Question Regarding Cyst removal on tail? - Page 2

Cheryl, given that you were successful in keeping her from bothering it for the past three weeks, I have high hopes that you'll be able to repeat that success after this surgery, and the site will be able to fully heal this time without her interfering with it. 

Were you ever able to figure out *why* she was mutilating her tail, aside from the cyst issue?

Hi Hexe:  I did talk to my vet about the possibility of something else going on - dm or her hip dyplasia as she was xrayed at 4 and does have hd.  Based on his exam he did not think she was bothering with the wound because of this.  She also bothered with one on her hip and chewed the cyst off after it was aspirated back in November, so seems to be a behavioural thing.   I ended up sedating her when I had to go to work and even sedated she was able to destroy the cones in about 5 days.  I bought extra's so once they start cracking, bending, etc I replace them immediately as I know it is a matter of time before she will get them off.  I am able to work from home for the rest of the week, so will be able to supervise her closely for the next 5 days.  She does not like being seperated from Falon during the day, but it worked out better keeping her in the house and the other dogs kenneled in the garage when I am not home.  Not sure how much Falon may have helped in the cone removal and bandage removal last time.

They did not have to take off as much of her tail as they thought, so she still has quite a bit of tail left, although they said she had sores higher up on the tail.  Not sure if it was caused by the bandage or if it was originally damaged when she chewed the end of her tail.  She is back on antibiotics and pain killers, so my hope is that she will heal this time and she will be back to her old self soon.

Cheryl

When the gal in my sig had a cyst removed from her tail they STITCHED the bandage in place!  She also had to wear a cone, unless we were able to directly supervise her for about a week.

Everything healed up just fine, fortunately.

I now think stitching a bandage in place is not at all a bad idea.

Just want to say I hope Libby's recovery goes smoothly.

Just wanted to give an update on Libby's tail.  Finally was able to have the bandage removed 10 days ago.  She had some sores form above the amputation, but luckily they have finally healed and the fur is starting to grow back.  She has lost about 15 lbs over the past two months, but otherwise is doing really well.  Her weight is now 70 bs from 85 back in January.  My vet thinks she may have lost weight from the stress.  She is a large female, but could stand to lose a few lbs before, but 15 lbs seems like alot.  I am going to take her back in for another check up next week, so hope to she she put a few lbs back on and gets the final clear on her tail.  They ended up amputating about 1/2 of her tail.  I am just happy they did not have to go in an amputate again.

Thank you for all the good advice.  I really appreciate it. 

Cheryl

That's terrific, Cheryl...thanks for sharing the good news!  :)  Fifteen pounds is a rather large weight loss over the course of two months, but stress can induce that kind of loss. Hopefully she'll put a few of the pounds back again now that the bandage is gone, the whole cone-wearing is done with and her tail isn't bothering her any longer!