Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Christmas Woe

A post by the momma.

Corbin and I sure do hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!
 
In preparation for Christmas Eve dinner at Adam's grandmother's house, we gave Corbin the tranquillizers and some pain medications about 45 minutes before we left, so they had time to kick in.  By the time we were ready to leave, we led a drunk, wobbly Corbin to his crate, neck brace and all.  We enjoyed our night and came home a few hours later.
 
What did we find when we got home?
 
A drunk, wobbly Corbin... with no neck brace, no tail wrap, no staples and lots of blood.  So, off we went to the emergency vet, where we spent the remaining hour of Christmas Eve and the first two and a half hours of Christmas day. 
 
The emergency vet agreed with what Dr. Mike had told us on Sunday... that if Corbin got to the staples, another surgery would be required to remove an additional part of his tail for a fresh area to work with since he's damaged the previous site so badly.  So, she re-wrapped it and spent some time discussing some other options for us, such as medications and other preventative ways to keep him from his tail.
 
 
I sent Dr. Mike and email on Christmas updating him on our Christmas Eve adventure.  He had taken this week off to visit family out of the area, so I asked if there was another vet that he recommended we see, since Dr. Gordon also knows Corbin pretty well.  But, his dog became ill Christmas Eve, and while she was on the mend, she was too weak to travel, so his vacation turned into a staycation.  My amazing vet is so dedicated and cares so much about Corbin, he went in this morning to do Corbin's surgery.
 
So, that's where the monkey dog is today... he's hanging out with Dr. Mike and having more of his tail removed.  We had decreased one of his heart medications last week, in hopes he'll be stable on a lower dose.  His heart sounded good and strong today, but I'm still nervous.  I know he's in great hands, but a few extra prayers and good thoughts would do us good!
 
 
Adam and I will be taking time off from work to stay with Corbin, so he's not left alone to destroy his tail again.  However, if we do need to leave him, he will be wearing his neck brace, a basket muzzle, and boots on his paws so he can't get the leverage with his paws and nails to get the neck brace off.  We'll also have him on tranquillizers, nerve blocks and pain medications to keep him comfortable.  It's going to be a long couple of weeks.  And, although I know this is best, in theory, in the long run for Corbin... I'm kicking myself for amputating his tail :-(  I feel so bad for my poor boy and can't wait until the healing process is over.
 
We'll update on facebook when he's out of surgery and will be back tomorrow with an update.

42 comments:

  1. Ooohhhhhh, Corbin! Why do you keep messing with your tail? Does it itch or something?
    We sure hope the surgery goes smoothly and this time, a smooth recovery too. Someone should invent a butt cone...
    A vet we know would use the plastic cone, and have a long cord / gauze around the cone and tie it behind the front paws (armpits) and a ribbon / knot between the shoulder blades...do you think that might work with Corbin?

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    1. That's how the neck brace works... it has a strap around his front legs to prevent it going over his head. I'd love to see how he gets out of it, but somehow he does. We're open to any and all suggestions, though!

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    2. A body brace? ;) Get a large enough plastic tube, split in half, wrap around body (leave about 2" from armpit and 2" from groin area), use vetwrap to secure tubing around body (make sure there's enough cloth at the ends to prevent chafing). This only when you have to go out, of course.

      But on a serious note, if the vet docks the tail this time, won't it be too short for him to do any harm to it?

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    3. I'm pretty sure Corbin does yoga when we're not home, because he's the most flexible and athletic dog I've ever met... so while I would hope and think that the shorter tail would make it more difficult for him to reach, I have a feeling it would just be another challenge for Corbin to accept. We discussed going straight down to a nub, but our fear is he'll get to that, and then we're screwed with no other options to fix it. I have been thinking of ways to rig up a full body restraint for him, though! Do they sell doggie straight jackets?

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  2. We have our paws crossed for the Corbin. Our mom says not to beat yourselves up with the 'what-ifs', it doesn't change anything and only makes you feel horrible.

    Sam and Pippen

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  3. Oh Corbin you poor baby. You got to leave that tail alone sweetie. Sending lots of good vibes.
    Benny & Lily

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  4. Oh Corbin, you are being very naughty. But who can be angry with you and that sweet face of yours. Would it be possible to get a babysitter if you guys did have to leave him. Wish I lived nearby I would certainly offer to do that! I'm sure he will be fine but will be thinking good thoughts for Corbie non-stop till we get the good word. Please Corbin try to to leave your tail alone!!!!!

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  5. Oh Corbin! Poor Momma & Daddy too!

    Good luck & will be thinking of all of you.

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  6. I know just how you're feeling. When Annie first came to live with us she had a broken dewclaw that caught on everything she came into contact with. So we decided to have both of her "claws" removed to avoid possible serious injury down the road. Her recovery was so long...who would have thought! She really didn't do any further damage to herself like Corbin is doing, but the bleeding just seemed to go on and on. We had to return to the vet every day for the first week to have the bandages changed. I am thankful she didn't do too much chewing or licking, but after it was done, I had my regrets too.

    Hope it works this time for poor Corbin!

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  7. We'll be thinking of you and hoping for a good recovery.

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  8. Corbin - DUDE - REALLY! Chewing on your tail ain't like chewin on your nails you know. Okay - now we are going to have to nick-name you stumpy!!!!! BE GOOD for your Mom and Dad - give them a break big dude !

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  9. Corbin, dude, this is not cool. I am worried about you too. I hope your surgery goes OK. Not the way to get mom and dad to spend extra time with you. Just chill, enjoy the drugs, and let your tail get better.

    Kisses,
    Dexter

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  10. Corbin Corbin Corbin, I read your post, then all the comments and suggestions and I am scratching my head with my hind paws in wonderment.

    Other than the fact that you are causing yourself so much pain and your humans so much stress, I gotta say, you are the most engenuitive dog I have ever met.

    You amaze me with your houdini skills. Even drugged, you cannot be trusted. I just have no idea how your humans and your doctor are going to get through this without giving themselves strokes from the stress.

    dude you gotta think of them. You gotta struggle with your inner spirit and MAKE yourself leave this next attempt alone to do its job of healing.

    Really bud.....I'm rooting for you but I am wondering if I need to send Allred over to keep you otherwise involved in survival games.

    I bet he could keep you so distracted that you would forget all about your tail.

    LEt me knew

    Bert

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    1. Allred just might be the solution we've been looking for! LOL

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  11. Darn it Corbin... You are giving ALL of Blogville ... GRAY FURS. You gotta stop the Tail Chewin buddy.
    Now we have our Paws Crossed TIGHT and are sending you super strong VIBES>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> butt we gotta say... YOU gotta give us some HELP with this.. AND give your MOM and Dad a break while you are at it.

    LEAVE the TAIL ALONE.... THINK of it as a... PILE OF SQUIRREL POOP... STEER CLEAR. You wouldn't want SQUIRREL Poops in your MOUTH.. (as opposed to Rabbit and Deer poops which are true dining delights).
    OK??? Leave it.... OR the Dogtor will start talkin about STEALING your beautiful TEEFS. We're just sayin.

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  12. Corbin, Corbin, Corbin...we're crossing our paws that things go smoothly today for you. Why are you such a nervous nelly when your humans aren't home? It's not like they aren't coming back to you. Did you read your momma's post about you before Christmas??? She LOVES you, dude. So do we!! Stubs are OK, but it would be pretty cool to have SOME tail. Chill, dude. And feel the love. Your tail-less pals,

    -Bart and Ruby

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  13. Poor guy. You guys are such great parents and want what is best for him. And between Dr. Mike and both of you Corbin could not be in better hands.

    Sending good surgery and recover thoughts your way.

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  14. Oh Poor Corbin! We are so sorry that you had to go through all that. We will be praying for y'all!

    Licks,
    Ruthie

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  15. Oh no! You poor boy, Corbin. We're sending you lots of AireZen and healing vibes. We want that tail healed, buddy!

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch and Molly

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  16. Corbin, you have to leave it alone. I hope all the hoops your mom, dad and vet are going to jump through will help keep you from messing with your tail again. I have to say some of the suggestions have been pretty funny.

    Millie

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  17. Oh pal, that is awful. If you mess with it this time I will have to come there and whap your nose! Heal soon dear Corbin.

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  18. Corbin. Corbin. Corbin. Corbin.

    You is gonna give your pawrents the nervous breakdowns.. and then where would you be?

    Be good dude...please?

    Your pal,

    Miss Fendi HoneyBuzz

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  19. Oh you poor things! I am sending good thoughts your way and hope the next set of precautions will work for him.

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  20. Corbin, you don't want Rory to have to come over and SIT on you do ya? He will, honest, cause your mum and dad need a break mate. NO TAIL CHEWING ok! C'mon Studly, be a good boy will ya? Please? Corbin's mum, just say the word if you need Rory!
    No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  21. Oh Corbin, we are so sorry you can't leave your tail alone, sorry momma and dad, you must be crazy with worry for Corbin. Love and prayers. Thank god for your wonderful vet, he is special

    The silvers and more

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  22. Corbin...Corbin...Corbin...What are to do with you. We sure hope he allows it to heal this time. It is so nice when our vets are so caring for our pets. Be a good boy Crobin. Sniffs, The HoundDogs

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  23. Goodness you are being a stinker. Hope you leave your tail alone and it heals up for you.

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  24. Corbin. Dude. WTF??? I don't know what to say. You gotta leave your tail alone. Really. I know you want to spend some extra time with the Mama, butts I think there are easier ways to do it!
    You are VERY lucky your vettie is such a cool dude. I thinks he needs some extra somethin'-somethin' in his Christmas stocking this year!
    So, again, I'll be keepin' my paws crossed for you (and your peeps), and sendin' you some AireZens......

    Kisses,
    Ruby

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  25. Oh no, what a horrible thing to come home and discover! He just misses his tail a lot, I guess. :/

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  26. Get well soon, Corbin. You have to look forward to the new year and a new you, with a short tail!

    Wyatt

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  27. Oh CORBIN! I told you to let your tail heal! I'm so sorry you have to go through surgery again. I hope you feel better real soon. Take it easy on your poor momma and daddy, please!

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  28. Oh my, sorry this has turned into such an ordeal. I hope Corbin gets through all of this soon! You will be in our prayers.

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  29. Corbin, I hope you are home and resting my sweet pal. Please leave your tail alone and let it heal. I will cross paws for you to get better.

    Loveys Sasha

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  30. Oh poor Corbin! Please leave that tail alone and let it heal. Our positive vibes are on the way to you now.

    ~Eva

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  31. Oh no! My friend....you need to take care of yourself....I know how hard it must be to go through all of this....and I am certain you don't completely understand it all....you are in my thoughts and prayers....

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  32. Oh Corb, this is just terrible. I know you and your Mom are both super stressed at this point. Just think though, a nubbin tail is nothing to sneeze at my furiend. I gots a tiny little Bostie screwtail and it does just fine indicating my mood. I'm sure it will be the best thing in the end.

    Kitty

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  33. All Blogville has paws crossed that your folks will be able to keep you from your tail until it's all healed up.

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  34. i really feel for you all! our foster turned permanent dog carlos has been a real trial at the vet's and of course full of ailments that would take him there. every time we go and they fail to get ready for dogmaggedon, and thus over-extend the visits so that they end up consisting of several bouts of wrestling with sedatives and vet techs we feel so guilty and so sad for our poor dog and yet - immediately after being released from the grips of medicine he shows absolutely no signs of bother. i am comforted by that, and i hope you will be too. good luck!

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  35. Corbin pal dang. I know your tail probably itches like mad while it's healin butt you really gotta leave it alone. Maybe chew on a bone or a stuffy or an antler or somethin else to take your mind off it ay bud? Sendin you lots and lots of pawsitive healin vibes my furiend!

    Roo

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  36. Corbin,

    PULEEZE stop tryin' to get your tail and let it heal! Remember da sooner you heal da sooner you can go out in all of da snow we gots and do zoomies again!

    Woofs and Licks,
    Maggie Mae and MAx

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  37. Corbin, please give that tail a rest, its for your own good.
    Take it easy we are thinking of you
    Love George and Tess xxx

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  38. Takes good care of yourself my pal and no more bitin or nibblin please...i spent last Chistmas Day at da vets so I knows its not a fun place to be...

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