ripping out hair

Question
I hope you can help me.My 12 year-old Australian Shepard,Border Collie X has had Degenerative Myelopethy for about a year.She is currently paralized in her hind legs and is mostly incontinent.I take her out to go to the washroom while supporting her back end and use diapers the rest of the time.About a week ago she developed a twitch in one hind leg and tore a patch of hair out(approximately 2 inches around)leaving behind sores that she has been licking.What can I put on the sores to try to help heal them that isn't toxic(or is natural) because she will lick at it and I don't know how to stop her from it.My husband will not take her to the vets because he doesn't want to spend any money on her since he thinks she is going to die soon anyway,but I just can't put her down until I have done everything for her.Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
Hi Joanne,

There is a product made by 3M called Pet Care Liquid Bandage Spray, that you can try using. It promotes healing and soothes with clear, waterproof protection. It's a breathable protective layer that won't sting when applied.
R-7 Pet Liquid Bandage Spray is similar product to look for, it contains a safe, bitter tasting substance to discourage your pet from licking and chewing the affected area. There are other brands of spray bandages too.

You might find these products at larger pet stores, like PetCo, PetSmart or directly from your vet.

If either you or your husband are handy, you can build your own "dog mobility cart", or wheelchair. Handicapped dogs of all sizes adapt quickly to these carts. There are building plans for several style and sizes at this web site:
http://www.handicappedpets.com/HomemadeCarts.htm

Because your dog has been diagnosed fairly recently (within the year) have you tried vitamins? Vitamin support is useful in delaying Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms. It's recommended dogs receive 2000 IU of vitamin E daily, 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day, and one high potency B vitamin (B50's) every 12 hours. Synthetic vitamins are cheaper and just as effective as "natural" vitamins in this regard. You should discuss the use these or any supplements over with your vet, as there could be drug interactions.

If the sore doesn't seem to get better, you must take your dog to the vet for treatment, your dog depends on you for care her whole life long. If you have no plans on treating her, you may as well put her to sleep. That would be better than suffering neglect.

Best of luck,
Patti