Should I remove my dog's leg sling for sleep, bath, or nail trims?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. As long as there are no wounds it should be fine to bathe Brixy. If the legs are sore, you can place a towel or rubber mat down on the shower floor so that he does not slip. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Max should wear the plastic cone and not be bathed/groomed for 10-14 days. I wouldn't take it off at bed time if there is ANY chance he will lick his incision. It is better to be safe than sorry. He will be fine. Good luck

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ouch! You will need to pull the black nail that is lifted off the cuticle. If you don't that will be a chronic source of pain and infection. Be very careful doing this as it is painful and Ryder may bite. Have someone help you. Pull hard and fast. It may bleed. If you can't remove it make an appointment with your Vet. Good luck!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. External fixators are typically well tolerated and you should not have to do much with this other than rest Nala until the fracture heals. If you notice discharge around the pins, you can use a cotton swab that is moist with water or hydrogen peroxide and wipe around the base of the pin that contacts the skin to keep it clean. Otherwise, keep Nala rested and follow the veterinarian's instructions for when to return for recheck appointments. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would take it off so you can monitor the incision. Also, incisions need air to heal. Make sure he has an e-collar on so he cannot lick the area and keep it on until his recheck appointment. Kisses to Lucky!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is some redness and bruising that is to be expected following a big surgery like that. I think this is likely fine. However, if this appears to get any worse, have her evaluated by her veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. She is also beautiful! Good luck and have a good night!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Generally speaking, young animals heal very fast, especially if the fracture is properly aligned. Six to eight weeks is the average time that we see properly aligned fractures in young animals heal. Sometimes even four to six weeks. I am sorry to hear that you have been affected by the hurricane. If the splint has been on for 6 weeks already, I do start getting concerned about bandage sores and confining the lake for so long without rechecking the leg and changing the splint if needed. The downside with taking the splint off yourself and not doing follow-up x-rays is that the fracture may still be unstable and as soon as that splint comes off, the leg may break again. If finances are a concern I would suggest applying for Care Credit to see if you qualify because you can use Care Credit to pay for veterinary expenses and make payments on a payment plan. If you do not qualify for Care Credit I would suggest checking with the Humane Society to see if someone can check the splint for you. If you are unable to do any of these, and I would suggest waiting one more week with the splint on as long as there are no signs of discomfort with the leg and no signs of sores developing near the edge of the splint where it is taped to the skin. After the additional week of leaving the splint on, you may then remove the splint carefully. I would strongly urge that you cage confine Jackson for an additional one to two weeks following removal of the splint. You still risk read breaking the leg if the fracture site has not healed and without follow-up x-rays there is no way to fully determine how much of the fracture has healed. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns about Jackson. I am also available by phone or text based consultation if needed.