Monday, January 26, 2009

Boo-boos and motherhood

As the photo tells, this foot is wrapped. Names have been excluded to protect doggie identities. The said doggie wouldn't want anyone knowing she has a boo-boo and is now wearing this turquoise bandage. But then again, maybe it's considered chic, and she'll learn to think it's cool and hip, and all her other doggie friends will want one too?

Kidding aside, this is obviously little Tovah's paw. Unfortunately, the wrap job is crappy but try holding a moving puppy in one hand, while attempting to stop the bleeding with the other by use of a towel. Then, opening the hydrogen peroxide bottle to clean the wound, putting EMT gel (great stuff) on the wound, and then having to use your teeth to rip the vet wrap. This is of course while still holding the said moving puppy who is not at all happy about this.

Then, I realize this vet wrap has no chance of staying on, so I add a few pieces of tape which more or less has somewhat kept the wrap from completely falling off. So far, she hasn't managed to tear the entire thing off, but that's only after attempting to wear her out with fetching and squeaking lots of toys! I'm hoping the wound will be sealed in 24 hours, and I can redo the wrap. This time, it'll be a lot better since I now have an idea of how she is in this type of situation.

So what exactly happened you may ask?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I let all the dogs out when I got home in the afternoon. Suddenly, I heard a yelp from her but thought one of the other dogs had run her over. I don't notice any blood until I see Daphne (my white Boxer) with a streak on her back. I look around and then see splotches of blood in the snow. I sort of turn panicky here, trying to figure out which dog is bleeding. I finally discover it is Tovah. Apparently, something sliced the heel of her pad on her front left foot. I have no clue what it was other than something sharp. Nothing was found in the yard when I checked.

It's funny, these situations really make you feel like a mother, even if it is just to a four-legged furry friend. You hope to mend the wound, not worry about it or her too much, and let her go on playing as if nothing happened. Yet, still, you keep a watchful eye as all mothers do.

*Of course, this was only a minor incident. If the injury would have been worse, then there would have been no playing but bed rest.

11 comments:

Cammy said...

Aw, poor Tovah. It sounds like she is a trooper, though. If it had been my G. there would have been no question who was hurt, he yelps and cries like a little girl if he even imagines he has sustained damage...sometimes I really believe he thinks he feels pain if you just look at him harshly.

Nice engineering job with the vet wrap! I hope she heals up soon.

Carrie Arnold said...

Yeah, Aria burned her paw once when she walked on my mom's hot stove (it's one of those totally flat fancy ones, but the burners stay hot for a long time). I felt terrible! Though I don't think I've ever seen her move that fast...

They are like our kids.

Tiptoe said...

Cammy, poor G. He is a sensitive boy. I think Tovah will heal quickly a long as the wound doesn't reopen.

Carrie, poor Aria. We do indeed see them like our children, and their hurt is our hurt.

Kim said...

Aww, poor doggie! You are making a great mother :)

K said...

Sounds like you are a great mom! Sending healing thoughts to Tovah...

Wrapped up in Life said...

Awww, little Tovah! I think sometimes it's so hard on us when our pets are hurt, because we can't take the pain away from them.

Good luck keeping the bandage on - Faith kept chewing hers off, even when I put surgical tape around the gauze! Finally, though, she gave up b/c I wouldn't let her get away with it. It's healing nicely now, and II'm sure Tovah's will, too.

Marilla said...

Oh...poor Tovah.

Animals with injuries are no fun.

I worry so much about my dogs/cats when they're sick, or have boo-boo's. Even if they are at home with my mother (who lives literally 4 minutes from our amazing vet)

KC said...

you're a good dog mom. I hope Tovah feels better soon!

Anonymous said...

Awww poor baby! She seems just like a little kid when they get hurt: they just want to keep playing! You're such a good doggy-mother to wrap her foot up and everything. I am so *not* calm when my dog gets the slightest little problem. Let's just say my poor vet really, really gets tired of me. =)

Standing in the Rain said...

Where are you Tiptoe?

You ok, I hope???

Tiptoe said...

Thanks everyone for your get well wishes for Tovah. She is doing better. I've only had to rewrap her foot afew times and mostly, because it fell off.