what is a newly docked tail wound supposed to look like?

Question

My dog just had hers done because of a tail injury and I was quite shocked at the appearence when I took her bandage off. The vet is closed right now and it is freaking me out. My mom says it looks normal but to me it is just plain creepy. Please help!

Answer 1

i know this is going to sound weird but when my pitbull's tail was docked due to injury ( she wagged her tail so hard,she kept breaking the tip on the corner of the cupboard when people dropped by). When i took the dressing off to let it air out, it looked like the end of a sausage or eggroll lol...yes it is gross looking...but if its not oozing pus...or swelling everything is fine...i had to remove the stitches now that was gross!!

Answer 2

Well, without seeing it, it's hard to say if it's normal. I've only seen a few of these on dogs that weren't newborns, and it does look a bit disturbing. If there is no swelling, redness, oozing or pus in the incision area its probably fine. Is your vet available after hours for emergencies? Depending on what time it is where you live, it may not be a bad idea to call the vet and describe what you're seeing...they should be able to tell you if it's normal. Also, make sure you keep her from licking or chewing at the area...it can get infected or even open back up really quickly if she does. If all else fails...keep an eye on her and the tail area overnight...as long as it doesn't change, you could just call the vet in the morning. If you call as soon as they open, there's a greater chance they can see her right away if they need to.

Answer 3

Depends on when it was done and how long your vet kept the bandage on for. When they are closed during surgery it looks flat, kind of smushed. When the bandage is removed, usually in 3-5 days, the sutures are still visible however sometimes a scab will form over it. Dont be worried unless your seeing exposed flesh, what seem to be missing sutures, or if its still bleeding. And above all dont let your dog lick or chew on it, this only delays healing and can cause alot of aggrevation, not to mention extra visits to his/her Dr.

Answer 4

They shave the tail and you might be able to see some of the stitches. Tell me more that you can see. I work for a vet.

They need to be left open so they will heal. We had people that rewrapped the tail and it was rotten on the end when we made them take the bandage off. Then they had to do antibiotics, again.

Answer 5

unless you see green, yellow, or an egg shell color, they are fine. Green or yellow would signify gangreen or serious infection and egg white would be puss. Any other color is okay, even black. Black could be the stitches or the clot blood. Think of it this way, you just lost the tip of your finger, they stitched it up, and placed a gauze over it for a couple hours. When you take it off, it looks weird because its not normal. Again, green, yellow or egg white is bad. Anythign else is okay.

Answer 6

first of all what does it look like? I know how they are supossed to look because some of the breeds that i have had had to be docked because of the breed standard( not the i am proud of but after a while i got used to)..i want to help but without having more information to go on i am clueless. My advice to you is to call your vet....even an emergency one if you want. If you post any more information ........2 bad youo dont go a pic that u could post on here and then i could be more of help.

Answer 7

The tip of it is just cut straight across with a few stitches in it. Not sure how else to describe it.

Answer 8

im guessing it looks pinkish and bald and maybe a little crusty from any scabbing. if you are really worried about it take her in tomorrow or just keep an eye on it. you could also rewrap it when she goes outside to keep it clean.

Answer 9

RELAX...yes it looks kinda yuck...but its most likely very normal it looks all red like an open burn,or meat like new flesh, it will heal it just takes time ...