Guest Frannie Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I closed my front door on Mable's tail last week - something I vowed never to do. I've been so painstaking. I feel absolutely terrible. Mable's a very shy girl who has come a long way, but the sound of clouds passing overhead still terrifies her. (Not really, but you get the picture...) So this has really done a number on her. Her beautiful white tipped tail is fractured at the end and badly lacerated. My vet is doing everything possible to save it, and I will be heartbroken if the last 2 inches have to be amputated. We have to go in for bandage change and wound check every five days, more frequently if she gets it wet or it comes loose, and it's costing me about $72 (!) each time (I do have pet insurance, but I doubt that this will be covered). I'm going to try a condom over the bandage when it's raining. I can't think of anything else! I know this is a common accident that owners have with their greys. Any helpful hints on speeding the healing and helping Mable recover her sweet little soul? Thanks, Frannie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozgirl2 Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 So sorry this happened!! Hopefully they can save the tail. I'm always afraid I'll do this to my cats! Quote Jeannine with Merlin, the crazed tabby cat and his sister, Jasmine, the brat-cat With Angel Cody(Roving Gemini), and Weenie the tortie waiting at the Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 Oh geez... I'm sorry this happened! Lots of folks (including me) have dealt with "happy tail" healing. Do a GT search for happy tail and you'll get lots of tips for how to do the bandage changes and such at home. Shouldn't need to go to the vet for that once the stitches/staples are out. Prayers for steady and quick healing. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Frannie Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 Thanks! I just did the search. I'm going to be cautious and take Mable's injury seriously. I know it's a lot of money, but it sounds like I really have no business fooling around with it at home. Oh geez... I'm sorry this happened! Lots of folks (including me) have dealt with "happy tail" healing. Do a GT search for happy tail and you'll get lots of tips for how to do the bandage changes and such at home. Shouldn't need to go to the vet for that once the stitches/staples are out. Prayers for steady and quick healing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I've been through a tail trimming myself, and I can tell you that when it was over and healed I KICKED myself for not doing it sooner. It was a 16 week nightmare trying to get my last dog's major "happy tail" to heal. When he needed major surgery for his leg anyway, the vet removed the badly damaged tip of his tail, and used the extra skin to cover the end (giving it a double thickness). Best thing that even happened for that sweet dog! He didn't miss it, and once the fur grew back you never would have known. I'm sorry for your girl's pain, but my experience was that all the efford and bandaging and visits to the vet were much more difficult for my dog than the "trim." Which sounds better than "partial amputation." Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I'm sure Mable knows you didn't mean it. We'll think all good thoughts for her Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Enna Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 Could you ask the vet to show you how to bandage and what to look for so you can do some of the wound care at home? Or, could you switch from a vet visit to a tech visit for at least every other bandage change, which should save you a little money? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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