RileysLegacy Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 Thanks, suesmom. I have been giving him medicated baths w/o much improvement. It's just no matter what I do, nothing can heal w/ the constant licking. I finally gave in and put him in an Elizabethan collar I probably should have done it sooner. On Wed night he got one spot so bad it is all bloody, oozing and quite deep. Unfortunately I think he can still reach his paws but at least the leg will have some time to heal. sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Have you tried giving him some benedryl? In the past I have given it when things are healing that might be itchy and thus cause them to lick. Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greyt_dog_lover Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 what about a muzzle? Forget the stupid E-collar, just put his turn-out muzzle on him and be done with it. If he continues to lick with his muzzle on, get a poop cup and then you have no worries of him licking anymore. Remember, a muzzle is your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 (edited) I might push your vet about the anti-anxiety meds. They will either work or they won't. What's the harm in trying for a few days to see? If they don't, then you know. If they do, then you've avoided days if not weeks of torturing yourself over feeling like you're torturing him with e-collars, muzzles, sores not healing, etc. I understand the need to be cautious about the use of medications like that, but there ARE appropriate reasons to use them and they generally are safe to use. ETA: And I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Poor Legs and poor you. Edited October 11, 2012 by NeylasMom Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 I don't have a muzzle or else I would have tried it. But I've heard from quite a few people that their dog would cause more damage to themselves w/ the muzzle on, so I haven't ordered one. Yeah I kinda agree about the anxiety meds. I don't think she realizes how bad it's gotten. I'll see how it goes now that he's wearing the e collar. If it doesn't break the cycle, I will bring him back in and discuss it further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyMityMo Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Is it his back legs? I recall someone saying that if a pup is getting shakey in their back legs and licking them it may be a sign of numbness. Someone (Petra I think) got their pup the shots in the back end for LS and saw an immediate improvement in mobility and and end to the licking. Quote Maureen, Sean, Molly (Garnett Madonna) and Sully (Starz Top Style) Visit LongDog Leather Works for adjustable leather martingales, wrap around leather tag bags, breakaway tag necklaces and cool leather people gear. Check out our Etsy store! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted October 12, 2012 Share Posted October 12, 2012 It was actually Dee who's pup was having the licking issue and brought that up in H&M somewhere (both her pup and Petra's have LS). You may be able to find her old thread. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 12, 2012 Author Share Posted October 12, 2012 **!! He figured out how to lick his leg w/ the e collar. It looks horrific, I think it's infected. I'm going to have to take him to some vet tomorrow, of course his regular vet is off on Fridays. I hadn't even considered that the licking & back leg weakness might be related. Thanks so much, I will definitely do some research. Something is really not right w/ him for sure. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted October 12, 2012 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Poor guy...and this is so stressful for you, Lucy. I hope something that will help you guys presents itself soon Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 12, 2012 Author Share Posted October 12, 2012 Thanks so much. His leg looks better this morning. I don't think it's really infected, just gross looking. I just ordered a muzzle for him & made him a vet appt for tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyMityMo Posted October 12, 2012 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Have you tried EMT Gel? It helps things to heal really fast plus has a nasty taste to it. Quote Maureen, Sean, Molly (Garnett Madonna) and Sully (Starz Top Style) Visit LongDog Leather Works for adjustable leather martingales, wrap around leather tag bags, breakaway tag necklaces and cool leather people gear. Check out our Etsy store! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejoesmom Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Thanks so much. His leg looks better this morning. I don't think it's really infected, just gross looking. I just ordered a muzzle for him & made him a vet appt for tomorrow. Just wanted to chime in about the muzzle. I would definitely use it with a stool guard. Just a muzzle typically won't prevent licking. A stool guard is preferred over using duct tape due to its sturdiness. You attach the stool guard with a couple of zip ties (tie wraps). Be sure to cut off the ends of the zip tie leaving about 1/8 inch. This is important -- use a file to round the ends of the zip tie so there are no sharp corners. The sharp corners from the zip tie is what typically does the damage. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Checking on Legs today. How's it going, and what did the vet say? Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 15, 2012 Author Share Posted October 15, 2012 I'm taking Legs to see my regular vet this morning. The other vet told me to try Benedryl so he's been taking it every 8 hrs since Friday & I think it has helped a little. On Friday I came home for lunch & he had bashed his biggest wound w/ the edge of the e collar, blood everywhere! Of course it is right below his back "knee" which is pretty much impossible to bandage as it just slips down no matter what I do. I'm hoping my vet has some ideas. I want to try anti-anxiety meds for sure. He can't live like this! This weekend I had him in the e collar, a bite not neck brace, and a bandage in 90 degree weather. He was so miserable & could still lick in certain positions That darn needlenose!! Thanks for checking in on him!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 15, 2012 Author Share Posted October 15, 2012 Thanks so much. His leg looks better this morning. I don't think it's really infected, just gross looking. I just ordered a muzzle for him & made him a vet appt for tomorrow. Just wanted to chime in about the muzzle. I would definitely use it with a stool guard. Just a muzzle typically won't prevent licking. A stool guard is preferred over using duct tape due to its sturdiness. You attach the stool guard with a couple of zip ties (tie wraps). Be sure to cut off the ends of the zip tie leaving about 1/8 inch. This is important -- use a file to round the ends of the zip tie so there are no sharp corners. The sharp corners from the zip tie is what typically does the damage. Jane Thank you Jane!! I am hoping the muzzle & stool guard get here by the end of this week. I will def use the zip ties & file them down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 15, 2012 Author Share Posted October 15, 2012 Big day for Legs today! My vet is now thinking this is neurological and unrelated to thyroid or skin infection. He's had issues w/ his back end since I adopted him 2 years ago & she thinks his legs may be hurting or numb which is why he won't stop licking. So she took another set of spinal xrays today & is sending them to a specialist to see if there's any changes from last time. In the meantime he got laser treatments on his back, chiro along his whole spine & acupuncture around his biggest wound. If it seems to help, I'll take him back for more laser & chiro next week. I just hope this helps him stop licking and maybe even improves his tolerance for exercise. As it is right now he doesn't have the best quality of life, although he is a very happy boy. He deserves to be able to run and play, and not have to wear a stupid e collar or muzzle for the rest of this life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyMityMo Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Isn't there a med for nerve pain? Gabapentin maybe? Something like that I think. I would put some EMT spray or gel on the sores - it is amazing how fast things heal with that on. Good luck Acupuncture helped Mr. Murphy a lot with stiffness and back end issues. Quote Maureen, Sean, Molly (Garnett Madonna) and Sully (Starz Top Style) Visit LongDog Leather Works for adjustable leather martingales, wrap around leather tag bags, breakaway tag necklaces and cool leather people gear. Check out our Etsy store! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newgreymom Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Gabapentin is for nerve pain.. Lucy, I would definitely check with your vet!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 OH yay! I hope that the treatments he received today helped! If he really is having those hind end issues, the acupuncture should help a LOT. It did wonders for Carrie, combined with chiropractic and Robaxin Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 (edited) Big day for Legs today! My vet is now thinking this is neurological and unrelated to thyroid or skin infection. He's had issues w/ his back end since I adopted him 2 years ago & she thinks his legs may be hurting or numb which is why he won't stop licking. So she took another set of spinal xrays today & is sending them to a specialist to see if there's any changes from last time. In the meantime he got laser treatments on his back, chiro along his whole spine & acupuncture around his biggest wound. If it seems to help, I'll take him back for more laser & chiro next week. I just hope this helps him stop licking and maybe even improves his tolerance for exercise. As it is right now he doesn't have the best quality of life, although he is a very happy boy. He deserves to be able to run and play, and not have to wear a stupid e collar or muzzle for the rest of this life Try him on gabapentin :-) Edited to add--start with 100mgs tablets so you can slowly increase the dosage. Gabapentin is a medication that they can initially become wonky on until their body adjusts to the medication. Please revisit the hypothyroid diagnosis. Edited October 16, 2012 by tbhounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Thanks I will ask about gabapentin. I'm going to finish the month of thyroid meds, but if no changes I won't be continuing after that. He's been sleeping soundly since his vet visit & leaving his leg alone pretty much Not sure if it is due the treatments or he's just exhausted from all the excitement yesterday. Hoping it's the former Thanks so much everyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meandmy Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Lucy, if it's just one leg, you could always put a half a pair of pants on him. I know it's hot where you are, but lightweight toddler pant work great and keep them away from the areas that are too difficult to bandage. Here is a picture of Tori in her toddler pants Hopefully the treatment that you are trying for Legs works, but if you want more information on making pants for Legs just let me know Quote Jenn, missing Shadow (Wickford Big Tom), Pretty Girl (C's Pretty) and Tori (Santoria) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share Posted October 19, 2012 Lucy, if it's just one leg, you could always put a half a pair of pants on him. I know it's hot where you are, but lightweight toddler pant work great and keep them away from the areas that are too difficult to bandage. Here is a picture of Tori in her toddler pants Hopefully the treatment that you are trying for Legs works, but if you want more information on making pants for Legs just let me know Yes, I'd love to know how you did this. Tori looks too cute! I don't know that Legs would handle that too well (he won't even walk when his leg is wrapped), but at this point I'm willing to try anything! I got his muzzle today & boy does he hate it :( But hopefully it will work better than the e collar. My vet just called in an rx for gabapentin. I really hope it helps my poor boy. The treatments he got didn't seem to do much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 it may take the Gabapentin a few days to work, it did for Nube. Sending more prayers! Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DogNite Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I made pants like that for my first greyhound Teala, who would lick giant sores in her back legs. her little needle nose eventually found a way to push the fabric aside - I hope they work better for your boy. Regarding the sores.. you could try Oxy-Doc. I use it for all kinds of things, but it should really help with this issue as well. it is sold to help with bacterial, viral and fungal problems by changing the PH balance. It works well,, doesn't sting AND i have used it as a dental rinse for Lazer on occasion. It's very strong, so you have to dilute it. good luck!!! Quote lorinda, mom to the ever revolving door of Foster greyhounds Always in my heart: Teala (LC Sweet Dream) , Pepton, Darbee-Do (Hey Barb) , Rascal (Abitta Rascal), Power (Beyond the Power), and the miracle boy LAZER (2/21/14), Spirit (Bitter Almonds) 8/14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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