Chin Licking Surgery Wound

[MN Chin Mom]

My Chin, Scout, had one of her toes amputated last night after my other chin bit it nearly off. The vet used sutures that will dissolve, and she is on pain meds and antibiotics. When checking on her today I noticed that she was intently licking her wound. I was unable to distract her from it, but after my repeated moving of her paw away from her mouth she gave up. I called the vet and they said that her licking (or possible chewing) could pull out the stitches or cause infection, but did not have any solution to make her stop chewing. They did not have any cones that would be small enough. She suggested fashioning a cone or covering the wound in some way until it has been able to heal. Any ideas on how to do that? I can't figure out anything that she would not be able to get out of.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[mercynursie]

Only solution I know of is the cone. Is your vet an exotic vet? If not, you may be able to check with an exotic vet. They are more likely to have the smaller cones. Otherwise you may have to design one.You can make your own out of the flexible plastic like those used to make the flexible notebooks,folders etc. It should be stiff enough and go past the head in size. otherwise chinnie can chew it/get it off.Remember with the cone on you have to provide food/water. Good luck!

 

[MN Chin Mom]

Thanks for the help. When we took her into regular vet for post surgery check in, the vet said their was no evidence of nibbling, so it seems like an isolated incident. Thank goodness, because her craftiness would be no match for a cone!