Question:
Good morning,
I'm new to your group - need a little advice from anyone who might have been through what I'm about to have to handle with Emma. For whatever reason, her knee-cap had slid to the side of her leg exposing what is under the cap to probable trauma if left unfixed. The surgery is a "biggie" but the post surgery care is what is worrying me. The dr said she has to be in a small cage for 4 weeks! I can't be carrying the cage from room to room so she can be with us because just carrying the cage will jostle her. I have to carry her outside to do her business and she has to do it without moving around....she's going to hate us when this is over! She's a Jack Russell mix, a very active dog and she's going to be very offended by this kind of treatment. I don't think she will be the same dog when this is behind us. Am I worried about nothing? I need some positive feedback.
Thanks,
Bev

Answer:
show her love and affection and she'll make it through just fine

once she is able to start playing asround again it will be a thing of the past ! shell probably self limit alot because of the pain for the first bit. could you get one of those dog strollers so you can wheel her around with you? the she could go out with the family and go room to room with you

Answer:
It's not going to be easy, but it's for her own good.

If you got this dog from a breeder, be sure to tell the breeder this happened. It's very likely a genetic defect.

Is it possible to have a crate with wheels that can be rolled around? Just an idea. I don't know if it's a good one.

Answer:
My Bichon just two weeks ago had the surgery. His incision was about 4" long with 15 staples and we just had the staples removed yesterday which was 14 days later. He is starting to put his toe down on the ground. For the past two weeks it was out to the bathroom and back in. The hard part is keeping them inactive. The Vet said 4 more weeks of inactivity and then just short walks down the driveway and back. He will be on glucosamine/chondrotin/msm 500 mg twice a day for the next year. Unfortunately if the surgery is not done they become very arthritic. It is harder on the owner than the dog. My dog is very active too so I know why you are worried but they kind of limit themselves after the surgery. When we go outside I carry him because if he saw another dog he would forget about his leg and run to the fence.

Answer:
So sorry about your dog. I am a cat lady so the only advice I have is that there are cages with wheels, I used one of these for Fagan when he had to be in one after sugery too. Or if money is tight, as if you are having surgery at a vets I imagine it would be! You could use a piece of plywood and add those plastic furniture wheels and affix your existing cage to that so that you can keep doggy near you, without breaking your back.
Best of luck to you and your furbaby!

And don't worry, she'll forgive ya... they love us as much as we love them and it may take time to heal but as long as you show them that you love them just as much if not more, they'll pull through and be back to themselves in no time.

Answer:
Oh, it is so hard to have to keep an active dog caged for that long. It's important to keep the mind stimulated and give her something to do. When we have dogs that have to be kept confined after surgery, we feed all of their meals in treat dispensing toys and kongs-no bowls. This gives them something to do, and adding a little water to food in the kong and sticking it in the freezer makes it longer lasting. Of course spending quality time with her and keeping her company will help keep her happy. And you can teach some tricks that don't require moving, like "which hand has the treat?" and nodding or shaking the head, targeting things with her nose...basically boredom will be her worst enemy. Ask the vet if you can do any massage or stretches to keep her muscles from atrophying. Of course *only* do what your vet says is okay to do.

As far as crates on wheels, crate dollies are pretty widely available, dog show people use them all the time. Google "crate dolly" and you'll get tons of sites. Making your own might be cheaper though.

I'm sure she'll come through just fine though, and she sure will be happy when she can run around again!

Answer:
I really appreciate all the kind words of encouragement. You seem to be a very caring site. I've always been a worrier... when the real thing comes along, it's never as bad as I imagined. Emma's "vacation" will probably go along just fine - need to stop playing the "what if" game.

Guess there's something to be said for having a lap dog versus a 100 pounder in this instance, isn't there? We'll make it! Thanks.

Answer:
Don't forget to keep us updated.

Do you have any pics of her?

Answer:
Will do...... Her picture is next to my login. She's sitting on the sofa of our motorhome. She's a dear but a brat too - all my fault. Thank goodness I raised my sons better.
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Life is like riding on a dog sled; if you're not the lead dog, the scenery never changes!

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lol, she's super cute!

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