Tucker (20 months) had left knee surgery yesterday for medial patellar luxation. They deepened the femoral groove, moved the tibial insertion and generally tightened things up. He's coming home today and has to be on "bed rest" for two weeks. He usually jumps up, retrieves the nearest toy and runs around a lot when a family member comes home. We're hoping to keep him somewhat subdued -- any ideas? Thanks!

Poor baby, Tucker!!
How did he hurt himself.
I would ask your vet for some ideas about keeping him confined, but some that come to mind are:
A Crate
A small room that you baby gate (if that would work).
We had to put chairs in front of our stairs and the couches, so our dog Smooch, wouldn't jump on them after her torn ACL.
I would also disconnect the door bell, so he doesn't go running for it, when someone rings it.

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[IMG]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii215

Tonka & Tucker

SNOBEAR at the Bridge
Dec. 23, 1999-March 27, 2010


SMOOCH at the Bridge.
Feb. 14, 1999-Dec. 7, 2010

I once rescued a GSD who had to be treated for heartworm, well that meant bed rest for 4 weeks. Because she was young, and I had two other active dogs, the vet told me to crate her 24 hours a day, except when I took her out on a leash.

During those four weeks, most of the time she was very quiet, it must have been because the treatment made her feel ill, so it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be keeping her in there.

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Very sorry that Tucker had to have surgery. No suggestions, but sending your boy healing thoughts.

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this is a headline I don't like to see! (I have a Tucker also.)

Sorry about your guy's surgery, and hope they got him all fixed up. I agree with turning off the doorbell--if you can't then take a message over so that no one can get to it (although I had some kids get past such a note once...).

I think a crate is the best thing for him, with regular exit breaks. You might also coordinate family member comings and goings. Have people call or text before coming into the house. Then have someone watch Tucker and hold onto him while the new arrival enters very calmly.

If he gets really antsy in a couple days, ask the vet what you can give him to keep him mellow. I've found warm goat's milk with a little melatonin in it to help with my Tucker. But you should ask your vet.

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

Thanks so much to everyone for your kind wishes and good advice. We will definitely use your helpful hints!

Tucker is doing well so far. We made a sling out of a towel to help support his weight when he goes outside to potty. He's been lying around close to us since he got home and isn't really interested in wandering around. I did have to hold him when the kids came home to keep him from jumping up. He has to wear a cone collar for 10-14 days. He can't reach his toys to manipulate them into his mouth, so that's a little tough. He has 4 different meds to take! He's such a good boy.

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Sorry to hear about the surgery. Hope your handsome boy feels better soon!

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Dave

oh the poor baby, his face with the cone of shame just melts your heart. Hope he has a quick recovery

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Thanks everyone! He had a rough night. It was hard to fit into the crate with the cone of shame. He's sleeping peacefully now.

You have got one cute guy!! Best wishes to Tucker & his recovery.

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Vicky, mom to Ruby-5 years
Birthday 9/1/07