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Broken Puppy

Robtouw

Well-Known Member
I picked up Cruiser yesterday and had a few surprises. I was expecting a nice calm, sleepy puppy but instead received a bundle of energy that was kissing everything in sight and smacking everything with that whipping tail! He is walking pretty well, but isn't quite putting all of his weight on that leg just yet and his feet are turning outward to compensate for the weight. That will get better in time. The stitches look pretty gross, but the funniest part is where they shaved the back left half of his body. He is totally naked and boy does he look different without fur! Last night it was difficult to keep him quiet. The vet said no jumping, romping and only 5 min walks two to three times a day. Cruiser is not having that, he wants to play, tried to jump and is definately not sedated. He is on an anitbiotic, rimadyl and tramadol and I expected the combo to make him sleepy, seems to have the opposite effect he is energetic, hungry and frustrated at his confinement. Silly pup.

When we taught him to high five, shake, sit pretty and speak it was pretty fun and we were amazed at how quickly he learned, but he is trying to impress us with all four to get our attention and since he isn't supposed to jump or bear his weight down on that leg, sit pretty wasn't such a good idea, also speak at this point has become more of a demand. He has to have stitches removed in 10 days (my local vet will do) and goes back for xrays in 6 weeks then begins some sort of therapy to teach him to use the leg again properly. His surgeon will review the xrays at 6 weeks and will examine Cruiser, they said the xrays and exam will be $90 and that he wanted me to come to him, he does not like other vets to "take it from here". He is a funny, blunt little man but very focused on Cruiser's health and was very excited to discuss the surgery and his fine work. I can definately tell he enjoys performing surgery on dogs and enjoys the effects his skill has on their lives. It is a pleasure to find someone that focused and skilled.

The final bill for his emergency care was actually under the estimate given to us, that was a surprise. They had estimated $3000 and it came in at $2436. The hospital gave me info on a pet care credit plan for emergencies, its a credit card that allows you to put up to $6k on it during an emergency and gives you 6 months to pay it off at no interest. I think I may sign up and keep it just in case. Also, they encouraged me to look at pet insurance and gave me info for 8 different programs to research, which I will do. In the past most plans that I looked at were not worth the monthly premium, but that was years ago--maybe there have been changes!
 

raechiemay

Well-Known Member
That's great news. Glad to hear he is doing well! Sending healing vibes your way for a quick recovery! It will all be over before you know it :)
 

Mooshi's Mummy

Well-Known Member
wow its sounds like he is doing great and it can only get better! woo hoo for cruiser. if you are looking for 'mind games' for him I play with Mooshi sometimes by putting food (cheese usually) on her nose and teaching her to wait...she then gets to drop if off her nose and eat it as a reward. I also taught her left and right for giving paw and I line food up and down her legs (when she is laying down of course) and she has to concentrate by taking only one bit at a time when told 'left ok' then 'right ok' etc. She loves it and is very good at being patient waiting for the command of which bit she is meant to take next. Or you can teach him to cover his eyes with his paw, he can learn this from a down position. Have fun and I am so happy for you both.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Theres a lady with TM's in Nebraska, who's taught her dogs to count. Not just to respond to the verbal numbers, but also to the numbers written on cards. I'll dig out the video, but that might be something to help wear out his brain a little.....
 

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
I am happy to hear that he is doing well and is at home. Sending good vibes your way for a speedy and uneventful recovery.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
One word...WOW!

Pretty much. She insists its a simple as teaching a child their numbers, and was done in the same fashion but in very short sessions. I'm pretty sure Apollo would try to eat the number cards if I tried it, but if you can manage it, it WOULD keep him busy...
 

Robtouw

Well-Known Member
Cruiser is doing well, sleeping alot! I think that is due to the meds and worry a bit about how he will be off of them. Dr. said no jumping, playing, romping only walking when going out to do his business and 5 min walks after 10 days. I wonder if he ever had to keep a 5 month old puppy quiet? Its nearly impossible with drugs! He hasn't bothered his stitches at all and I have not had to put the ecollar on, thank goodness! His walking looks pretty bad at this point but will improve.
 

ruby55

Well-Known Member
My dog was on 20 hours a day cage rest when he broke his femur. Yeah; right. He destroyed his crate, so we put up a baby gate at the end of the hall. That lasted about an hour. He HAD to be with his family. So we just let him stay with us in whatever room we were in. To be fair, he was already about 2 years old, so it wasn't as difficult as a puppy.
His follow up xrays cost us $80 apiece, & that was over 10 years ago. His surgery cost us about $2000. So I'd say either your specialist is very reasonable, or mine was outrageous.
We also have the care credit card. With 4 dogs, insurance is way too expensive. The card has come in handy though, since we've lost 3 dogs in 2 years, & their treatments & final trip to the rainbow bridge was pretty expensive. Also Sunny's prostate problem was covered on the card, & Bella's sprained neck.
 

Robtouw

Well-Known Member
Cruiser is sleeping the majority of the day thanks to his meds. We did not know about the Care Credit Card until after the surgery, but will probably get one for just in case. We have had the hardest time making the boy understand no jumping and playing he wants to romp. He is walking ok and wants to run. He is really bored with his room at this point.
 

Robtouw

Well-Known Member
090.jpg091.jpg

Pics of the stitched up leg and the very clingy bored patient! He is one tough cookie to keep still! 5 months @ 74.5 lbs.
 

raechiemay

Well-Known Member
Dang they really did shave him bare!! Incision looks good & I love the smile on his face in the 2nd pic. Even after everything he's been through!
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Poor baby!

Honestly I can't imagine. When Arty was neutered it took him all of 3 days of "quiet" before he chewed through the cone (literally), flipped me the finger (figuratively), and returned to his nutso self. Thankfully he was well healed by that time.
 

musicdeb

Well-Known Member
Poor baby!

Honestly I can't imagine. When Arty was neutered it took him all of 3 days of "quiet" before he chewed through the cone (literally), flipped me the finger (figuratively), and returned to his nutso self. Thankfully he was well healed by that time.
hahahahahahahahaha!

---------- Post added at 08:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------

Good to hear that Cruiser is doing aok!