My dog licked her anal abscess raw. When can I remove the e-collar?

Using a warm damp compress on the area will make her feel better and help keep the area draining. Keeping the open area clean is important also. After cleaning apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment to the area. If NIni is licking it then use a restraint collar to stop the licking. They now have soft collars and inflatable ones that are more comfortable than the plastic ones. If she stops eating and has a fever you should take her in for an exam and antibiotics. This should heal in a week or so. When you are able please have her anal sacs emptied to prevent this from happening again in the future. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for NIni.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can keep the E-collar or onesie on him to prevent him from licking it should heal up just fine. Leave the E-collar/onesie on for at least 7-10 days. You do not need to apply anything to the incision; just leave it be. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I would recommend getting a larger ecollar and let your veterinarian know that this has occurred. He probably is trying to get to the sutures and this is the only area he can reach. This will get worse if he keeps licking. Your vet may just extend his antibiotics or just tell you to keep it clean. His incision looks great! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, this is normal. She is likely painful. You can request pain medication for her from your veterinarian if none was dispensed. Keep the e-collar in place until she heals. Excessive licking will delay healing and may introduce more infection.

I usually suggest leaving the e-collar on for at least 2 weeks to avoid issues with licking. However, depending on the type of surgery Hei Hei had or if there are any complications with healing this time frame could be slightly shorter or longer. It would be best to call the veterinarian who performed the surgery to ask how long they suggest for whatever surgery Hei Hei had. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I'm wishing Hei Hei a speedy recovery from surgery!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sky. I typically prescribe two weeks of antibiotics in these types of cases. This helps with healing. It depends on how big the wound was, but most of the time it can heal within 7-10 days. Make sure to keep the E-collar until the wound is completely healed. The snow likely feels good on her sore bottom. I hope this information helps!

It can take 3 weeks or longer to completely heal from this surgery. The itching is likely due to the sutures and healing. Keep an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking or chewing. Your vet may be able to prescribe a remedy for the itching.