Question:
We have a 9-year-old beagle (stray) with an injury on his tail that must have been slammed in a door. We have had him for about a year and have cleared up most of the injury by putting a cone on his head (to keep him from licking the wound), per our vet's suggestion.
However, there is a small part (1/3-inch diameter) that never seems to heal; and when it does get a good scab, he will not leave it alone. He bites and licks it. I feel I cannot leave the cone on forever. A gauze bandage slips off because the tail is tapered. Any suggestions?
B.S., Bethesda, Md Apr 18, 2011
Answer:
Too many dogs get their tails injured by various doors, and in some instances, amputation is called for.
Your dog's tail wound may never properly heal if there is any broken bone beneath it -- an X-ray would determine this best.
Beagles need their tails, so I would put a soft, padded 5- to 6-inch-wide collar around his neck at all times, except when eating and playing under strict supervision. This is more comfortable than the lampshade-like cone.
Discuss with your veterinarian about healing the wound with manuka honey and essential oils such as helichrysum, myrrh and even propolis from the beehive if it is pure. The antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of many natural products are remarkable and well documented.
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