boxer with severe anal abrasion

Question
Hi.  My almost 2 year old neutered male boxer decided it would be fun to try and get the pumpkin decorations out of our tree.  In the process of leaping for one he turned in mid air and smacked into the tree trunk with is rear end very hard.  He ended up with a severe anal abrasion.  This was diagnosed by the emergency vet (it had to happen on a sunday).  He was sedated, cleaned up and given pain meds.  We were sent home with tramadol for pain, and cephloxin to prevent infection. The next day (monday) he seemed much better, but that night got rough, and Tues. morning he was whining constantly, had diarrhea and felt hot(can't check his temp because of the pain/raw wound).  I brought him right in to our regular vet and they did a digital rectal exam, checked his joints and back and put him on antidiarrhea meds-endosorb, another antibiotic-metronidazole, and another pain med-deramaxx. Today he still has diarrhea, and oozing/blood and swelling around his anus, but he's not as whiny. How long should it take for this wound to heal, and when will the diarrhea let up? I am feeding him browned hamburger and white rice only. It is horrible to see him in so much pain! Oh, and he's scared to death of our trees now too. Tucks his butt under and runs at any wind blowing the branches. :( Sorry so long.

Answer
Hi Sandie,

Wow!  Sorry to hear that all this happened.  When will the diarrhea let up is a good question.  What is the cause of the runny poo?  Cutting his anus shouldn't have an effect on his bowel production...so if it's the meds, it will be until the  meds are out of his system (48-72 hours after last dose).  Did they give you a cause?

I'm not sure who suggested the browned hamburger to you but even the leanest hamburger has fat and grease when browned...grease is no good for diarrhea.  If your goal is a bland diet, switch to boiled chicken and rice or boiled turkey and rice.  This type of diet should not be given for more than 2 weeks w/out veterinary approval.

As far as his fear of trees...when he displays fear, ignore him.  If he sees that your calm, eventually he'll be calm (not overnight)  =)  By babying him, telling him it's ok it's ok, his fears will be reinforced.  Once he's feeling better, you can practice desensitizing him to the trees from the outside.  (If you need help with this when the time comes, let me know).

Wounds typically take a few days to crust up and then up to 2 weeks or so to heal.  Wounds that are in 'normal' places.   This one may be a touch longer because it's a warm, moist area.  Try to keep him from licking it...if you can't, go to the store and buy an e-collar or have your vet supply you with one.

Your vet prescribed more meds...are these in lieu of the original meds?