Puppy toe amputation (post-surgery)

[Forager]

Hello,

Our 5-month old puppy, Dimity, must have a partial-toe amputation tomorrow (Monday). The orthopedic vet believes that the digit is the source of her lameness (left rear leg). Does anyone have any ideas about how make her crate safe for her post-surgery convalescence, which is estimated to be at least four weeks?

Any ideas at all about how to make her comfortable (and safe from injuring herself) would be appreciated.

I wish I had thought of posting this to the forum a few days ago.

Below is my previous posting about Dimity:

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?p=178679#post178679

 

[Forager]

Puppy toe amputation (post-surgery day 1)

Dimity came home with four medications: an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, a pain killer, and a sedative. She also came home with an eCollar, as she went right for the bandages when the anesthetic wore off. Even with the medications, she is a little jumpy. She's particularly frustrated with her eCollar in the crate.
If anyone who has been through this with a puppy/dog, and has any ideas about how to create a comfortable environment for the pet, would you please share some hints or tips?
e.g., The vet's assistant suggested that she eat in her crate, and that we leave a water bowl in the crate. The assistant also said that it is imperative to keep her bandages dry. Well, immediately after I put the water bowl in one corner of her crate--which I have expanded in size--she missed sticking the bandaged paw in the water by a few centimeters. So I removed the bowl. I"ve decided to check with her frequently to see if she needs a drink by holding the bowl in front of her.
These are the kinds of issues I'm concerned about. I've moved my entire workspace--desk, computer, books--alongside her crate for the anticipated 2-3 week convalescence.
I'm dedicated but uninformed. Again, any information would be appreciated.

 

[Forager]

addendum: When I refer to an "eCollar", I mean one of those plastic cones that dogs wear around their necks, shrouding their head and mouth--not the shock-electronic variety.

 

[necterine0]

Awww poor puppy. I wish i could help you out with some suggestions but i have none. But i will wish Dimity a speedy recovery.

 

[Forager]

Dimity is doing ok. She has been recuperating for 6 days. Her spirits are good and the medicine seems to work well, now that we have figured out the optimal dosage for the tranquilizer.
However, the eCollar does not prevent her from licking/biting the bandage on her paw, no matter how often we adjust the collar. Spray-ons like Bitter Apple and Yuck don't faze her a bit. We can only stop her by taking her out of the crate and holding her, which is fine during the day; but at night...?
Anyone have any ideas?
Her sutures will be removed one week from tomorrow.

 

[bubbatd]

Would she wear a sock, taped on. ???

 

[Julie]

Would she wear a sock, taped on. ???

You are probably over the worst with Dimity, but grammys post made me think of something we did with Shiloh.

She cut her foot during a hunting trip. The pad was sliced almost shaved off about the thickness of a quarter. We used antibiotic ointment and wrapped it in gauze and gauze tape, then put a rubber glove over the paw, and taped it up so it would fit snug. She wore this for several days, we changed it a couple times a day, but no dirt or mud got to the cut. And it healed like a charm. No scarring and the pad is just as "tough" as it was prior.

 

[Forager]

Bubbatd,

Thanks for the response. I doubt that a sock would work. Currently, she is bandaged with Co-flex, which has withstood most of her licking and gnawing. But she has also gnawed the fir immediately above the bandage (lower leg), creating an abrasion that she continues to nibble at, making it worse. We were hoping that someone knew of a more effective kind of eCollar to thwart the chewing of this very enterprising, very loving dobe puppy.

Odd, but neither my wife nor I have had a puppy, nor have we continuously been around any dog for 30 years. Now, however, we cannot remember what it was like not to have Dimity around. We are crazy about her.

We jokingly say that she is the most expensive Doberman puppy in the county--well over $3,500 since Mid-September (original purchase, extensive vet bills, cost of surgery, and more to come.). But we wouldn't change a thing. Luckily, I can be around her all the time to help with this convalescence, which we are told will take weeks after the sutures are removed (e.g., extending her daily walk by 5 minutes per week, starting with 10-minute walks.)

We just took the eCollar off her, because, as she licks and gnaws the area, the plastic edge of the collar's bell further irritates the abrasion on the lower leg by rubbing against it. Anyone know of a spray (or anything) for the abrasion to help with the irritation? It's obviously bothering her a lot. She won't stop licking and tearing at the area.