Hi guys,
We just got Jack neutered and he had to have an abdominal due to a retained testicle. I am pulling my hair out already on day 1. We've been asked to keep him calm, quiet, no running, jumping or walks for 10 days. This is impossible! He is hyper active and high energy, needing 4-6 walks of varying times plus playtime a day to not ruin the house. (Which is fine, but not when I'm not allowed to do it).

I impressed on them that I was not going to be able to do that. He's already ran around the house chasing the cats, jumping on furniture and playing with his ball. I've removed the ball, and closed him off to the hall  mostly but he is being incredibly destructive in his boredom. He will only actively chew the cat scratching post rather than his toys so we let him chew that, but he is going mad! I'm worried he's going to pull something, and there have already been altercations from other family members at me. I'm stressed so none of this is helping.

Some sound advice on what to do would be appreciated. I will be freezing a peanut butter kong tonight and in 24 hours he can have that. I will be doing the same to the smaller one I own. He has cow ears to chew on but am reluctant to give him more than one per day. He has bones which he doesn't really chew like he does the scratching post. The vet did say I may be able to take him out twice a day for 5 mins each, but that is pointless for my boy. I know he can't exert himself but I have no idea how to constructively deal with this pent up energy of his.

Either try Benadryl (it's better than ripping out stitches) or call and get a sedative. I'd honestly just give Benadryl

I presume that's to stop him itching? I'll have to have a look tomorrow. I did read that hydrocortisone cream could be used to the same effect too.
As hyper as he is, I'd leave a sedative to a last resort. I was a zombie coming back yesterday and whimpering.

Do you have a crate to put him in? I'd keep him in a crate that's in the same room I'm in, so I could keep a constant watch over him. Then give him all of the new special toys and chews to distract him from licking his wound. You don't want him moving about freely, jumping, running, chasing, etc. Don't let that wound open no matter what! I've read terrible stories on these dog forums about the dog's insides dropping out through the wound. Keep coming on here to ask any questions so everyone can help you through this! Good luck. I know it isn't easy.

Unfortunately he isn't good with crates, we no longer have the one we did have. He hurt himself trying to get out, and with his cone collar he wouldn't fit anymore. I've been restricting his movement as much as I can, though there have been a few instances where I haven't stopped him as I was quickly doing something else as you do. Thankfully he is asleep at the moment, he does tire alot more quickly.

So he's in the cone of shame? Is it keeping him from being able to lick his wound? I know they've created some new E-collars (Elizabethan, not electric...ha!) that are like inflatable tubes versus the thin plastic. Glad to hear you have him under watch and he's now sleeping.
 
As for crates, we have the XL size for all of our dogs, and we have both kinds: the wire one and the plastic one. Not sure which one you had that hurt your pup. I can see where little paws could get stuck in the wire type. I'm sure the plastic type would be safer. Our dogs are fully grown and can fit in their crate with an e-collar on.
 
Here are the 2 types we have:
 

 

CrownedWolf wrote:

I presume that's to stop him itching? I'll have to have a look tomorrow. I did read that hydrocortisone cream could be used to the same effect too.
As hyper as he is, I'd leave a sedative to a last resort. I was a zombie coming back yesterday and whimpering.

A side effect of benedryl is drowsiness, lethargy...something that would be beneficial at the moment.

The benadryl was suggested for drowsiness - It will take the edge off and make him less hyper. I usually give 1mg/lb of dog. A big dog gets two regular pills.

I've never heard the no walking rule. I've always been told a slow to moderate walking pace was okay post spay/neuter if the dog was up for it.

General rule for benadryl is 1 mg/lb every 8 hours. I would use less if you can get away with it. A single pill is 25 mg so technically I could give my 50 lb boy 2 pills. However I can give him just one pill and he staggers around like a drunk so I avoid giving 2 if I don't need to.

Val, you get the drunken behavior from Benadryl? We have only had that happen from Acepromazine after a vet gave it to us after Cato ripped a stitch out - to keep him calm. I ended up just using benadryl because the Ace freaked me out so much.

Yep, I had given Benadryl after he had a reaction to a bee sting and the poor boy couldn't even walk in a straight line.

That's interesting, Diz has never reacted that way to benedryl, but I've seen some youtube videos of dogs that have that reaction to it. It used to make him super hyper and anxious, but now it just kind of takes the edge off, but not much. I guess they are all different.

What about those calming chews? I've heard those work pretty well, but haven't tried them myself. I think for a pent up husky post neuter, after a certain point nothing would help, certainly not something mild like benedryl. I think I had Diz out walking decent distances about 3-4 days after his surgery, and he also had a retained testicle, so had to have the more invasive surgery. It also helped that it snowed and he could play in the snow without too much danger of hurting himself. I agree with the others, unfortunately, confining to a crate is the best way to keep him under control. Don't worry, it won't be long until he can resume his normal activity level, even if it seems like forever!

Thanks all for the advice. I ended up just taking him for slow walks and gentle play.He's healed up nicely and back to his normal bouncy self.