Milo’s pain needed to end fast – find out how

Second in a series

Quiz: Why did Milo chase and bite his tail?

a)       He was bored

b)       Attention-seeking

c)       He was compulsive

d)       He needed a different home

Milo’s repeated biting of his tail had resulted in a rapidly advancing wound. When I first met this sweet little guy it was immediately clear that his two previous surgeries, while well-intentioned attempts to the eliminate infected tissue, accomplished nothing. His agitation, spinning, growling, and biting at the more recent amputation site only triggered another raging infection.

Repetitive behaviors and self-mutilation are not newly recognized in dogs but recent research has brought the cause to light, allowing us to get our arms around most of these cases. Milo’s attention to his tail didn’t start with the swelling, infection, and self-inflicted injury; it began in his brain. Tackling the underlying cause for his overwhelming need to twist and snap would take months. Getting his rear end misery under control had to happen ASAP.

Milo was exhausted and panting when I set him on my exam table. One of our gentle veterinary nurses kept him quiet as I checked every body system. A careful look at the angry site of his recent tail surgery, revealed a portion of an exposed vertebra that was extremely sensitive. I’d seen this before. No amount of excellent wound management could coax skin and muscle to cover that small bone with its unprotected nerves. I brought Milo to my colleague, veterinary surgeon Dr. Kendra Freeman.

Rob, Milo’s person, is among the most committed pet parents I have ever known. He was ready for whatever was necessary. The drying bone needed to be removed and the wound closed such that – as long as it was left alone –would heal properly. Dr. Freeman did the job right. Milo’s tail ended up a little shorter but it recovered completely and pain-free.

Ah, the quiz: Boredom is not a diagnosis. Dogs don’t hurt themselves to feel needed. Milo could not have had a better home. The correct answer is c).

Next week: Disorders of the brain are rarely simple. Treatment would be complicated.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.