Maggie continues doing GREAT! She is zooming out the doggy door, eating and eliminating well. She does not cry or anything, but stares at me and shakes a bit right before her pain meds are due, so I know she is feeling some pain then. I try to help her with some massage and lots of love.
The one problem seems to be her stitches itching (and the area that has been shaved). We put on her Cone of Shame when we have to leave her alone (which we try to avoid, by taking turns staying with her) and at night. One of us is always with her at all other times, to tell her to “Leave it!” if she starts to bite the area.
The books recommends:
An anti-inflammatory spray, such as Dermacool Hc.
Over the counter medicines to relieve itching, such as Benadryl and Chlorpheniramine
Some vets recommend using ointment such as Neosporin
Homeopathic remedies suggested in The Whole Pet Diet, include Calendula, Comfrey and Myrh
I was wondering if any of you have tried/can recommend any of these and where can I find them? (I live in a small town with VERY limited shopping – WalMart is our store!!!)
Hi Judi and Maggie – So glad that recovery is going well! Aren’t they amazing!!
As far as itchiness goes, I have only ever given Benedryl of the remedies you listed in the post. That works for us and has the added benefit of making them sleepy.
While the wound was healing, I used this spray http://www.thatpetplace.com/microcyn-vetericyn-woundinfection-pump-spray-8oz You might be able to find it at Walmart, but Petco or Petsmart would have it most likely. There’s always a debate between letting a wound air out vs. keeping it moist and wrapped up… I chose keeping it moist with this spray and loosely wrapping him up in gauze. It worked for us.
I hope she starts to feel better soon!
Heather & Barret
Thanks Heather and Barret – I don’t know if you can see my reply to Sally and Happy Hannah, but just in case you can’t, here it is:
I called the vet and was told not to put anything on the stitches, because if she does get to them, that would not be good for her to ingest. I thought about asking about giving her Benedryl, but decided not to, as she’s on 2 pain killers and an antibiotic. So, we’re continuing to stay with her and use the collar only at bedtime.
She’s still taking it easy, sleeping a lot, which is fine. When she’s motivated, she can RUN! Like, there were two deer outside the fence when she went out last night!!!
We’re thinking ahead to what to do about our (wood) steps. Right now we”re spending most of our time downstairs with her, where it’s carpeted. We carry her upstairs when we eat and she stays on a rug.
Thanks again for your continued support!! Take care! Judi and Maggie
Hi Jidi and Maggie!
As you know from my email, from our correspondence, I don’t have anything to add as far as the itching,HOWEVER..I do have a lotof APPLAUSE for the two of you!!
I’m soooooo thrilled to hear how well sne is doing! This is just amazng! And yeah, you’reprobavly spot on about the sha,ing right before it’s time for her meds. That is dedinitely a sign of pain. She really seems to be quite comfortable though and, this early after recovery, that is great!!
Maggie is a very, very loved pup…..but how could you NOT love that cutie pie?
Keep checking in and I hope someone can give you more i sight into the itching.
Still APPLAUDING over here! CLAPPING LOUDY! Can you hear us?
Sally and Happy Hannah
Thanks Sally and HH! I called the vet and was told not to put anything on the stitches, because if she does get to them, that would not be good for her to ingest. I thought about asking about giving her Benedryl, but decided not to, as she’s on 2 pain killers and an antibiotic. So, we’re continuing to stay with her and use the collar only at bedtime.
She’s still taking it easy, sleeping a lot, which is fine. When she’s motivated, she can RUN! Like, there were two deer outside the fence when she went out last night!!!
We’re thinking ahead to what to do about our (wood) steps. Right now we”re spending most of our time downstairs with her, where it’s carpeted. We carry her upstairs when we eat and she stays on a rug.
Thanks again for your continued support!! Take care! Judi and Maggie
Hey Judi-
Vetricyn is safe and non-toxic if ingested, but no worries – you do what your vet tells you to do to be safe.
I keep a throw rug with a rubber backing at the top and bottoms of my steps so that there is some traction.
Have you considered carpet stair treads if your steps are slippery? http://www.amazon.com/Carpet-Stair-Treads-23-Copper/dp/B003RYWXDS/ref=pd_sim_misc_6