My dog had to have emergency surgery on his tail last week, resulting in a good 4 inches of stitches on the tip of his tail. Being a Lab, all he does is wag it and bash it into things - even when he's left alone in a room with nobody around. Everything was looking good, we were on tramadol and rimadyl for 4 days - and we're on clavamox for 14 days. So, he's been on antibiotics. However, the past two days I've noticed a lot of bruising in his wounds - probably from him constantly abusing that tail despite my efforts to keep him restrained and calm. I've been changing his bandages daily at home because, well.. he likes to wag them off and it's ridiculous to pay a 40 dollar fee at the vet every day for bandage changes. Tonight, I went to go change his bandages and I noticed quite a bit of blood. As I was unraveling them, there was quite a foul smell. It looks (and smells) like it could be infected, but he's been on antibiotics. Would this be expected with this sort of injury, should I be concerned? He's been trying to bite at it too, like it's itching him (which he hasn't been doing). Any tips?
He has been wearing an elizabethan collar.
He's due to go back in Thursday or Friday for suture removal (which I don't think he'll be ready for). I have removed the bandages and will keep it clear the next few days to see if there is any improvement, I will continue with the clavamox and see what the vet says on Thursday. If I do not notice any improvement, I will bring him in sooner. Perhaps it does just need air. Thanks for the tips - I should have known to let air get at it.
I will also call the vet tomorrow afternoon.
The vet did manage the possibility of tail amputation at the worst - what would that cost? I know it's much different then docking a puppies tail.
He has been wearing an elizabethan collar.
He's due to go back in Thursday or Friday for suture removal (which I don't think he'll be ready for). I have removed the bandages and will keep it clear the next few days to see if there is any improvement, I will continue with the clavamox and see what the vet says on Thursday. If I do not notice any improvement, I will bring him in sooner. Perhaps it does just need air. Thanks for the tips - I should have known to let air get at it.
I will also call the vet tomorrow afternoon.
The vet did manage the possibility of tail amputation at the worst - what would that cost? I know it's much different then docking a puppies tail.