Toots update

First topic message reminder :

It turns out Toots has a broken bone in her leg.
Devastated and gutted. She goes in Monday for an op to pin it.
2 months of crate rest.
Arghhhh, just getting there nicely with her training and socialisation.
Going to be hard keeping her quiet. Got some interactive toys on order and there are good tips online on how to play games with them without them moving.
So sad for her, but hope in two months she'll be fully healed and back to her old self.
All this for an accidental slip off the sofa when took my eye off her for 30 seconds!    

Thanks again everyone. Can't wait for our walks in a few weeks time.   x

Fab news hun! I bet you both can't wait to get out again - well done Toots for being so calm Xx

Vet saw Toots yesterday, very pleased. he will x-ray in 2 weeks and decide whether or not to take the pins out.
If yes then he will do it straight away.
These are hard times, I hate her being sedated and she still has mad moments. Out in the garden she will grab the lead and pull. Frustrates the hell out of me. Can't do the usual turn my back and ignore as can't allow her to jump.
Just have to sit down and try and calm her. Could cry sometimes as all she wants is to release her energy.   

Awww Annie it must be so frustrating for you both, glad to hear that the vet is pleased with how she is doing   

Feel for you both. Horrible time but my thoughts when things arn't going too well are "And this too shall pass"
Won't be forever Annie xx

Bittersweet... you know you have to do the calm thing but boy it's so frustrating. As Shiela says, it will pass   

Its so tough, they are so frustrated and just don't realise it is for the best Xx

Well it's been tough to say the least. keeping quiet is something she just doesn't understand!
Next Monday the vet will x-ray her and decide there and then if the pins should come out.
It will be 4 weeks since she had the op.
We are now allowed 10 minute walks, hurrah.
Took her late yesterday evening to the country park where we sat and watched people, dogs and ducks, from a safe distance as I didn't want her lunging at everyone and trying to say hello.
She loved it as it's been weeks since she's seen anybody.
I'm really hoping that after next Monday we can start hydrotherapy. 10 mins of that should really tire her out.
She still seems sound on the leg, so fingers crossed she'll be fine.
Only three or four weeks until we're back to normal, then will have to train her all over again   

I'm hoping Toots will be fine, the hydotherapy will be a great way to exercise without putting any strain on her joints.

Thanks Kathy x

Sounds like Toots is coming along nicely   

You're half way there Annie. Hugs to Toots from Stella  

Toots was x-rayed this morning and the vet is delighted. The leg is better than he'd hoped for at this stage.
We can now do 2 x 15 minute walks a day and build up week by week. Hydrotherapy too, but I'm concerned about this as she absolutely hates water in any shape or form. Will try it but won't force her. Would be brilliant for her recovery though.
So relieved     

Ohhh Annie you must the thrilled to bits to hear that news. The hydrotherapy would be very good exercise for her if you can get her in the water, would you be able to go in with her ?

That is great news! Honestly hydrotherapy is fantastic - Moo hates the rain/puddles but loves to swim I really hope Toots can enjoy it

Thanks Kathy and Janey.
I am sooo thrilled yes. I will be able to go in the pool with her so will defo try her. Luckily I have a pool 5 minutes drive away   

Fab - well on her road to recovery

Excellent news, really pleased to hear   xx

Great news Annie.
Stella had 2 sessions and absolutely hated it. She still recovered well though so if Toots does'nt like the water, don't worry  

Oh this is fantastic.. I'm so pleased for you both. Guess you can only try the pool, be great if Toots gets along with it but not the end of the world if not. My Flo is absolutely fine without having used a pool after her op   

Any update

I take Toots regularly to this country park. The excerpt below is what happened on 1st June.
There are further accounts of the incident and a picture showing the nasty wound to the Labradors neck.
Apparently people were shouting at the owner to get her dog off, and all she did was give a mouthful of abuse back.
Yet another blow to our wonderful breed because of irresponsible ******g owners.
Now I'm worried to take Toots there as I couldn't bear her to get attacked, and also now she'll probably get nasty looks from people.
Sigh   


'A Labrador was taken to a vet and a woman suffered cuts to her hand following an attack by another dog yesterday (Sunday June 1).


Police were called to Southwater Country Park just before 1.30pm.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said a dog described as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier attacked a Labrador and its owner.

The incident is being investigated.'

Confidence hun Xx No need to steer clear Xx

Agree

You're both right.
Toots is a great ambassador, and we need positive breed promotion.
So I will continue to go to the park and let people cuddle her   

Had our best day yet yesterday. 2 x 20 minute walks with the new harness.
Really calmed her down for the evening. This is usually when she's most hyper.
She actually paddled in the lake up to her knees, unprecedented! Might try the hydrotherapy after all.
Into week 6 now.
I would not wish this experience on my worst enemy. The fear, dread and anxiety has caused me to lose 3 kilos!
The end is in sight though now.  

Great news Annie. You are both getting there at last!!  

One day at a time - sounds like you are both doing well.

Ps. My dog goes nuts in the evening if he is outside. I read this is because dogs are naturally "crepuscular", from the French word for twilight, and it means they are most alert and awake at dawn and dusk.

I thought it was quite cool.

It's been a long road Annie but sounds like Toots is doing great   

Hi everyone...
Well tomorrow is the big day, 8 weeks up and Toot's is going in to be x-rayed.
I can't believe we've struggled through this awful time.
Just praying the vet says she's made a full recovery and that at last she can go off lead.
Thanks again for all your support, will let you know the outcome tomorrow once the vet has phoned   x

Well that's gone fairly quick and fingers crossed for Toots with her x-ray tomorrow  

good luck   

Ah Annie it's finally over... Fingers all crossed for the both of you   

Hoping you get that call very soon...................................................   

Thanks everyone...
Toots is home and drowsy still.
Vet delighted with the leg! She can now go off lead in the garden and build up her walk times. Out she must still be on a flexi ( She has healed beautifully but being a pup I must guard against her doing too many loony things still.
Dottie yorkie can't come back yet either as the manic play will be too much.
So, another 4 weeks of caution and it will all be over.  

Ohhh Annie, that is good to hear, yes still take it easy for a few weeks yet. Now is the time when she will feel like she can jump over the moon literally, proceed with caution   

Great news Annie   

Great news x

Toots is doing really well.
Can't tell you what relief it is just to open the door and let her in the garden after weeks and weeks of putting her on the lead to go out.
Now on 2 x 35 minute walks on the flexi which we are both loving.
She's a lot less stressed and calming down.
Went for a walk with our friends Tracey and her tiny poodle cross Tia, and Toot's behaved impeccably with her after being told off by Tia for initially being a bit ott!
Toot's is 8 months today. Love her to bits     
Having you all here for support has meant so much...Thank you xx

Ohhh Annie, so pleased to hear that Toots is doing so well, keep up the good work.