Maggie’s Man's Best Friend Thread

34SF said:

Just a follow-up and I'll stop when you guys have had enough. We're at day 3 with Manuka honey and immobilizing. The attached picture shows the wound this morning and you can clearly see the lacerations from the mattress sutures. Unfortunately, the edges will not stay approximated and there's no adherence. I really hesitate to ask for some fine (4-0) sutures to close these due to the amount of trauma we already have. Thoughts?

Otherwise, it looks a lot healthier but still a long way to go. There is one mystery knot of the heavy suture line on the inside of his paw that I can't figure out where the suture goes. Hoping to have that removed on Wed. Just FYI, we were able to buy the Manuka honey at the local Save Mart grocery store for $19.99. We opted for the honey without the silver only because of some (very few) reports where the silver version had complications with deep tissue wounds. I think with this level of wound, the wound fluid has to go somewhere besides just sitting in the wound until the next change. It's harder to tell with honey how much of the fluid is infected wound fluid and how much is just honey (both are yellow). with the large pocket under the pad, I don't want drainage into the hole that may cause a reaction we can't see. He's on a broad spectrum antibiotic and a specific for a K9 type of MRSA infection from the first hospital.

Thanks again for the support and information.

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Something you might want to do with the next dressing change: Take a freezer storage bag (quart is OK), cut the sides so you have single layer. Lay over wound and with a sharpie carefully (as accurately as you can) mark out (outline over) on the bag the actual "open" edge of the wound (not granulation), with date; on second half of bag do the same for what you see as "red" and date. Helps to reassure that progress is being made or not.
Besides the honey what is being used for dressing on top?

UKDslayer said:

Something you might want to do with the next dressing change: Take a freezer storage back (quart is OK), cut the sides so you have single layer. Lay over wound and with a sharpie carefully (as accurately as you can) mark out (outline over) on the bag the actual "open" edge of the wound (not granulation), with date; on second half of bag do the same for what you see as "red" and date. Helps to reassure that progress is being made or not.
Besides the honey what is being used for dressing on top?

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Good idea. I take pictures everyday to check progress but the angle is always different. We've made some progress on the lacerations and in general it looks a lot more calm. I made him a new splint from rigid plastic tube and a heat gun to provide a wider base of support and keep him from trying to walk on it.

Bandage: high MGO honey under a non-adhesive 3X4, two passes of gauze in a figure eight to hold that down. Then, three passes of cast padding, secured with two passes of stretch adhesive wrap. Then the splint. All this is very light compression; just enough to keep the 3X4 from shifting and to hold everything in place. He gets a few minutes of cleaning the non wound area with chlorhexidine and neo-predef and cotton balls between the toes each day as we try to clean up the entire area under the bandage. I don't want to get aggressive with the non-wound area cleanup because of the pain involved but the last surgery left a lot of crap on the backside of the paw and ankle.

The margins have almost all developed smoother edges with good blood flow and there's some granulation on the upper half. None of the margins are adhered to the underlying tissue though. I'm still worried about the pocket under the metacarpal pad but it looks better to me in the last few days.

34SF said:

The margins have almost all developed smoother edges with good blood flow and there's some granulation on the upper half. None of the margins are adhered to the underlying tissue though. I'm still worried about the pocket under the metacarpal pad but it looks better to me in the last few days.

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I'm glad you are aware of that pocket - what we call "potential spaces" can form abscesses which you don't want. Watch for warmth - it will be hard to access tenderness.

34SF said:

Good idea. I take pictures everyday to check progress but the angle is always different. We've made some progress on the lacerations and in general it looks a lot more calm.

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That last pic already looks better!

34SF said:

I made him a new splint from rigid plastic tube and a heat gun to provide a wider base of support and keep him from trying to walk on it.

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That's awesome! Outstanding!! You are being a great dad!!

Can you loosely poke a 1/4" wide xeroform into the pocket and change it with each dressing change? This will promote drainage and help avoid abscess formation.

mrdrar said:

Can you loosely poke a 1/4" wide xeroform into the pocket and change it with each dressing change? This will promote drainage and help avoid abscess formation.

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Can I? Yup. Will I? Nope! I've done wound packing care for humans but you can tell them to quit being a sissy. Also I'm not willing to risk any progress at this point on something I haven't done before with him. I'm just slightly better than the "rub some dirt on it" phase in my medical skill development. We see the vet tomorrow and I will bring this up. More seriously though, how would I know if it needs to drain better (ie: what are the signs)?

This is from today. There's a bit more sloughing of "stuff" out of the lower left but the top is progressing. That yellow thing on the bottom right still has me worried because I can't figure out what it is and it's right above the "potential space" UKDslayer cited. The vet was pretty vague.

34SF said:

Can I? Yup. Will I? Nope! I've done wound packing care for humans but you can tell them to quit being a sissy. Also I'm not willing to risk any progress at this point on something I haven't done before with him. I'm just slightly better than the "rub some dirt on it" phase in my medical skill development. We see the vet tomorrow and I will bring this up. More seriously though, how would I know if it needs to drain better (ie: what are the signs)?

This is from today. There's a bit more sloughing of "stuff" out of the lower left but the top is progressing. That yellow thing on the bottom right still has me worried because I can't figure out what it is and it's right above the "potential space" UKDslayer cited. The vet was pretty vague.

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Dude, how do I say that looks so bad, without saying that looks so bad. I wish I could just give your buddy a big hug and make it better. Give you a hug too. Prayers my friend. So sorry I can’t do more.

34SF said:

Can I? Yup. Will I? Nope! I've done wound packing care for humans but you can tell them to quit being a sissy. Also I'm not willing to risk any progress at this point on something I haven't done before with him. I'm just slightly better than the "rub some dirt on it" phase in my medical skill development. We see the vet tomorrow and I will bring this up. More seriously though, how would I know if it needs to drain better (ie: what are the signs)?

This is from today. There's a bit more sloughing of "stuff" out of the lower left but the top is progressing. That yellow thing on the bottom right still has me worried because I can't figure out what it is and it's right above the "potential space" UKDslayer cited. The vet was pretty vague.

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Another surgery? Damn thats huge . That won't heal by secondary intent. Horse vet bad. Gonna lose that paw.

jrhtx said:

@34SF, you may try calling around to find a local Vet that went to UC Davis and try for a direct referral. They may have an oldprofessor or colleague that can help get you a faster appointment. That was how we got to the TAMU head of surgery so fast. Anything to bypass the bureaucracy.

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Please do this Monday. You need an alumni who can make a call and get that dog in.

mrdrar said:

Can you loosely poke a 1/4" wide xeroform into the pocket and change it with each dressing change? This will promote drainage and help avoid abscess formation.

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Don't think the pocket he is referring to is just SQ.

Just a reminder to let us know how it works out with the vet. Hoping for the best.

mrdrar said:

Just a reminder to let us know how it works out with the vet. Hoping for the best.

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The most recent vet yesterday f*cked up bigtime. He is waiting for a new one - but really need UCD and he know it. He physically can't get there because pass is closed due to weather. And he is doing a heck of a job with wound care and leg prosthesis to decrease pressure on it.

mrdrar said:

Just a reminder to let us know how it works out with the vet. Hoping for the best.

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We're healing but slowly. He's got good margins on 80% and it's starting to contract.

A recommendation for your next best friend.

Wolfdog. At least 35% wolf but not above 70 percent. Females are easier to deal with than males who can be aggressive. But dont go buy one, the shelters are all full and many needing homes.

I've had several and there is no dog that comes even close in intelligence and natural abilities. An example. I taught Nikita not to piss in the floor so now if she needs to go in the night she will jump onto the bed to let me know. The other night I was too tired to get up and told her to deal with it. In the morning I found a small puddle of yellow piss in the floor....right beside the toilet. What cold I say but good girl. I gave one of those food puzzles to her daughter Cloud. Didnt bother to figure it out just destroyed it in about a minute.

I've seen many types walked on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall where there are trees and coffee shops. Even the Malinois just trot along like docile little critters. When I took any of mine there they could hear every noise for 100 yds and reacted, finally had to stop taking them. IF you could train one for search and rescue it would be amazing, but thats a big IF. They are incredibly independent and free thinking. Even after 8 years Nikita will always push the limits to test me.

Not for everyone, you need at least a 100x100 enclosed space with 7' high fence with turn ins and dig guards. They need meat, not just kibble several times a week. Theyre very social and need 4 legged companionship, but also very territorial and will kill any 4 legged intruder, but due to a natural fear of humans, not good guard animals. The black one if Cloud the daughter a Blackphase. The photo is before I raised the fences and they would always be jumping it.

mi650 said:

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Badass

Making himself comfortable ........

Someone sent me this today, haven't seen it in maybe a decade..........still brings tears to my eyes..........I do love the dogs..........

god created the dog video

Nappy nappy time on the barn floor with a piece of firewood each that they stole off the stack

Inflation... Unfortunate

Good daoug.

'Good boy': dog saves Philadelphia neighborhood from ...​

The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com › us-news › jan › dog-k...



3 days ago — Kobe the husky becomes internet hero for video of him digging hole in concrete – leading his owner to detect presence of gas.

My 2 Dutch Shepherds Grace (light brindle) 4yo and Stella (dark brindle) is 8mo. Great breed but be prepared they can be a handfull.

That face you make when you get the snow zoomies...

Out in the Sandhill spread today, always love watching that switch flip when he goes from scanning the sky to locked onto birds.

SONIC SAAMI said:

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Hope that’s just mud on the nose

Hey guys, thought I would introduce myself and finally join in this thread

First off @34SF hope your pup is on the mend and keeps making improvements. Looks like you have traveled a long road and wish you both all the best

I'm a dog guy and in my 63 years don't remember ever going more than a few months without a dog or dogs in my life.
This last year has been a little rough after losing my big guy "Gus".
Having a hard time getting over this one but still have Cash the Border Collie and Tuff the Blue Healer to keep me company

Here is a little tribute to Gus

From the time (30 minutes into the 6 hour ride home) when he bonded with me

Till the end, this was his favorite place to be


Even though everyone knows a Weimeraner is not a cow dog, he loved helping me with them, whether moving pastures with his "brother" Cash

or helping me with corral chores. He loved carrying the empty feed sacks (he learned to put them in a pile inside the door) or bucket back to the barn for me. He also loved helping me sort or push cattle up the alleyway.

He was just a darned good companion





I miss ya ol buddy, rest in peace.

RG0099 said:

Hope that’s just mud on the nose

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Who knows what it was, her mother wiped it off for her.

So this 18-month old Buddy of mine is 70 pounds now. He'd probably be a match for one western coyote. But there were several of those homicidal psychopaths hollaring together in the yard last night, and I have to admit that I'm concerned for him when I let him out for his pre-bedtime bladder emptying.

I've never been much of a predator/varmit hunter. I'd poison or trap the bstrds in an instant if I wasn't worried about him or the neighbors' dogs getting into the junk. Neighbors are only 2-acres away in all directions. Can a trap be set to catch a coyote w/o catching a dog in his own yard? I'm guessing that rather e-calls, NV/thermal, and a can are in my future.

My little duck and dove rocket.

Gemsbok said:

So this 18-month old Buddy of mine is 70 pounds now. He'd probably be a match for one western coyote. But there were several of those homicidal psychopaths hollaring together in the yard last night, and I have to admit that I'm concerned for him when I let him out for his pre-bedtime bladder emptying.

I've never been much of a predator/varmit hunter. I'd poison or trap the bstrds in an instant if I wasn't worried about him or the neighbors' dogs getting into the junk. Neighbors are only 2-acres away in all directions. Can a trap be set to catch a coyote w/o catching a dog in his own yard? I'm guessing that rather e-calls, NV/thermal, and a can are in my future.

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You are right on the traps and poison, please don't, that is a fine looking pup you have.
Coyotes are a problem here too and get very brave over time.
Perfect opportunity to tell the missus you need thermal and a suppressor.
This is my night time critter gitter and has dispatched many a yote over the years

Low energy couch potato at home and high energy anytime a gun or fishing rod is out. She's 10 and I'm already dreading her getting too old. Goes everywhere with me.....

Remington says, you guys are working to hard, just wait you young pups, retirement is where it is at.

Gemsbok said:

So this 18-month old Buddy of mine is 70 pounds now. He'd probably be a match for one western coyote. But there were several of those homicidal psychopaths hollaring together in the yard last night, and I have to admit that I'm concerned for him when I let him out for his pre-bedtime bladder emptying.

I've never been much of a predator/varmit hunter. I'd poison or trap the bstrds in an instant if I wasn't worried about him or the neighbors' dogs getting into the junk. Neighbors are only 2-acres away in all directions. Can a trap be set to catch a coyote w/o catching a dog in his own yard? I'm guessing that rather e-calls, NV/thermal, and a can are in my future.

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Get him his very own Great Pyrenees sister. Coyotes no more.

sandhiller said:

Hey guys, thought I would introduce myself and finally join in this thread

First off @34SF hope your pup is on the mend and keeps making improvements. Looks like you have traveled a long road and wish you both all the best

I'm a dog guy and in my 63 years don't remember ever going more than a few months without a dog or dogs in my life.
This last year has been a little rough after losing my big guy "Gus".
Having a hard time getting over this one but still have Cash the Border Collie and Tuff the Blue Healer to keep me company

Here is a little tribute to Gus

From the time (30 minutes into the 6 hour ride home) when he bonded with me
View attachment 8330450
Till the end, this was his favorite place to be
View attachment 8330451
View attachment 8330452
Even though everyone knows a Weimeraner is not a cow dog, he loved helping me with them, whether moving pastures with his "brother" Cash
View attachment 8330454
or helping me with corral chores. He loved carrying the empty feed sacks (he learned to put them in a pile inside the door) or bucket back to the barn for me. He also loved helping me sort or push cattle up the alleyway.
View attachment 8330453
He was just a darned good companion
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I miss ya ol buddy, rest in peace.

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Is that the Cheyenne or Belle Fourche in the background?

ETA:
Just noticed it says you're from NE.
That explains Sandhiller...

mrdrar said:

Get him his very own Great Pyrenees sister. Coyotes no more.

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I have a GP mix. Mom was all GP, they are not sure who dad was.

She is not overly large, but strong as an ox.....to the point of thinking, you know those sled games where dogs pull weights like a pulling tractor? Yea I think she would do well.

Very laid back, I think she is part St. Ben. Thus the laid back attitude.....but

When she does not like something the ridge of fur that is along the middle of her back, different from the rest of her body will stand straight up, and the "i am going to kill you and it will hurt the entire time I am doing it" bark comes out......you are like....wow Willow, you don't like that one bit do you.

Easy with her humans, and lets us do anything but trim nails, no bite or anything, just will not sit still for it.

Very good dog.

A good friend of mine lost his favorite companion a couple months back and it tore him up something awful.
About Christmas he brought this little guy home
Let the healing begin
He stole my heart

sandhiller said:

A good friend of mine lost his favorite companion a couple months back and it tore him up something awful.
About Christmas he brought this little guy home
Let the healing begin
He stole my heart
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Adorable. Breed?

mrdrar said:

Adorable. Breed?

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Border Collie

A friend who does some work on Rainbow Station sent me this photo

They use a lot of well trained dogs in the mountainous terrain handling cattle and sheep

Waitotara Valley, Taranaki, NZ

sandhiller said:

A good friend of mine lost his favorite companion a couple months back and it tore him up something awful.
About Christmas he brought this little guy home
Let the healing begin
He stole my heart
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I hope he named that one Trouble because thats what he looks like. What a smile, you can almost see him saying "I'm going to chew up a lot of stuff in my day."

Maggot said:

I hope he named that one Trouble because thats what he looks like. What a smile, you can almost see him saying "I'm going to chew up a lot of stuff in my day."

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You called it!
He is a handful at doing what puppies do best

sandhiller said:

A good friend of mine lost his favorite companion a couple months back and it tore him up something awful.
About Christmas he brought this little guy home
Let the healing begin
He stole my heart
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Geographic tongue in border collies is apparently a border- collie thing! (Benign).

UKDslayer said:

Geographic tongue in border collies is aparently a border- collie thing! (Benign).

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Had to look that up
Never heard of it!

Gemsbok said:

So this 18-month old Buddy of mine is 70 pounds now. He'd probably be a match for one western coyote. But there were several of those homicidal psychopaths hollaring together in the yard last night, and I have to admit that I'm concerned for him when I let him out for his pre-bedtime bladder emptying.

I've never been much of a predator/varmit hunter. I'd poison or trap the bstrds in an instant if I wasn't worried about him or the neighbors' dogs getting into the junk. Neighbors are only 2-acres away in all directions. Can a trap be set to catch a coyote w/o catching a dog in his own yard? I'm guessing that rather e-calls, NV/thermal, and a can are in my future.

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Can't appreciate his back in this photo - is he a Rhodesian Ridgeback?