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[Clare Billings]

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Morning everyone. My name is Clare and I have 2 dogs - an 8 yr old large male lab called Floppy and an 18 month old collie X called Fred.

Floppy has injured himself frequently through his lifetime, probably because he does things that heavy-set dogs (not overweight) should not do! The most recent is an injury some 3 months ago to a foreleg which, despite rest, will not resolve for more than a few days at a time. We’ve been to the orthopaedic specialist who saw him on a sound day (he is profoundly lame at other times) and decided to defer CT unless really necessary but he thinks age elated elbow dysplasia. There’s no swelling, muscle wasting nor pain on twisting, tugging and prodding. My feeling is that it’s an injury that we’re not resting strictly enough despite total house confinement and lead toileting. He’s like a coiled spring atm and any sound or distraction is an excuse to leap out of his bed.

Any thoughts, tips or suggestions? First hand experiences? TIA

 

[JoanneF]

A couple of things. I'm not sure if you are asking about the elbow, or the need to occupy him while he is having forced rest. For the elbow, a friend whose dog has hip dysplasia has seen transformational results using a product that contains green lipped mussel which I think is a source of chondroitin. It is similar but slightly stronger than the better known Yumove. And cheaper! It's called Jointsure, I have been giving it to.my dog for a few months too although for him it's more about prevention than cure. I also have a Bioflow magnet on his collar. There are people who swear by the bracelets and my view is, it can't do any harm.

For occupying him, try hiding his food and letting him sniff it out, or google Crate Games. Tiring his brain will wear him out just as much as (in fact more than) regular exercise.

 

[Finsky]

Morning everyone. My name is Clare and I have 2 dogs - an 8 yr old large male lab called Floppy and an 18 month old collie X called Fred.

He’s like a coiled spring atm and any sound or distraction is an excuse to leap out of his bed.

Any thoughts, tips or suggestions? First hand experiences? TIA

I have one thought though don't know if it is any help at all...but here we go..
I'm wondering if something like Adaptil spray would help. During the fireworks I trialled it with my dogs and it seemed to achieve much more 'laid back' attitude with them. It was almost like 'can't be bothered to get worried/excited' effect.
Hence I'm wondering if it would work same way with yours and help him be little bit more settled to avoid those extra leaps?