LP

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Kohare

Sammy had his surgery yesterday and is coming home today. I am very nervous. Sammy is not crate trained and has never been in a crate for very long but I have two and I got a stroller (thanks Ladyjane). He sleeps with me... on the floor since injury so I hope we can still do that but I am really hoping he just wants to stay in the crate. The vet said I can secure him in a room or playpen. I am super nervous. If anything I will move my computer to the floor to keep him in crate while i am working. I hope he surprises me and just lays down in crate. So much anxiety. I find these threads so helpful and everyone advice is super appreciated. Thank you.

Sleeping on the floor is fine .. but make sure that the room is closed off...or leash him to you so he cannot get up and run around.

The first few days are the easiest as they are a bit groggy from the pain meds...that is when it is good to try and get the message to them that they are going to be restricted. You can try to get him used to the crate during that time, but he does not have to be crated. Playpen or gated small area works as the vet suggested. You just don't want him running around where he could twist his knee and you don't want him jumping up and off of furniture.

I think the stroller will be great for you and for him. Just make sure he cannot jump out of it...close it up or leash him in it.

You are going to do just fine!!

[KSH]

Originally Posted by Kohare

Sammy had his surgery yesterday and is coming home today. I am very nervous. Sammy is not crate trained and has never been in a crate for very long but I have two and I got a stroller (thanks Ladyjane). He sleeps with me... on the floor since injury so I hope we can still do that but I am really hoping he just wants to stay in the crate. The vet said I can secure him in a room or playpen. I am super nervous. If anything I will move my computer to the floor to keep him in crate while i am working. I hope he surprises me and just lays down in crate. So much anxiety. I find these threads so helpful and everyone advice is super appreciated. Thank you.

I think you will be surprised how your little Sammy will rest in the crate. On some level, I believe they know they have to heal and aren't much up for walking or playing at least a week or two after surgery. My Cella (pron. Chella) is one week out from surgery and she's taking it easy and still not bothered by the crate, but I notice she's become perky and wanting more attention.

I moved from my master bedroom to a guest room and put the crate on my bed. She's comfortable and sleeping fine through the nights. While I'm at the computer her crate is right by my feet and I talk to her often during the day, and lift her out to go potty, and often just to hold her, then she's back in the crate. If I go to another room she seems a bit worried I'm leaving her, but I come back to my office and she's sleeping or just playing with (mouthing) one of her soft toys in the crate.

We appreciate all the threads about this surgery, the outcomes, the hows and whats. It's a process and we have to be patient.

Best of wishes and healing for little Sammy, and you! Take it one day at a time.

[Kohare]

Ok. Sammy just got home and he dont want no crate. He wont lay down. So I try to lay down with him. no he dont want that. He wants to figure it out so he goes to his bed and lays down first on the bad leg then he rolls over and goes to sleep. Im freaking out. Called the vet. My dog not tired. LOL. The vet thinks Im the one that needs anxiety meds. He said I have to let him figure things out as long as he is in a room that is closed. UGh I hope I can do this girls.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Kohare

Ok. Sammy just got home and he dont want no crate. He wont lay down. So I try to lay down with him. no he dont want that. He wants to figure it out so he goes to his bed and lays down first on the bad leg then he rolls over and goes to sleep. Im freaking out. Called the vet. My dog not tired. LOL. The vet thinks Im the one that needs anxiety meds. He said I have to let him figure things out as long as he is in a room that is closed. UGh I hope I can do this girls.

Take a deep breathe and a glass of wine!

[joyce evans]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Take a deep breathe and a glass of wine!

Best advise ever!!

[KSH]

Originally Posted by Kohare

Ok. Sammy just got home and he dont want no crate. He wont lay down. So I try to lay down with him. no he dont want that. He wants to figure it out so he goes to his bed and lays down first on the bad leg then he rolls over and goes to sleep. Im freaking out. Called the vet. My dog not tired. LOL. The vet thinks Im the one that needs anxiety meds. He said I have to let him figure things out as long as he is in a room that is closed. UGh I hope I can do this girls.

When I went to pick up Cella, my Vet told me, "Don't worry about how she lies down or where her legs are. [Cella had both legs done at the same time.] She will be clumsy and will settle in a comfortable position on her own, and if her legs look tangled, don't worry about it. Gently lift her and put her down with legs untangled." Sure enough, she was lying in her crate in what looked like the most uncomfortable positions with legs twisted under her. She eventually moved around herself to get in a better position.

I'll bet Sammy is still 'out of it' from surgery and meds and feeling confused and strange. He will settle down once he realizes he's back home and you are there to comfort him.

I've kept Cella in one room most of the time with quiet music or no noise at all. In the evenings she is near me while we read or watch TV and she has settled in to our usual routine, even as her legs are still unstable, but walking to potty, eat and drink water.

It has only been a week since I picked up Cella and every day I see progress. You will as well.

DO NOT hesitate to call your Vet with questions or concerns. That's what they are there for.

[Kohare]

I gave Sammy Trazadone to get him to lay down in crate. Is Celia still in a crate as well?

[KSH]

Originally Posted by Kohare

I gave Sammy Trazadone to get him to lay down in crate. Is Celia still in a crate as well?

Yes. She will be in the crate for 6-10 WEEKS, plus or minus, with Vet's advice as she progresses. I do let her out to walk to potty and eat and drink water.

After the first week the Vet watched her walk a bit on the floor and he told me to begin allowing her to walk (not run or jump) on a leash for 5-15 minutes, 3 times a day. But her back left leg was hiking up or kind of dragging, so I called him and he said to discontinue the walks and I'm taking her in Monday so he can recheck before we begin the walking therapy.

She was crated for 4 days before I picked her up, and she has always used her crate with the open gate, to lie in or to get her toys. We acclimated her to the crate as a puppy by using it as her "toy box" that she has always had access to... so this wasn't a shock to her when she has had to be in it during the day and night. Again, I take her out often and sit with her on the carpet, or hold her, so she doesn't feel like she's in doggy jail.

The meds help to relax them initially. I hope Sammy settles to the crate better as time goes on.

[Kohare]

I hope so too... but it seems as long as I am in eye shot or ear shot she will be ok but I left the house for 10 minutes and she was barking her head off and my fiancee was in the room. LOL What can u do...hopefully it will get easier.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Kohare

I hope so too... but it seems as long as I am in eye shot or ear shot she will be ok but I left the house for 10 minutes and she was barking her head off and my fiancee was in the room. LOL What can u do...hopefully it will get easier.

OK....call me confused. Who is "she"? I thought Sammy was a "he"???

[Kohare]

Typo. Sammy is he

[KSH]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

OK....call me confused. Who is "she"? I thought Sammy was a "he"???

lol! Sammy's mommy was referring to Cella as "she" when she asked if she was still in a crate. I answered "she" is.

Sammy is a little boy.

[KSH]

Originally Posted by Kohare

I hope so too... but it seems as long as I am in eye shot or ear shot she will be ok but I left the house for 10 minutes and she was barking her head off and my fiancee was in the room. LOL What can u do...hopefully it will get easier.

I have found Cella is very needy of me since she's been home. With time and her memory of the time away for surgery, I hope she will have more confidence when I am away from her that I will return.

Congratulations on your engagement!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by KSH

lol! Sammy's mommy was referring to Cella as "she" when she asked if she was still in a crate. I answered "she" is.

Sammy is a little boy.

UH, read her post again...she is clearly talking about Sammy. I am old, but not that old. LOL

[Kohare]

Ok... We are in DAY 6 After Surgery and we are surviving but not without a few mishaps along the way... One night he banged his leg and yesterday I was feeding him and took the opportunity to run to the ladies room, when I came back he was trying to eat his stitches. Thank god none were broken. I cannot wait for my stroller to arrive tomorrow, this way I have more freedom.

Now and then he toe touches but not a lot. He tries it more when we go out for potty breaks. He is now stretching and rolling on his back more but for the most part he sleeps while I work.