dont run neos hard

[Mastinero]

Sorry to say, I would run my 2 year old neo mastiff on my bike for about 1 mile everyday to get his energy out. He was ruining my yard so I figured he needed his energy drained. Well, he now has a torn ligament in his left back leg. I took him to the vet and paid $350 for X-rays, they confirmed his torn ligament and said the surgical procedure would cost $5000.00. I definitely can not afford that. Then he told me if I do not get the surgery he would eventually get arthritis in his knee and would lose its function. Not what I wanted to here. Especially since I lost my neos sister leia to meningitis about 1 year ago. So, beware of running your neo mastiff's to hard. I wish this on no owners.

 

[Mastinero]

I am supplementing him on Cosequin for now. He still wants to go for a run but I know I cant take him out. I feel soooo bad for him. Any suggestions to drain his energy in his condition? I also researched and apparently this is most common in neutered dogs, but scientist do not know why.

 

[Iymala]

You could try mental simulation instead. Work on his obedience and more advanced skills like off leash heeling, long distance stays and place commands, tricks, even something like beginning scent work could be stimulating.

 

[Smokeycat]

Sorry to hear about your boys injury. I recommend doing a search on conservative management for CCL injuries, here and online. I learnt some of it while I was dealing with Kryten's elbow surgery but the gist of it is no running, no jumping, no off leash activity at all. Everything needs to be done slowly and controlled. Also what your vet didn't tell you is that arthritis will develop even if you do the surgery so don't let that scare tactic work. Daily joint supplements, Traumeel and coconut oil help keep Kryten feeling good.

 

[Mastinero]

Yeah, i was doing a lot of scent work before abd he loved that. But my concern is his excitement level on that because i reward him and i usually let him run wild. And as well with long distance heeling, he was doing very well with that but, i would allow him to run to me on comnand for his reward. He does the regular eat, pee, sit, rollover, circle, paw tricks. I mean he is ok now but i csn tell he is getting more and more frustrated as days go on. I only walk him around the cul de sac for now so ge can get out sbd sniff around. But, i know thats not enough for him.

 

[DMikeM]

I would get a second opinion. Torn ligaments can't be seen through xrays. Go with Smokeycat's recommendation.

 

[spritemk3]

Do you have anywhere you can walk him in shallow water? That would be easy on his joints and wear him out as well. Unfortunately, mastiffs don't swim that well...mine sinks when she tries to swim. But I do walk her in water to wear her out.

 

[DennasMom]

Denna loves to swim!
If you can find a good place to walk in water or swim, that would definitely be a good thing.

A friend of mine had a lab that blew her knee (I don't know the extent of the injury) - but she opted for no surgery. That was many years ago, and you can't tell the dog ever had a problem. She's totally ball-obsessed (which is how she blew the knee in the first place), and still runs, spins and stops for the ball, non-stop.

LOTS of R&R, maybe look into a brace? (not sure if that would just mask the issue, though, and not let it really heal).

Get a book of dog tricks, and teach one new one every week...

And, actually, going for a really SLOW walk with him in a firm heel position can actually be more of a work out than a free-for-all sniff-fest run. He has to work to pay attention to you, and not just 'get in the groove' and run.

Maybe get back in socialization mode, too... so go for slow walks and practice different obedience commands in NEW places every week... go observe noisy kids at a ball game... all working him mentally to stay calm and relaxed.

Good luck! No fun to have a puppy not feeling well.

Certainly hope he does well without surgery. Surgery alone has potential life-changing complications... so I'd get a second opinion, and let the vet know you want to avoid surgery if you can, see what options they come up with for you.

 

[Belmas]

I had a female Neo years ago that tore a ligament in her knee when she was 3 years old. She had the surgery and still developed a large arthritic knot on the inside of her knee. I don't think I would opt for surgery again, I know people who didn't do surgery on their dogs and the out come didn't differ much, but I guess it depends on the dog. I do know that the surgery recovery is awful, my Neo was in a lot of pain and it's very difficult to deal with a 150 lb dog that can't put any weight at all on the leg that was operated on. I slept downstairs on the floor with her for weeks because she couldn't even get up by herself let alone do stairs, we won't even talk about going to the potty outside. I agree with the others get a second opinion.

 

[Mastinero]

Thanks you all, at least I feel a little better. Yeah, I guess there are lots options and thanks again.

 

[Mastinero]

I am saddened to report that i had to put him down today. "Han" was suffering from intestinal blockage. A sad day for sure.

 

[Hector]

Damn, sorry. RIP Han

 

[Smokeycat]

RIP Han.

 

[chauncey]

sorry to bring the topic back but what were his symptoms because i am having problems with my presa. i have posted about his recent knee issues plus he hasn't been eating like he used to also.

 

[Milton Meathead]

Sorry to hear about this..this is terrible news.. Was he suffering? Is this why you had to put him down?

Sent from my C6906 using Tapatalk

 

[spritemk3]

I am so very sorry... my heart is breaking for you.

 

[Mastinero]

"Chauncey" his knee had nothing to do with his illness. The vet told me he had intestinal blockage. Meaning Han must have eaten an object large enough to block his intestines. At first, i noticed excessive drooling and vomit. He woukd not eat anything at all. I had him on IV bags and he would occasionally drink some water. After 8 days of no response to medication, i made the very tough decision to put him down at the shelter. It was very sad and he will be missed.

 

[HULK101113]

Holy crap!
So sorry to hear this horrible news!!
Rip Han

 

[Belmas]

So sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to you.

 

[Mastinero]

Thank you all, im already looking to adopt a neo. My family loves the breed so much, especially my kids.