Truffle's Licked Open His Neuter Incision!

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Ugh.  After five days of sporting his cozy cone of shame, Truffle managed to lick open his incision last night.  He was somehow able to bend it enough to reach his privates. We knew something wasn't right when he wouldn't come out of his crate this morning.  Brought him back to the vet where they had to give him external stitches and now he's wearing a horrendous plastic cone of shame for 8 more days.  To add insult to injury, today's procedure cost almost as much as the neuter surgery itself and it isn't covered by insurance (we have Healthy Paws) because it's directly related to the neuter.

Looks like his blog from the other day will need an afterword.

I think once poor Truffle's all better, he's going to need to get himself a job to contribute to the costs of his care!  

[Marie and Hoka]

AWWW! Hoka feels for him....

I think it is like humans; the first day is rough due to pain. Then once the pain goes down, the healing wound gets itchy again after a few days.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Poor Truffle. But I can't imagine why a pet insurance plan would not pay for a complication of surgery and I would complain, speak to a supervisor, etc.......

[Jennifer & Truffle]

I know - it does seem odd. But I looked at the policy and it says that complications arising from an excluded condition (in this case the neuter) aren't covered.  Once they've actually processed the claim I'll give them a call again and see if there's anything they can do.  I'm doubtful.  

I know I'll be thrilled to have the insurance the day I have to treat him for something super serious, but this is still disappointing!  

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Silly Truffle!  And poor mom!  Don't know who suffers more!

[Crazy Doodle Lady]

Bear did the same thing a few days after his surgery. I took him back to the vet where they watched him all day. I ended up only spending $15 for a larger cone collar. The vet said he would be fine and it would heal on its own. Told me just to put neosporin on it and to monitor it. Once Bear had the larger collar all was good. Can't say the same for my legs and the walls though. That giant collar was a pain when attached to a crazy doodle.

[Jennifer & Truffle]

I hear you re: the plastic cone.  Truffle had enough trouble adjusting to the comfy cone. This new one is torture. The vet was hoping that she could simply use surgical glue on the wound, but it wasn't possible. External sutures for the monster that need to be removed next Wednesday, assuming he behaves!

[Crazy Doodle Lady]

Dexter goes in June 12th for his big snip. You just reminded me of all the things I have to look forward to :(

[Jennifer & Truffle]

I was feeling so optimisitic - he was halfway through the days of cone-wearing and was doing great. I'm at home, so he's supervised at all times, except at night or when we're out - and then he's crated. I was so sad for him and disappointed that all the vigilance was for naught! I just hope he won't be able to do any more damage with this new cone. I think I'll be throwing a party if he gets through the next 8 days without further drama!
The good news is that he was so tired after today's trauma that I was able to give him a thorough comb-out. So at least his soft and handsome fleece coat will compensate for his awful headdress!

[Dee Dee & "Bentley"]

poor little thing!!! Hope he is feeling better soon.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Poor baby boy!!

[Sarah Bennett]

My Salvador had the same issue.  I took him back to the vet and they didn't stitch him back closed because it wasn't horrible, but gave him a bigger/deeper cone and antibiotics.  The deeper cone didn't totally fix the issue because Salvador must be extremely bendy or something.  I ended up having to crate him anytime I couldn't watch him (like the whole day while I was at work).  Eventually just after 2 weeks, he was all good again. 

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Truffle seems to be bendy, too!  I'm glad to hear that Salvador finally healed. There is a light at the end of the tunnel (or cone)!