23 replies to this topic

[tomatosandwich]

Divot was neutered on Thursday. He also had rear dew claws (not attached to bone, very loose and wiggly) removed because the vet was worried he was going to get them caught on something.

So the neutering went well. We used the onesie method on him, so he didn't bother the wounds and he's healing there beautifully.

The dew claws, well, I'm worried! He got the bandages off of one paw this morning, and it looks like he got the stitches out, but I'm not sure. He is on an antibiotic, so I'm not worried about infection.

BUT he won't wear the e-collar (flops and bangs and howls around). I'm more worried he's going to hurt himself in the collar than out of it. When I called the vet, he seemed to not believe me the tantrum he was throwing and not giving up. The vet's response was just to leave him in the collar until he gave up the fight. But the fight is every time, for a long time, and I definitely don't feel safe leaving him in the collar in his crate when we're out--which is what the vet recommends.

Has anyone had experience with dew claw removal like this? How worried should I be if the stitches are out? Also, any e collar advice / alternatives would be greatly appreciated.

[Idaho Cairns]

None of my dogs has been collared following a spay and all have done well. Of course the dog will not leave the stitches alone because there is irritation and pain and the dog's natural reaction to both sensations is to lick the area. I have never seen a problem with that because that is how dog's normally heal minor injuries they can reach. Just inspect the incision regularly for any inflammation that would indicate an infection or for any reopening of the incision.

[Tuesday]

Murphy had all four dew claws removed when he was about 9 months old. He wasn't too happy about the cone either. I think we ditched it after a couple of days. He had an episode with his anal glands last year and I needed him to stop chewing on his back hips until we got him to the vet. I went to a local pet store and picked up a soft cone for him. Much better for him, and while he gave me the "stink eye", he acquiesced and wore it. Those heavy, bulky ones the vet offices overcharge us for are for the recycle bin, IMO.

Just keep an eye on his little legs and try not to worry too much.
Also, someone here had their dog wear a little doughnut-like collar thing - might be worth a try?

[Lynn in TN]

I would worry about it either just watch for infection. Kelly licked her spay stitches a good bit they healed nicely. Her dew claws were removed when she was a puppy so I don't really know anything about that just check them for infection. My vet didn't recommend a cone for a Cairn He seems to think that Cairns are stubborn and strong willed like a teenager and will do what you try to get them not to do and he also said that if you act like it doesn't bother you then they tend to stop on their own. Kelly was wild when we got her spayed and when I stopped trying to get her to settle down she settled on her own, but when I was trying to keep her from jumping and running it was like she was going to or die trying just because I said no. Keep us posted.

[IGotAHome]

I got an inflatable collar for Malcolm last fall when he was biting his butt and pulling the fur out of his back legs due to allergies. This is the one that looks like a donut and I got the medium. Malcolm has a 12 inch neck, the small size was way to small for him.

It worked great for what I needed it for, to keep him away from his rear. I'm not sure how well it would work for the front legs I didn't look for that.

The best thing about the inflatable collar is they can eat and drink without a problem. The worst thing is getting the darn thing on a squirming snarling dog.

Malcolm got used to it after a while. Then I think the little stinker started to like the thing. He used it as a pillow. If you need to keep him from his back legs this will work, if only Divot will tolerate wearing it. Malcolm fussed at first. He did finally get used to it.

[pkcrossley]

sounds like divot has definitely nixed the collar. i'm half surprised that the doctor doesn't seem to understand what a determined cairn is like (half not).

[tomatosandwich]

Thank you all for understanding about the cone. I knew you'd understand! I take him in tomorrow for his follow up, and I feel like a child who is about to be called in and scolded. For today, we re-bandaged and put kid socks over the bandages and secured them with tape over the sock. It has lasted all day!

The one looks noticeably worse than the other. Will they want to re-stitch it you think?

I'm definitely going to try to find one of those inflatable doughnut things! It's only his back paws, so if I can find one, it should work!

Thanks again, everyone!

[Tuesday]

The probably won't restitch since the incision is well over 24 hours old. As least that's how it works with humans.

They may just have you keep them bandaged and let it heal naturally. Divot may have some scarring, but his fur should cover that up and it won't be noticeable.

Please let us know what the vet says! And don't feel bad, it happens. Don't let the vet scold you. Anyone who has spent a day with a Cairn totally understands. He's probably never spent more than an hour with one and they've always been sedated. LOL

[tomatosandwich]

Tuesday, thanks for the info and the understanding. I love your comment about how he's only spend sedated time with a Cairn! I will report in after the vet visit today!

[tomatosandwich]

Update: The vet visit went well. His stitches apparently look great, so there you go! But one paw was swollen, so another week of antibiotics for the little guy. We tried the inflatable collar. He busted it in 5 minutes flat! It might be bite proof (according to the packaging), but it clearly isn't Cairn proof!

[MegsMom]

Think you have to go with the foam or 'stuffed' type e-collar with cairns. You know, where if they get their teeth on it, it survives so they know it's not going away too easily Hopefully you're past needing one, now.

[sanford]

 tomatosandwich, on 31 January 2012 - 11:55 AM, said:

It might be bite proof (according to the packaging), but it clearly isn't Cairn proof!

[Tuesday]

What Sanford said! I would call the manufacturer and let them know!

So glad to hear that things are going well. The extra antibiotics won't hurt. I know how humans can get from too many antibiotics, so watch his poops for loose stools, just in case and adjust diet accordingly.

[Zekey's Mom]

I hate e-collars as much as my pets do! Another vote for the inflatable collar. They can eat, drink, and sleep comfortably.

Gavin had neutering and knee surgery at the same time, and I think he had to wear something for at least 10 days. He got the inflatable off in two minutes flat, and I was afraid to tighten it (or the collar that it was attached to) too much. So, I put him in a soft harness, and connected that with a metal clip to the inflatable/regular harness. There was no way he could get it off.

[IGotAHome]

 tomatosandwich, on 31 January 2012 - 11:55 AM, said:

We tried the inflatable collar. He busted it in 5 minutes flat! It might be bite proof (according to the packaging), but it clearly isn't Cairn proof!

Holy Cow! I would definintely take it back for a refund. These things aren't cheap and if it says bite proof then it should be. And I thought Malcolm could destroy anything. He has been one-upped.