Another step along the way to recovery

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by MaccieD, Mar 26, 2015.

  1. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Visit to the vet this morning to have Juno's stitches removed, so nasty cone no longer required. The vet is very pleased with how the wound has healed and progress so far; she also told us not to worry about the stiffness/limp we've noticed when Juno's been laying down as it's more likely to be due to the operation than arthritis at the moment. Juno had a lovely sleep when we got home to recover from all the excitement of seeing people and 2 other dogs not to mention the stress of the stitch removal. Next step our first session of hydrotherapy next week :)
     
  2. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Ah good news!! Keep up the good work. :)
     
  3. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    So pleased to hear things are going well so far. Cone gone is a big milestone. :) Doing hydrotherapy was great for Charlie - got rid of some energy in a safe way and he was much more comfy. We couldn't restart it after the op until 6 weeks though, but of course he had a different operation.
     
  4. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    [quote author=JulieT link=topic=10341.msg152292#msg152292 date=1427389514]
    So pleased to hear things are going well so far. Cone gone is a big milestone. :) Doing hydrotherapy was great for Charlie - got rid of some energy in a safe way and he was much more comfy. We couldn't restart it after the op until 6 weeks though, but of course he had a different operation.
    [/quote]

    I'm really looking forward to starting the hydrotherapy. Juno was so excited this morning at seeing people and a couple of dogs in the waiting room, an unusual event at the best of times. The only requirements for hydrotherapy were that the stitches were out and that the wound is dry/healed so all is good. Definitely going to have a couple of sessions with my trainer once we can be out and about again just to remind Juno of what she can and can't do
     
  5. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Charlie was a nightmare dog on restricted exercise, really. He is better these days, but when he was younger it was like his body couldn't contain his energy. It was awful! I'll always remember getting him back from his first hydro session and he slept...deeply, like he was tired. It was such a relief - for both of us!

    [​IMG]post watwr treadmill by JulieTandCharlie, on Flickr
     
  6. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    [quote author=JulieT link=topic=10341.msg152325#msg152325 date=1427400666]
    Charlie was a nightmare dog on restricted exercise, really. He is better these days, but when he was younger it was like his body couldn't contain his energy. It was awful! I'll always remember getting him back from his first hydro session and he slept...deeply, like he was tired. It was such a relief - for both of us!

    [​IMG]post watwr treadmill by JulieTandCharlie, on Flickr
    [/quote]

    That's hard to believe seeing him so totally relaxed in the photo..... I know I'm incredibly lucky with Juno, not having to use a crate to keep her quiet. If she starts getting a bit lively I only usual have to speak to her to calm her down - I think that's why I was taken by surprise in the vets.

    I invested in a couple of interactive games which were delivered last week which she loves and really enjoys finding the treats - not surprising for a lab, but she hasn't realised yet that most of the treats in the games are actually out of her meals ;D
     
  7. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Hah, yes, he is in a whelping pen, behind my desk in the photo. ::) He was confined like this for 3 months, then a crate and a pen for another 4 months. Then, he stopped being in a crate, in a pen or on a lead, in the house but we closed the doors so he didn't have access to more than one room at a time. We had barricades everywhere....*shudder* horrible time. I'm glad Juno sounds a great deal more sensible...
     
  8. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    [quote author=JulieT link=topic=10341.msg152349#msg152349 date=1427405240]
    Hah, yes, he is in a whelping pen, behind my desk in the photo. ::) He was confined like this for 3 months, then a crate and a pen for another 4 months. Then, he stopped being in a crate, in a pen or on a lead, in the house but we closed the doors so he didn't have access to more than one room at a time. We had barricades everywhere....*shudder* horrible time. I'm glad Juno sounds a great deal more sensible...
    [/quote]

    Oh wow! I don't think I could cope with that. You and Charlie must have been climbing the walls at times. There's me thinking 6 to 8 weeks is bad enough but keeping positive helps and of course the steps along the road to recovery. It's just dawned on me that we've already completed 25% of the rest period and from week 6 we're meant to gently increase the exercise. I didn't think I would miss the daily walks so much, but even I'm bored walking around the garden. Warm sunny days are the worst .......
     
  9. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    It'll pass :) then everything will be normal again.

    Yup, I'm not sure who was more nutty, me or Charlie, by the end of it...
     
  10. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    [quote author=JulieT link=topic=10341.msg152387#msg152387 date=1427448986]
    It'll pass :) then everything will be normal again.

    Yup, I'm not sure who was more nutty, me or Charlie, by the end of it...
    [/quote]

    Normal? with a Labrador? ;D ::)
     
  11. Kirriegirl

    Kirriegirl Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Great to hear Juno is making good progress. Must help enormously that she is so calm and obedient :)
     
  12. Naya

    Naya Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Fab that things are looking up for Juno good luck with the hydrotherapy
     
  13. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    [quote author=Kirriegirl link=topic=10341.msg152442#msg152442 date=1427470470]
    Great to hear Juno is making good progress. Must help enormously that she is so calm and obedient :)
    [/quote]

    Apart from when she tries to have a mad five minutes in the evening after her dinner ;D
     
  14. leejane

    leejane Mum to the Mooster

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    You'll love hydro, it's complete wear-out exercise for them and they truly seem to love it (based on my own opinion!!) it's great to see them do a bit more every week.
    well done, you're getting through it slowly but surely.

    Am considering the cost benefit analysis of a pool in our garden vs years of hydro....
     
  15. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Juno loves the water so I'm hoping she'll love hydro as well. water at 27Csounds a lot better than a chilly lake in March! We're moving back to the UK and I was considering making access to a lake/river etc. a high priority but my husband wouldn't let me ::) Have mentioned having one of the rigid pools with a ramp for her though in the garden but that's still a work in progress, need to get the house first ;D
     
  16. Beanwood

    Beanwood Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Look forward to hearing all about your hydro :) Sounds like you are making great progress with Juno..I dread having our labs on short lead only walks...
     
  17. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    I thought Juno would find it hard, always on a lead in the garden, never being allowed to run and play, but she's adapted well and even knows where to turn now on our 5 minute walks even though I change the route as much as possible, one of the benefits of a large garden.
     
  18. Dyson

    Dyson Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Glad Juno is doing well. Hope you are doing ok also ;)

    Nick & Dyson xx
     
  19. MaccieD

    MaccieD Guest

    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Another week over, and I'm all excited - it's our first hydrotherapy session tomorrow. Yep, I' e the towels sorted out, all the paperwork and chequebook to hand. Well I did say I was excited ;) Not sure that Juno fully understands about the special swimming she's going to do but I do know that she won't be impressed with having to wait for breakfast until after the session. Looks as if it will be an early lunch for her and then dinner in the evening but do I forego my breakfast rather than eat in front of a hungry Labrador?
     
  20. Beanwood

    Beanwood Registered Users

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    Re: Another step along the way to recovery

    Excited for you and Juno! Looking forward to hearing how you get on :) :)
     

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