Crocheted tail protector

[♥ DIY ♥]

Source Pressure sores on tail.

[superozzo]

Anyone have to deal with this issue for a downed dog? My dog has a long tail and it is always caught under him when he lays down. When he drags to change sides, his tail is where the friction is. I don't let him ever drag on the floor. This occurs in his crate at night or while I am at work. He has a quality orthopedic mattress and lots of fleece blankets. Been treating with the vet for two months but they aren't healing. He's on an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic. Vet suggested wrapping loosely and putting neosporin on it when wrapped. But he just gets it off when he changes position. Any ideas? Vet is thinking best thing to do is to remove his tail but I don't want to do another surgery

[Bobbie]

No ideas here- I think I'm with the vet on this one. But maybe you can splint it straight out back so he can't lie on it? The trouble is, it isn't healing the sores that is the main issue- it is that if they do heal what's to keep more from forming if he is still lying on his tail all the time?

[CarolC]

Third try posting, it keeps logging me out!

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

Tail protector? No idea if it will work.

If he is getting it wet, that may be the problem, if so I would try malewraps.

[slshepherds]

Hi ... Sorry for the late response. I had a similar problem with a foster dog I was looking after. What I did was crochet a tube that fitted round his tail. Once the tube was the right length I carried on crocheting a strip about 3" wide until it met the bottom of his harness. I then attached the tail holder to his harness using ribbon - voila!

Here is a photo of him all kitted out, you can see the cover on his tail, going up his back. If your dog doesn't wear a harness you could use ribbon or a belt to tie the cover in place round his waist.

[CarolC]

That deserves some kind of an award. That is SO cool. Brilliant!!!!!