Help with 'box resting' dog

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Booboos

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We've just had some great news about Dizzy, even though in other circumstances it would have been quite rubbish news! Turns out he has two herniated disks and needs an op, which sounds rubbish if it wasn't for the fact that two weeks ago our regular vet thought he had degenerative myelopathy (an incurrable condition with a 6 month prognosis). So we are so pleased that he has something minor (in the scheme of things) that can be treated!

Anyway, onto the 'help' bit of the post: he will have an operation at the end of the month and then will need 6 weeks of effectively box rest. We will bring out his crate again and get him used to it before the op, and we will need to keep him very calm, no stairs, only very controlled exercise, etc. I am thinking treats and chews to keep him occupied and a DAP difuser to help with the stress of being kept in when everyone else is running around, but does anyone else have any good ideas for keeping him calm? Is there a long acting sedative for dogs that might take off the edge? He is a super sweet dog, but he is used to a lot of exercise and running aorund off the lead!
 
I HAVE A MINI BULL WITH A SPIRAL FRACTURE OF A TIBIA.sHE IS ON SIX WEEKS OF TOTAL REST,AS FITTING A FIXATOR WOULD HAVE CAUSED MORE DAMAGE.NO "OUTS" FOR HER AT ALL,JUST SWOPPED INTO NEXT DOOR CRATE SIZE WITH SAWDUST TO TOILET.BOY IS SHE BORED.FOUR MORE WEEKS TO GO NOW.:(
 
Hi, I had this (twice!) with one of my spaniels and the resting process is a hassle. I ended up sleeping on the sofa to keep her company, because she wasn't allowed to use the stairs to join me in my room (where she's always slept and at 9 I thought it was a bit unfair to expect her to cope alone!).

Some sniffing out snacks games might help keep your Dizzy occupied. You could also think about whether you can put up a small pen in your garden so that there's some outdoor time, but confined, just for a change of scenery. My vets (the demi-gods of injured backs in the SW) were also of the view that they tend to tell people to be overly careful to avoid the ones that need a "Dog Owning for Dummies" book taking them gallivanting around - but that several short(ish) lead walks daily are fine and actually help the rehab process.

To be honest, though, mostly what my girl appreciated was company and attention: brushing, fussing, radio on if I wasn't there, just being with me so that at least she wasn't bored alone! Once the wound site has healed, swimming is a good way to rebuild strength too.

Oh, and as an added encouragement - my T went through this once at 9 and once at 11; she's now almost 15 and as lively, energetic and fit as she was before the ops! Best of luck with Dizzy!
 
East Kent: Oh dear, poor girlie! That sounds very tough! Nearly half way though so hang in there!

I am hoping Dizzy will be allowed out for toilet, but not sure yet.

wyrdsister: the sleeping arrangements will be a huge problem. Dizzy won't be allowed up the stairs either (also sleep in the bedroom), but I have a 9 month old baby so can't sleep on sofa and OH has a herniated disc (same as Dizzy!!!) so can't sleep on the sofa with him either!

That's very encouraging to hear! We'll be super careful but if he can do a tiny bit that will be much better. Many thanks!
 
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My old Whippet dislocated his carpal bone. We were living in a flat then and Ash wasn't used to being crated. So, Husband and I replaced the sofa with the mattress and we slept there for a good two months. Ash had to be carried out to do his toilets and back in again. From what I can remember he was splinted, but could weightbear fractionally. Whippets are happy as long as they are warm and have a comfy bed, so he wasn't any hassle at all! The herbal route is a good idea, back in the days I think Ash was slipped an ACP to help him sleep! Perhaps have a chat with your vet re sedation.
 
Booboos said:
wyrdsister: the sleeping arrangements will be a huge problem. Dizzy won't be allowed up the stairs either (also sleep in the bedroom), but I have a 9 month old baby so can't sleep on sofa and OH has a herniated disc (same as Dizzy!!!) so can't sleep on the sofa with him either!

That's very encouraging to hear! We'll be super careful but if he can do a tiny bit that will be much better. Many thanks!
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Welcome! Scooping and carrying upstairs (very carefully!) is always an option! is there a dog carrier you could try?
 
Unfortunately Dizzy is a GSD, weighs 47 kilos and I weigh 53 kilos so carrying him is out of the question!!! (OH can't carry anything due to his back).

Here is a the gorgeous man himself (gratuitous pic I know):
Dizzycraddle3.jpg
 
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