Have you ever had a pet with a wound so bad it had a tube that has to be flushed? I am so freaked out. Savanna, my Rat Terrier, has major stitches from her fight with Chloe. There is a tube from one end of the wound to the other so fluid will not build. If anyone has experienced this how is the best way to keep them from scratching or licking the tube and stitches. I thought about a sweater to cover it. Last night I put gauze over it.
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wound with a tube for flushing
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Yes, I've had them. Where is the wound/drain? and how big? Is it an open drain or a closed drain to bulb suction? If it's open (and depending on how much she drains), the draining will be messy and you'll need to keep clean towels/blankets in her crate (changing them frequently.)
You might get lucky and she'll leave it alone, you may need a collar, increased supervision, etc, etc. If it's too much for you, or you're not comfortable taking care of it, then the vet is probably the best place for her. The drain is to remove fluid, prevent infection and promote healing.
I'm an ICU nurse and have no problem taking care of things like that, but my husband freaks and won't go near them.Stella (Merle), Zeus (Blue)Noogie-Boogie (Doxxie)Kasey (Pug aka: the turd)
The Felines: Precious, Chloe & RayAt the Bridge: Fluffy, Brandy, Tiffany, Gizmo, Woof, Scrappy, Duke, Shay, Cleo, Vader, Pepper, Conner
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My husband can handle it. I can't. The drain goes in the top of the wound on the back of her neck to left if you are facing her and comes out on her right shoulder. She can get to it and won't leave it alone. It is open drain. We have wound care solution to mix with water and flush through the tube twice a day. Last night I had some gauze wrap we got from the hospital when my husband had a wreck. I wrapped it around her to keep the end of the drain she can reach covered and to catch any drainage.
She looks pitiful. I freaked out when I picked her up from the vet.The Mel Mom
3 awesome kids (20, 12, 8)
Hogan and Nikki my Great Dane Duo
Savanna the old lady Rat Terrier
Mollie - the rolly polly Pug
Huey and Isaiah - the AristoCats
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Focus on her, and not the equipment/tubes. She's still there, & she needs you. Hang in there!
From what you describe, the wound itself might not be condusive to a collar. Call them back and see if they can suggest anything different.Stella (Merle), Zeus (Blue)Noogie-Boogie (Doxxie)Kasey (Pug aka: the turd)
The Felines: Precious, Chloe & RayAt the Bridge: Fluffy, Brandy, Tiffany, Gizmo, Woof, Scrappy, Duke, Shay, Cleo, Vader, Pepper, Conner
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They did send the collar but it is so big she can't really even lay down with it. We are putting the gauze on a roll around it to keep her from getting to it. It is working well and also catches the drainage from the tube. She is doing good and not acting like it really bothers her.The Mel Mom
3 awesome kids (20, 12, 8)
Hogan and Nikki my Great Dane Duo
Savanna the old lady Rat Terrier
Mollie - the rolly polly Pug
Huey and Isaiah - the AristoCats
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Just make sure that you change that gauze regularly so it doesn't promote infection in that area. Bacteria love that drainage stuff....sigpic
Crystal
Owned by:
Dexter 8 year old GD, CGC
CH xxx's Top Gear AKA Studebaker (Baker) 4 years
Bagel 19 yr old Maine Coon
Lox 11 yr old Russian Blue mix
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You might want to think about getting one of these...
http://www.jefferspet.com/ssc/produc...&pf_id=0032337
or
http://www.jefferspet.com/ssc/produc...&pf_id=0030286
Both of these would be great so your dog would still be able to lie down and not SEE the cone. But again... depending on the exact location of the wound it might not work.
Good luck and I hope your baby is better soon!!sigpic
Shaylee
Brody-Duke-Fritzie
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