smooch Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I am hoping someone can help me to stop Smooch licking his back leg. Smooch's history is. He suffered a Fibrocartilagenous Embolism about two years ago from which he has never fully recovered. He doesn't put full weight on his back legs and slightly drags one. Since this he has been constantly licking one off his back legs to the extent that he draws blood. This has been going on now for months and months. Eight months ago I had him to my vet to have his teeth done and the vet injected cortisone around the sore but that did not stop him. Did use a E collar on him but as soon as you left it off him for a minute he was into the leg. After months of getting this sore to heal, last night Smooch went to bed before I did and when I swent in he had opened it all up again (It was nicely healed) so back to square one. Smooch has my Vet and me ripping our hair out over this. I have even tried to bandage it and painted Tabasco sauce on the bandage to no avail. Smooch is so sneaky about it that he knows when I go to have a shower and I forget to put the collar on him he will attack the leg yet if I leave him at home on his own he wont touch it. (I can leave a chicken on the floor when I am not at home and he wont touch it LOL). So now back to the E. collar. Any advise would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 (edited) There bitter tasting things available at the vets or pet store... I don't know what they are, as I use what I have available . I use stingose liquid I do NOT put it on broken skin... I put some on a cotton bud, and paint around the licked area. Leave to dry... then see how they go The ingredient in it is the same as in some commercial products for repelling birds/cats/dogs. I have used it on our dogs, and a mouse ;) Have you thought about having acupuncture for him? He is obviously in pain to a degree.. nerves are being irritated somewhere. As long as the pain/irritation continues, he will try and relieve it the only way he has...licking Physically preventing him licking ,while it still bothers him would be frustrating for him Look for an acupuncturist vet, who may help!! Edited November 22, 2008 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poocow Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I would go see a natural vet or maybe a behaviourist. There could be nerve damage around that area that could benefit from massage and accupuncture. Or maybe there is something pyschological going on in his head. My BC licks one leg all the time - in the new year I will be heading to the natural vet to see what ideas they have. If nothing I will take him to SABS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smooch Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 PERSEPHONE - Thanks. My vet has tried everything he has to Stop Smooch (My daughter works at the Vet). And no haven't thought of acupuncture as he has only started again last night. So is defiantly worth looking into. Have to try and find someone that does it. I am prepared to try anything. POOCOW - Thanks. May I ask what is SABS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I would definately try acupuncture! Worked great for a couple of different problems with my old girl. She loved having it done. I am guessing his nerves are probably going a haywire around that area, maybe even some hydrotherapy in warm water to try and soothe the whole are(And he may find it relaxing as well!) If he is able to swim it might help promote good blood flow and help calm down the nerves - not sure just throwing things out there. Good luck!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappie Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 (edited) I would take a (mental) step back and assess the whole dog. If he's experienced an FCE that resulted in neurological dysfunction then pain could definitely be playing a part, whether it be local, nerve pain, phantom pain, DJD from altered gait etc. Acupuncture (and possibly physio) would be worth considering, it would also be worth discussing pain relief with your vet as there are several different classes of medication that could help. It's also important to treat any infection completely, self trauma and acral lick granulomas can require antibiotic treatment of weeks to months. Preventing access to the site can be useful - either elizabethan collars or bandaging the limb. Poocow mentioned SABS and this is also something that I would also consider - SABS is Sydney Animal Behaviour Service, headed by Dr Kersti Seksel (a registered behavioural medicine specialist). Repetitive licking can be related to anxiety and pain as well as other causes. If medical treatment does not help, I would certainly consider getting a behavioural assessment. Edited November 22, 2008 by Rappie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smooch Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 (edited) Thanks Rommium and Rappie. Smooch was treated app 2 years ago at NSVPC who were fantastic and also had months of physio. I still do the exercises I was shown to try and keep the circulation going. Will be talking to my vet again on Tuesday, will just have to keep the E collar on him till than so he doesn't do any more damage to the leg. Edited November 22, 2008 by smooch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smooch Posted November 24, 2008 Author Share Posted November 24, 2008 Had a talk to my vet this morning, He said we could try Acupuncture on Smooch, He gave me the name of a vet in Rutherford that did it but he has retired and they didn't know of anyone else that does it. So can anyone recommend someone in the Hunter Valley that I could Try. Thanks in Advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 I would also try a telephone consult with a reputable holistic vet. Maybe try some traumeel .. which a homeopathic product for tissue pian etc. Cheers H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poocow Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Top's hasn't developed to a lick granuloma yet - just staining of the fur on his leg. I just honestly don't have the money at the moment to get into see Kersti as Darcy's stint with the tick has really set me back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chepet Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 In the mean time , try cutting an aloe vera leaf & rubbing the gel on on the leg , it's very bitter ,it stopped my dog licking his sore paw ,you can get medicinal aloe , I notice you are Maitland area so am I , well Kurri , close, if you want some to try let me know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smooch Posted November 28, 2008 Author Share Posted November 28, 2008 (edited) Chepet. I am actually in Branxton. I have plenty of aloe Vera plants. Really didn't think of that. I have it here for sun burns. Will go cut some now and put it on him. Smooch hasn't touched his leg in the last few days, have been spraying it with True Blue (horse stuff). thanks for the offer Chepet. Edited November 28, 2008 by smooch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now