Molly had her bandages (well what was left of them!) taken off today & he elbow has healed fine although she does look a bit weird with her whole arm shaved!  She now has to have gentle 10mins lead walks for the next 8 weeks until she goes back to the specialist for a full examination & hopefully schedule the surgery on her other elbow.  She is on half a rimadyl twice daily & doesn't appear to be having any side effects.  The constipation I mentioned previously is according to the vet down to the anasthetic (sp?) & should wear off in a few days, if not she mentioned liquid paraffin which I've noted has been recommended on her before.

Molly is a very active lab & 10mins 3 times a day isn't enough to keep her stimualted so I'm after some suggestions on how to keep her mentally stimualted & some exercises so she doesn't start piling the pounds on.  I asked the vet but she said just stick to the walking... I was going to get a dispensing ball & fill it with treats to keep her occupied - anyone used these?  She has a stuffed Kong when she is left on her own but all her other toys involve chasing or pulling which she cannot do!

Pls help, I want to make Molly's recovery as swift as possible but without her being bored!

As it is so warm (well, at least down in the south it is ;) ) she probably won't be too put out at not exercising too much just now!

Try and make her walks as exciting as possible - or break it into 6  5min walks!  Take her out of routine completely - keep her guessing what's going to happen next - that way she'll not get bored.

Margot

When Inkie had her elbow opperation as soon as the bandages were off, we were told that she could go swimming. She loves it, it is great exercise for her elbows but without the impact. Shes been several times in the 3 weeks since her opperation and is getting along well!
Wishing You All The Best With Molly

Slight problem though Wendy...Molly either can't or won't swim despite our best efforts!  She loves going in the water but if a stick went out of her reach she wouldn't swim out for it!

Inkie was just the same but we took her to a hydrotherapy pool for dogs where she was lifted into the water and encouraged forward by me running round the edge and having a lead on to, to guide her along,  There was a hell of a lot of splashing to start with but she soon settled (within 5 minutes) and now she will go in on her own. Its just a confidence thing, like us when theyve done it..... thats it  If Mollys a lab she should take to it like a duck!!!! they have webbed feet too.

Bugger, just checked with insurance co & they won't pay for hydrotherapy but will cover every other complimentary theraphy...rubbish!  However checked with a company in Ashbourne & they only charge £20 for 2 sessions anyway so it won't break the bank....mentioned it to vet & she said we have to see how she recovers & see what the specialist says when we got for her check up before booking any sessions!

Agree there, my breed will not generally choose to swim, some will paddle, and some avoid water at any cost.

I know a few that have done hydrotherapy though.  They start off in a hoist until they gt used to it, and can't climb out of the pool.