Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Wondering Wednesday from one Woo and his Mom





I am wondering what I did to deserve THIS!!!



I am wondering if you have any advice for me - how do I get rid of this thing???


Wordy Wondering from the Mom:  First of all, let me tell you that the nasty tumor is looking a bit calmer today so maybe the antibiotics are helping.  I will know more tomorrow when we visit with the doctor who has been monitoring this lump for several months now.  But meanwhile, my poor boy is miserable.  If I take the Comfy collar off him even for a few minutes, he tries to get at his tail.  This is a new thing, so I am thinking it is either very itchy or else painful, or maybe both.  I cannot let him lick or chew at that area because the lump will burst open and the bleeding will be unstoppable.  His whole personality changes when he has to wear the cone.  Some of you may remember how he was back in 2009 when he had that massive surgical wound on his chest and he had to wear a shirt for weeks.  He became what I have to call severely depressed.  I see the same look on his face now.  I have this collar and the traditional plastic e-collar that kills the humans' legs.  I also have the inflatable ring that goes around the neck.  All three of these keep him from getting at his tail, but they also make it very hard for him to get in and out of his crate.  His hearing is very poor so he relies on his eyesight quite a bit (and that isn't too good either).  This Comfy collar and the plastic one really restrict his vision so he startles quite easily if one of the other dogs or a person comes upon him.  Lastly I have another collar that is sort of like a surgical collar that fits snugly around his neck but doesn't restrict his vision.  Unfortunately this one isn't a good choice because he has severe neck and upper spine discomfort, and it isn't good to restrict his neck movement that much.  I have been trying to find some other option.  I have been to several pet stores in the area today and have searched online.  I am wondering if anyone out there has any creative suggestions.  Ideally it would be something that is fairly comfortable and flexible but not so big that it prevents him from going in and out of his crate or seeing what is to the left and right of him.  He doesn't need to be crated, but his crate is his safe haven, he loves to be in there, it is his security blanket.  Please throw your thoughts out to me, you never know what might work.  I am willing to try anything.  And thank you so much for all your good thoughts.

Woos - Phantom and his Mom Kathie


27 comments:

  1. gosh it i a tough one....the only thing I can think of is to bandage his tail to stop him licking at it, tough to do as bandages don't hold well on the tail - have you tried that self sticking bandage? Maybe put the cone on at night when you can't watch him but a bandage during the day?

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  2. Try this again - Mom Kim here - I can see where the inflatable ring would get in the way of Phantom going in his crate but if it keeps him from bothering his tail - wouldn't it allow him a little better vision than the comfort one? I wonder if it would also allow for better flexibility when moving? I wish I knew of something else that he could wear. I know this would not be a permanent solution but what about keeping him on a leash for even a few minutes for a break - maybe use a treat as a lure to keep him from bothering his tail - I can only imagine how miserable he must feel - neither of the Beaglebratz have had to wear the cone of shame (yet - knock on wood)

    So glad to hear that the yucky is not so yucky today - now poor Phantom just needs a reprieve from that comfort cone.
    Mom Kim

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  3. We were wondering if there was a cream to put on his tail that would help with the itching? I am sure you have tried it all, and like Kim said would a inflatable kids ring for the pool be smaller but do the job, and he could see over it better? I saw something the other day where someone took one of those pool noodles and did something with them...I will see if I can find where I saw it....I am so sorry he is having to go through this....and you also....stella rose's momma

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  4. http://www.instructables.com/id/Alternative-to-the-Elizabethan-Collar/

    We thought this was an interesting concept and wouldn't be real expensive to try...it would certainly give him good vision and should keep him from bothering his tail.....
    they used insulated pipe cover....let me know if you cannot find it on the web and I will try to copy if off for you.
    stella rose's momma

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  5. Poor Phantom! Would one of those bandages that wrap but only stick to themselves like they put on when blood is drawn stay on his tail? With maybe some cream to stop any itchiness? We don't know what else but hope you can find something to make him happy again. Give him smooches from us!

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  6. What a problem! Poor Phantom. You'd think they'd invent one that would fit over the base of the tail...or a tutu thingy. Good luck. It makes us sad to think he's depressed....

    Bring on More Jerky.

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  7. I don't have any good ideas at all. Poor Phantom. Phantom, we sure send you tons of purrs and many Hee Haws. We sure hope someone can help you and that the vet visit goes well tomorrow. Take care.

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  8. I don't know if you saw my post about foster dog Osha. Her momma came up with a very creative collar solution using pool noodles! There's a picture on my post, http://savetheboxers.blogspot.com/2014/08/osha-update.html.

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  9. Oh, rats! Didn't realize you had tried the inflatable! :( I'm glad the tumor is looking a little better - will continue to pray that the vet has some encouraging news for you!
    KZK

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  10. Aww poor Phantom. I sure hope you feel better soon and the doctor is able to take great care of you my friend. Try not to be sad.

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  11. We thought the same thing,,,, about the insulated pipe cover.. or cut a small piece of drain tube-- they come in different sizes..
    Wish we could think of something else.

    love
    tweedles

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  12. Shiloh and Shasta and CASEY are talking about the same thing... don't know if it would work for Phantom or not... but it IS somthing to take a look at.

    I am almost embarrassed to suggest this... but I know that you will understand that I am NOT trying to be funny..
    Do you think that putting a Diaper on him would work? You could cut a Hole to bring his tail at least PART Way through... and yet still protect the area that he should not lick.
    That would not be for long periods of time... just long enough to give him a hour or so of Break.
    I feel so bad for the poor boy. Just PRAY that the Vet can give you some suggestions and solutions.
    POTP for our dear friend.

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  13. We're getting one of our rare chances to check a few blogs. So sorry to read about Phantom's tail. We're keeping our paws crossed for him. Lots of good ideas about physical impediments from other readers. Assume the vet is offering some better living through chemistry, too. Jed is on tramadol for chronic pain. Tough call between keeping the pain at bay but not keeping him so doped up that he's not able to enjoy life.

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  14. Oh Phantom, we wish we had some answers for you. We were thinking of Casey's post about Osha using the pool noodles too.
    hugs and prayers
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Greta

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  15. Oh Phantom! How horrible that cone thingy us! I agree with Frankie, maybe some underpants?

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  16. Hi Phantom & Mom,
    I wish I had a clever idea to share...glad to see others have posted some interesting ones. I am sending you POTP and tons of healing husky vibes and pawsitive energy. The kitties are also sending purrs. I hope your vet visit goes well and that you are feeling better soon. Try not to be depressed...know that you are VERY loved, Phantom ♥
    Hugs, Love and Pawsitive energy,
    Skye, The Moondance Huskies, Kitties and Mom Joan

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  17. Sending you lots of Love and POTP, Phantom. I feel your pain with the cone...I have a hissy fit every time I see such a cone!!

    Wyatt

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  18. I wish I could think of something...we have been very lucky that Bilbo hasn't had this kind of issue....we are also sending lots of prayers and POTP!!

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  19. Phantom, I wish I could help you. All I can do is send my love and hugs and I hope you feel them surrounding you soon. Mommy and I love you very much. I hope your booboo tail gets better soon.

    Love Sasha and Mommy

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  20. Unfortunately the post about the alternative to the Elizabethan collar says, "it may not prevent an animal from licking/biting its front paws or the end of its tail."

    I like the idea of something like a tutu or collar for his hind end. I'm not sure how that would work, and it might not let him go in and out of his crate, but at least he could see better.

    Good luck! I do love that boy. Thank you for all your posts.

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  21. We so wish we had a solution. We feel so sorry for poor Phantom. Alas we have no suggestion. All we can say is your dear boy is in our thoughts and prayers.
    Best wishes Molly

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  22. We sure hope this gets better for you, Phantom. We can't think of anything that hasn't been suggested here already. We continue to send you lots and lots of AireZen!

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  23. Seems you still have a collar like that, but I will post the link, maybe there is another idea what could be helpful.
    http://www.handicappedpets.com/no-cone-collar.html
    I hope for good news when you visit the vet and I cross my paws for your boy. Our Frosty had the same problem (it was directly on his anus) and I agree with you the bleeding is horrible.

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  24. Hi there,i'm not sure if my last comment went through, but I am so sorry for what your going through. Phantom is one tough pup!
    Is there some way I can contact you, I have made something for Phantom.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  25. Wish I had a suggestion, but looks like a few people have ideas. Hope one of them works

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