Military working dogs will chew at catheters, bandages, and monitoring devices, and will excessively lick and chew at wounds to the point of causing foreign body ingestion and self-trauma. Use muzzles in the immediate period of initial monitoring and care to prevent this.

Tape catheters around the entire circumference of the limb, including the hub and catheter adapter port to adequately secure the catheter. The tape should be snug, but caution used to prevent excessive tightness that will result in distal edema.

For long-term management, a simple option is to fashion a preventive device. The bottom of a standard bucket is removed, 4-5 holes are drilled in the base of the bucket, and cable ties are used through these holes to secure the bucket to the dog’s leather collar. The bucket-collar combination is then applied. (See Figures 21 and 22). Supporting veterinary personnel or MWD handlers should provide these.

 

Figure 21.  Technique to Make a Bucket to Prevent Self-trauma by MWDs.

Figure 21 shows the technique to make a bucket to prevent self-trauma by MWDs.

The bottom of a standard plastic bucket is removed, 4-5 holes are drilled near the base, and cable ties are used to secure the bucket to the dog’s leather collar.