how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

sarah rogers — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:36:27 GMT

thanks for everyones replies, ben is doing really well post op, hes in a playpen in the kennels run and touch wood he has been really good!

hes on zylkene which i think is really helping, and have been freezing the kong and playing games on the floor. hes starting the under water treadmill tommorow so hopfully will stimulate him a bit!

poor little man, its so hard keeping an active terrier quiet but hes doing so well, much better than last time!

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

dinkyd — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:46:55 GMT

Its weird you mention that - havent seen a tplo done on a small breed since i started my new job!Can imagine he will be a nightmare being a terrier!Poor boy.Hope hes feelin better soon!

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

jan — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:53:07 GMT

\kong, buster cubes, teach him static tricks like touch, counting, hide & seek, scent cloths are always a good one

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

Nick Shackleton — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:55:14 GMT

I agree with you that we should advance and try new techniques, but surely when they are still realatively new and unknown how good the results are. Surely it best to stick to what you know works and gives you the results you expect?? and leave the new techniques to the research areas until more is know about them???

The three new techniques are:

Tibial Tuberosity advancement: http://www.veterinaryspecialty.com/TTA.aspx

Triple Tuberosity Osteotomy: http://www.vetinst.com/pages.php?pageid=187

Tightrope CCL replacement technique: http://www.veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk/product.php?productid=1016&cat=0&page=1

here are all the curent techniques available: http://www.vetinst.com/pages.php?pageid=182

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

Cat Woman — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:36:33 GMT

[quote user="Nick Shackleton"]I work at ortho referral hospital and we do TPLOs on dogs <10kg! I work with diploma holders and PhD veterinary surgeons.[/quote]

Went to a CPD session a couple of weeks ago, held by an Orthopaedic guy & he reckons the opinions are changing on TPLO in smaller dogs (I had good results with my 15Kg dog 8yrs ago). I guess opinions will change all the time though. Sometimes I think that there was nothing wrong with the "old ways" & why do we have to keep "improving" things?! He also mentioned some new techniques that I had not heard of - tightrope technique? & something else too!

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

sarah rogers — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:09:51 GMT

hi the theary now is that TPLO is better for all sized dogs- my dog did have a lateral suture on his left leg- that didnt work, after the TPLO he was much improved. it is also felt that it is all to do with the angle of the tibia (correct me if im wrong!! lol).

he can start swimming 6 weeks post op- he only finished hydro one mth ago, so think hes doen it to go back as he loves it!!

thanks for all your other replies- i will give them ago- esp freezing the kong

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

Nick Shackleton — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:23:54 GMT

I work at ortho referral hospital and we do TPLOs on dogs <10kg! I work with diploma holders and PhD veterinary surgeons.

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

Cat Woman — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:18:13 GMT

[quote user="sarah rogers"]hes due to go for a TPLO on tues, but am worried about his 6 weeks rest period!! as hes a very active terrier!![/quote]

I thought it was the general opinion amongst orthopods, that TPLOs weren't the best option of small breeds?

With regards to his mental health - how long post-surgery, can you start hydrotherapy. My dog loves games where you hide treats under pots & he has to "guess" which pot it is under!! Obviously its a game you have to be there for though!

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

wobbliebob — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:13:38 GMT

hide and seek in the house or find it games are good and dont require too much pysical activity.

Re: how to keep my dog mentally stimulated

A Little TLC — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:44:14 GMT

i put stuff in my girls Kong and freeze it.... takes her Aaaaaaaagggggeeeessss!!