Tail Amputation

[carmie]

My daschund had to have an injured tail amputated. He has about 3 inches of his tail left. He chases what is left and continually tries to damage it or manipulate it to the point that it bleeds. Almost to the bone. Vet and I have tried everything. The only thing that stops his torture is to wrap the tail which gives it no room to breathe, etc. This procedure appears to give the dog relief with the additional weight and protection of the bandage. Vet isn't sure what it could be unless phantom pains. Vet doesn't believe the behavior is cause by sensitive nerve endings since he has manipulated the tail and the dog acts fine. Bottomline, I have looked for a prosthetic device for a tail or a covering other then bandages that we could use on a permanent basis. Does anyone out there have any ideas? Thanks.

[CarolC]

They do make a tail protector wrap. I don't know if they make that size though.

http://www.animalrehab.on.ca/supports/supports.php

There is a medication called Neurontin (generic name gabapentin) that might give him relief.

[carmie]

Thank you for getting back with me. I have emailed the website you suggested to see if they make a tail protector in Charlie's size.

[critters]

Yes, I'd give gabapentin a try, in case he's having any Phantom pain. It sounds like he may be.

[cricketsmom]

You probably already tried this, but an old fashioned E-collar securely fastened may do a world of good. He'll hate it, but if it keeps his tail in one piece, might be worth it!

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

And that awesome new product, the no bite collar:



http://www.handicappedpets.com/www/inde ... ollar.html

Says it protects the base of the tail, you'd have to see if that's far enough:

•Protects the back, rump, base of tail, flanks, chest, abdomen and genitals.
•Stops small and medium dogs from licking their feet (Dobermans and German Shepherds are difficult to stop).
•Also protects urinary, femural and jugular catheters, and may be for cervical stabilization.
•Do not use to protect eyes or ears.
•Wraps snugly around the animal's neck and should be wide enough to extend from behind the ear to the top of the shoulder.
•Made of flexible plastic and are secured by velcro and an elastic wraparound strap. They also have a patented harness strap which wraps around the animal's chest to prevent the animal from flipping the collar over its head. These collars really stay on!
•Peripheral vision is unimpeded. Dogs and cats are calmer and happier.
•Custom sewn, machine washable and can be used again and again.
•Available in seven sizes for dogs and two sizes for cats (see chart for approximate sizing).
•When choosing size, the collar must stretch from behind the animal's ear to the top of its shoulder for maximum protection.