Prevention of Self-trauma & Removal of Devices

MWDs will chew at catheters, bandages and monitoring devices. They will lick and chew at wounds to the point of causing foreign body ingestion and self-trauma. Use basket muzzles in the immediate period of initial monitoring and care to prevent these unwanted behaviors.

Tape IV 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 use caution to prevent excessive tightness that will result in distal limb edema. Monitor the MWD regularly and loosen the catheter tape if swelling or edema is noted.

For long-term management, an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) should be used. If the MWD quickly damages a standard e-collar, another simple option is to make a preventive device. The bottom of a standard bucket is removed, 4 to 5 holes are drilled in the base of the bucket, and cable ties are used through the holes to secure the bucket to the dog’s collar. The bucket-collar combination is then applied. Figures 22 and 23 show the bucket technique and the appearance after application to the MWD.

Figure 22. Technique to make a bucket to prevent self-trauma by MWDs.
Figure 23. Bucket-collar device applied to a MWD.