Poor Little Ivy is back Home!!!

About 12 days ago, Ivy and I went up to the local leash-free oval for a play. I had been warned over and over about allowing puppies to over-do their first few social plays due to the risk of damage to muscles and young bones but when I saw Ivy's enormous smile and excitement at seeing Leo the 5 month old German Shepherd it was impossible to deny her the rumble of her life.

After 20 minutes of chase and rolling and tumbles I took her home where she collapsed in a deep contented sleep. Three hours later we were heading for the vets. She had begun shaking uncontrollably and tensing up in the back and stomach. They said she was in a lot of pain, gave her an injection and told me to take her home and watch her.

She slept for hours and when she woke was worse - like a rag doll with laboured breathing. We rushed her to the emergency hospital. X-rays showed no obstruction. They refused to believe that a play-date with another puppy could possibly result in such trauma.

Next day she was transferred to our local vet hospital where she stayed for three days on a drip, major pain killers and loads of blood tests and more X-rays. She had blood in her bowel as well.

End result was severe internal bruising due to the rough and tumble of a siimply play. Gosh I felt horrid...how could I have put her through this.....i knew the risks but it is just like denying your kids red cordial, every now and then they win you over.

We are now sticking to playing with small pups until Ivy toughens up. I really have learned my lesson, a $1300.00 lesson!!!!!!!She's well and healthy now.....thank heavens.

oh my goodness you must have been so worried about her
wonderful news that she is all good now though xx

I'm so relieved she's all better now! Poor little thing - good that you were there to get her to the vet. Bless.

Glad she is better now...
A lesson for all of us .
Problem is with Staffies.. even as pups they never know when to stop.

You can't beat yourself up over this. I mean really, who would expect severe internal bruising from a play date? sadie's boyfriend is 100 lbs and Sadie has been making out with him since she was a little thing - but he's a gentle giant. So I guess what I'm saying is you don't have to deny her a play date with a big dog if the big dog plays nice

Glad to hear she is doing better though. I would be beside myself if something like that happened to my girl

This is something you really can't blame yourself foe. Like you say you and to be honest i don't think anyone would have thought a little rough and tumble would have caused so much damage to your little girl.

I'm pleased to hear she is much better now.

Definetly a lesson for everyone on the forum though who has pups to be a little more careful !

Glad she's feeling better, must have been rough for you and her.

So glad to hear that your puppy is feeling better, I too would never have thought that this could happen from a play session with another dog,

Fantastic news, I'm so glad she is back home now