a vet answered
Dog's tail amputation incision still not fully closed two weeks later: is that normal?
What they asked
I have an 8 yr old Black Mouth Cur mix who recently had a tail amputation done due to a growing mass on her tail. Her tail is now about 6 inches from the base to the tip. It’s been 2 weeks since the procedure and we’ve been doing bandage changes every 3-4 days. I got to see the surgical area for the first time 2 days ago (her bandage came off at home) I saw some bruising on the underside of her tail and I was surprised to see that the incision wasn’t completely closed. Is this to be expected after a procedure like this? Are there more than one ways to perform a tail amputation as far as closing the incision completely or leaving it partially open for drainage? I’m aware there is limited skin on the tail for closure. Lastly, I can send a couple pictures when I do her next bandage change.
Sorry to hear about your dog. Yes tail skin is more limited and fragile to a lot of movement since its the tail. If it was a mass, then good surgical margins also make it harder to have enough skin for a closure. You can bring her back to the vet for a secondary closing suture. Cosmetically, there will be more scar tissue if it continues to be open, but with proper bandages it should heal over. I will say the 3 week healing mark while having an open wound is a chronic wound and should be evaluated.
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