[cooperpup]

Hi my chocolate lab Brooke broke her front let on Sunday while she was out camping with my husband and boys.
She landed funny in a shallow ditch and broke the two bones in her left front leg just above the wrist. The vet operated and inserted two screws in her bones. He said that we have to keep her quiet for at least 8 weeks?????? She is a 1 1/2 year old lab I have no idea how to keep her quiet. They suggested putting her in a kennel when we are not home. She has never been in a kennel except at the vet. She has two pain patches on right now and so she is very docile. I am afraid of what she will be like when the medicine wears off. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep her calm, it is so sad and I just want her to heal properly.

Kathy

 

[blackjack]

Is she used to a crate? That would be my suggestion, like Kelli had to do for her dog and several others here have done following TPLO surgery. My other suggestion would be a playpen that you could set up in the house. The one I have is about 4' square and I got it at Petco.

 

[LuckyGirl]

Crate is your best bet! My Lab just had surgery 3 almost 4 weeks ago. It's a job to keep them calm and quiet, but it's really the best thing for them. Just make sure you follow your vets instructions. Hope she's feeling better soon!! That's awful she broke her leg

 

[cooperpup]

Thanks she has never been in a crate and I am afraid she will go crazy and really hurt herself. The playpen may work as long as she doesn't try to climb out. It is going to be a looooooong summer. My cat is laying on her right now, she is so doped up she doesn't even notice.

 

[kelli]

i'm on my second surgery with koda.. she's spent the better part of the last 6 months in a crate.. she's not 2 yet.. it's hard.. really hard..but do whatever you can to keep her calm. maybe giving her some soup bones in that crate will make it more appealing.. stuffed kongs are also a good idea. Be careful.. you don't want them to get fat though.. so factor in any extra calories ..

 

[MNLab]

I agree with the crate idea! Also, I'll keep her in my prayers!

 

[rayluckgoo]

If you can't adjust her to a crate (best idea) try locking her in a small room like a bathroom or small kitchen...somewhere she can't gain speed in. Good luck!

 

[CindersMyGirl]

When Cinder broke her leg I felt sorry for her since she spent so much time in the crate. When we watched TV I tethered her to me with a leash. If she was being calm she could stay out with us. I also bought two baby gates and gated her in the hallway. She had a tiny bit more room, and I think she thought of it as more freedom since there wasn't a 'top' right over her. But I didn't give her enough room to run.

Good luck. Stay strong so your pup doesn't get hurt.

 

[Labradorable]

Poor pup.

 

[mitziandjudysmom]

I'm so sorry, hope she heals fast. After the first ferw days, I would not give pain meds. She will avoid walking on it as long as it hurts when she does and she will take it easy.

 

[cooperpup]

Thank you all for your advice. I am off to get a crate today and see how it goes. She cried all night long even though she has two pain patches on right now. Tey come off Friday morning. Also she won't eat anything or drink any water. How long should I let her go without eating or drinking before I take her back to the vet. I don't know how you all managed this it is heartbreaking. My yellow lab Cooper won't even go near her or me if I am with her. It is like he is afraid of her?

 

[joflake]

Poor Brooke. I'm sorry she is hurt. Cooper probably senses something is wrong with her. She might smell funny too, from the anesthesia and bandages maybe. I agree with everyone about confining her somehow. Hope she heals quickly.

 

[blackjack]

Was the surgery yesterday? If so they probably ran an IV for her so she may not be thirsty or hungry yet. I know with our beagle's last surgery it was midday the next day before he drank anything. I called because I was worried and the vet suggested low sodium chicken broth as an alternative drink. You may want to call the vet and just talk to her to help ease your mind (it worked for me )

 

[justine]

Sorry to hear about Cooper's leg! Ouch!

Like the others have said, crate is the best option.. but she might be okay if there was a bathroom/laundry room/hallway where you could baby-gate her in. Make sure it's small enough so she can't run!

I would maybe call the vet and ask about the not eating/drinking thing..

 

[myfavoritedog]

Definitely teh crate option. When mine underwent their neuter surgery it required a week of rest. The crate was the salvation. Then keeping Tal (he's 3 now) quiet for 8 weeks while he underwent heartworm treatment was the pits. It is very hard to keep them quiet, and seeing them want to play so bad, I just had to focus on the long term and realize something much worse could happen if I didn't keep them quiet! Hang in t here. And hope the crate works well.

Make sure when you start using the crate with Cooper to put a frozen kong in there, and/or a treat or two. That way Cooper will associate the crate with good things.

Healing thoughts and prayers for Cooper!

 

[georgie]

The crate is a good idea. I hope she adjusts to it. It is hard keeping a lab quiet. Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.

 

[cooperpup]

Help how do I get her in the crate she keeps hopping away. I am afraid she will go crazy in there and really hurt herself.

 

[georgie]

Maybe coax her in with a tasty treat. This may sound like a dumb question....but do you have a crate pad in the crate so it is soft for her to lay on?

 

[Wendy B.]

Sending good healing thoughts

 

[cooperpup]

yes I have a nice big quilt in there. I think I will go get her a big soup bone or something.