working cocker on box rest

[LovesCobs]

You may remember my thread about my working cocker who is on restricted exercise due to soft tissue damage in her shoulder. she's still on rest (though I let her round the house, she only outside a few times a day on a lead for a few minutes). we're managing better than I ever expected. what I'm wondering is; does the restricted exercise effect their digestive system? she seems very constipated. I haven't changed her food in any way (reduced her morning feed very slightly but she's trim so I'm not worried about her weight)
can I give her anything to help?
thanks if anyone has any ideas

 

[WandaMare]

Is she on painkillers? Some of them can cause constipation. I asked my vet about it this morning because my dog is on cage rest having injured his shoulder and I was worried about the same thing. She said just to call and they would give me laxatives rather than changing his diet in any way, although she did suggest adding some oil might help and would be OK.

 

[LovesCobs]

hi, no she isn't, she was given shot straight into the area 2 weeks ago. nothing since. Maybe I'll give her a bit of oily chicken but she did have a bit of chicken yesterday

 

[PorkChop]

Feel for you, it's horrible having to restrict them, especially working dogs like mine. I've had one on box rest for a week, though pretty laughable as she just wangs around the kitchen

Today was her first day of allowed exercise so hopefully normality can return, fingers crossed she doesn't go lame again

Mine didn't get constipated, but any change in routine can upset them. If it was me I would give her some mackerel or sardines.

Hope she gets better soon

 

[LovesCobs]

thanks LJR, I have until a week on Thursday to go and then there was mention of physio so bet it will be restricted walks after that. vet says she has significant muscle waste in the shoulder area. her limp hasn't yet come back which is a good sign