricted exercise for 8-10 weeks in total....

We took him out for short 10 min walks up to 5-6 times a day on a lunge line. When he looked like he might explode, I let him off for a max of 5 mins just to stop him blowing his brains completely. Also had toys etc at home but as he likes to run and retrieve they weren't ideal so I took to hiding them and making him find them which helped to keep him occupied without stressing his limbs too much.

Mine is also a 'good doer' food wise but we have take kibble from his ration and stuffed a kong with it mixed with a couple of teaspoons of peanut butter - if you freeze it, it lasts a while and keeps them occupied.

Might also be worth asking your vet if hydrotherapy would be useful as it doesn't place as much stress on the limbs. Ours was referred (and following check by physio) before xmas and it has done him the world of good. It has the added advantage that he's kn*ckered when he gets home (all the excitement of swimming, fetching toy and seeing other dogs/people) so gives you a bit of time out too :-)

Good luck!!
 
Thanks everyone. I'll put these suggestions into use.

Frustrating part is that he is sound most of the time, but can tweak it when having a yee-ha.
Hence why vet wants consistent rest to produce a full heal.
 
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