Open sore on tail...what to do?
Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:45 pm
Discovered several days ago that one of my beagles had an open wound on its tail that was almost down to the bone. Took him to the vet and they said he probably had a scratch or cut that he licked until it created the sore. Then they cleaned, bandaged and proceeded to rip me a new one with charges for procedures, meds, etc. 
After three days I took off the bandage and the wound looked smaller though still not good. We’re talking an area roughly 2 inches long by 1 inch wide and about 4-5 inches back from the end (wish I had a pic to post). Also the tail is hanging limp from the sore spot on down. I’m afraid it won’t heal since he continues to lick. Not sure what the vet can do at this point except charge me a pile of $$$ to dock the tail.
So I’ve got a few questions. First---what would you do from this point forward?
Second---has anyone tried “Vanish” wound care? I bought some, but I’m not sure how it’s supposed to work. I thought it would be stickier and create more of a barrier. The tube I got is gel-like and greasy. The dog just licked it right off.
Any advice you can throw my way is much appreciated. Thanks – Greg (B. Diddy)
After three days I took off the bandage and the wound looked smaller though still not good. We’re talking an area roughly 2 inches long by 1 inch wide and about 4-5 inches back from the end (wish I had a pic to post). Also the tail is hanging limp from the sore spot on down. I’m afraid it won’t heal since he continues to lick. Not sure what the vet can do at this point except charge me a pile of $$$ to dock the tail.
So I’ve got a few questions. First---what would you do from this point forward?
Second---has anyone tried “Vanish” wound care? I bought some, but I’m not sure how it’s supposed to work. I thought it would be stickier and create more of a barrier. The tube I got is gel-like and greasy. The dog just licked it right off.
Any advice you can throw my way is much appreciated. Thanks – Greg (B. Diddy)