My German Shepard

Question
QUESTION: I have Rusty, a 13 year old German Shepard who I love.  She has hip problems and we have her on Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which has really helped her lately.  Recently I noticed her 'elbow' joint is really raw, and she is constantly cleaning it.  I've tried wrapping it, that didn't work, I've tried putting a sock to keep it clean, that didn't work either.  Any suggestions would be really helpfull!!!!  Thank you! Christine

ANSWER: What did you try wrapping it with? I would try Vet Wrap, which sticks to itself. Just don't wrap it too tightly.

The other thing you could do is to put her into an Elizabethan collar, which will prevent her from licking her elbow and allow it to heal. She won't like that, but that would be the simplest thing to do. Make sure that she has a large, soft bed/cushion to sleep on so that her elbow isn't rubbing on anything.

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QUESTION: Thank you for your quick reply.  We have tried an ace bandage.  Where can I buy Vet Wrap?  She does not sleep on her pet bed, she never really did.  That is part of her problem, when she stands up she is rubbing it against the carpet or the hard wood floor.  That was part of the reason I tried wrapping it.

Answer
Vet Wrap is available on the internet (just do a search), and might be available at some pet supply stores. You can probably find it at a horse supply/feed store... I know Fleet Farm has it. You vet probably also carries it and might sell you some.

http://www.animalworldnetwork.com/vetwrapvetwr.html