The Patient Fights the Elizabethan Collar

Today there was a minor relapse as a result of Alvin's surgery on Monday, but it was unrelated to the neuter surgery. One dew claw caused problems during grooming. The vet agreed that it could be surgically removed before Alvin caught it on something and tore it.

When I removed the bandage from his leg, the surgical area appeared red and swollen. Also, Alvin was shaky, probably from pain.

I called the vet's office. During the office visit, the vet agreed that the leg was puffy and a little red. He gave Alvin a shot of antibiotics and pills to take at home. He assured me that it would heal properly (with this level of care).

Now here's the last recommendation from the vet - Alvin should be fitted with an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from licking or biting the area on his leg. When a dog licks or nibbles a sutured wound, the likelihood of infection increases. I had avoided using an ecollar by diapering the dog to protect the neuter surgery area. But now the collar is the only alternative to ensure healing of both the leg and the neuter incision.

This picture shows his reaction to wearing the ecollar. After he fought it for quite a while, he finally gave up.

No one likes to see a dog in distress, but I'm convinced the Elizabethan collar will expedite the healing process.

Let's hope Alvin heals quickly!

valmillsy

Cockapoo Puppy Video - I Am Puppy, Too

The following video features Simon, the Cockapoo puppy:

Neuter Surgery - The Recovering Patient Returns to Normal Activity

Picture on right: Alvin and Simon resuming normal activity.

After experiencing neuter surgery 3 days ago (see Neuter Surgery - The Recovering Patient), Alvin appears to be his old self. He's playing with Simon and eating to catch up on the day without food.

Unfortunately, his activity level has to be curtailed to protect the stitches for the incision and to keep his foot (dew claw removal) bandaged.

Curtailing his activity is near impossible. Alvin wants to play and so does Simon. Sometimes I separate them. That means one or the other whines and cries. And Alvin needs to be "quiet" for 10 days until the stitches are removed!

Another complication - Alvin wants to lick the stitches and remove the bandage from his leg. The soft Elizabethan collar failed (too small) - the poor dog spent all his time trying to pull it off. So he's in a diaper which has to be removed each time he needs to eliminate.

And yet another complication - the leg bandage has to be wrapped in plastic whenever it's wet outside.

Now imagine taking Alvin outside as follows:
1. Isolate Simon so he doesn't interfere (attacking Alvin, removing the plastic wrap, playing with the diaper).
2. Remove the diaper.
3. Wrap his leg in plastic.
4. Reverse the steps when he comes in.

Yup - the patient may be recovering, but the caretaker may not last 10 days. And in December, when Simon gets his neuter surgery - the situation will be reversed. The good news is Simon has no dew claws. A grateful thanks to Simon's breeder!

valmillsy