21/05/2026
Monkey’s First Vet Visit
Warning: graphic photos of the wound
Monkey had her first visit to a vet clinic to check on the healing if her tail docking gone wrong.
Whilst we convinced Monkey’s original owners not to dock dogs’ tails, her adopted family decided to do it anyway. The process caused infection and then when the tail dropped off, a large open wound was left behind which was weeping. They were immediately worried and called us to help.
(Weeping, officially known as exudate, which can be clear, yellow, or slightly bloody. It is composed of water, white blood cells, and nutrients. It is a natural part of the healing process that keeps the wound moist, provides nutrients for repair, and helps fight infection.)
We treated the wound which was also very swollen and gave antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pain medication, and a topical wound cream. Her behaviour and the wound at the time did not make us concerned for spinal involvement.
A few days later upon her check up, the wound was granulated nicely and the swelling reduced but due to the fact the tail is part of the spine, and a slight central hole was visible a decision was made to get her checked by a clinic veterinarian.
Luckily Dr Jenna gave her the all clear that the wound was healing nicely and there was no impact to the spine (the hole was muscular and not involving bone).
Monkey will need monitoring to ensure the wound keeps healing and we keep infection at bay but hopefully she will keep doing well (and she will get lots if live from our students during her visits!)
