Idea Exchange: Hamper self-inflicted trauma with a hobble
A patient we were treating for extensive burns over its shoulders and back was using its hindlimbs to scratch the wound, making it worse.
A patient we were treating for extensive burns over its shoulders and back was using its hindlimbs to scratch the wound, making it worse. So we used 2-in tape to make a loose hobble that went between the hindlimbs, allowing the dog to walk and run but not lift a paw to the wound. The patient even wore the hobble home. We gave the owners careful instructions to remove the hobble if it got wet or bothered the dog. However, the dog didn't seem to mind the hobble at all, and the wound healed well.
Dr. Angela Spar
Oceanside, N.Y.
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