Our 7 yr old male border collie was diagnosed after xrays yesterday with lumbosacral stenosis. He has shown pain through crying and stiffness in the past two years when he overdid exercise, such as chasing sticks and balls. We quit playing Frisbee with him almost 3 yrs ago because of the same aftereffects. Our vet has put him on two 50 mg tablets of rimadyl each day for 4-6 weeks, with a reduced dose thereafter. We are to stop playing ball with him in the evening and take him for walks only long enough to go potty.
My question is, does any border collie owner have advice as to how to accomplish an exercise shutdown of a dog who catches balls thrown to the ceiling 2 to 3 hours every night, and who drops sticks at the feet of strangers demanding they throw it for him? It is going to break his heart and ours for him to do nothing strenuous for 4-6 wks. Anyone have to deal with a similar situation with their border? What worked for you?