Broken Paw Healing ideas

Question
I have a 6-year old black lab mix who broke one of the "fingers" in her paw on February 1st.  We immediately took her to the vet, where they decided that the bone that was broken was too small for a pin, so they put a splint on her and wrapped it.  This was supposed to last 5-6 weeks, but unfortunately, she has shown little improvement over the past month because she keeps tearing off the wrapping and splint weekly.  She is watched regularly, but it only takes a couple minutes of being out of the house, for her to rip off the wrapping, and then chew through the splint.  Our last weekly visit to the vet, they gave us tranquilizers to calm her down (since she can be very hyperactive), and put a cone on her to keep her from tearing up her splint.  Her head is long though, and she has managed to manuever herself to still reach her paw, and again has chewed through the wrap.  I've tried cayenne pepper, bitter apple, and tobassco sauce/water all sprayed on the wrap, but she seems to like all these things and continues to lick it/chew it off.  I've tried a plastic "sleeve" over the wrap, but she tears that off too.  My vet told me NOT to use a muzzle on her, but I'm running out of ideas of how to get her to stop chewing her wrap so her wounds can heal.  

Any past experiences or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Beverly  

Answer
Hi Beverly,

You didn't say if it was a front or back paw which your dog had injured. Preventing a dog from picking at a bandage is harder when a front paw is effected, so I'll assume it's a front paw.

Usually wearing that large "elizabethan collar" is very efficient at stopping a dog from chewing, you dog must be particularly persistent! Wearing the next size larger collar might work.

Here is a web site that has directions on how to make a modified plastic collar out of a yogurt container as an alternative to the elizabethan collar:
http://joecarr.ca/photogallery/Pets/dog_collar.htm

This "Neck's Best Thing", or NTB collar is another product that might work. It's a kinder and gentler version of the elizabethan collar:
http://www.hagarcollars.com/

MediVet products makes the "Medipaw" protective boot from urethane coated nylon. It's waterproof/breathable to protects bandages and wounds:
http://www.medivetproducts.com/productdesc.html

Along the same line of thinking, you could also use a leather dog bootie (the kind hunting dogs use to protect their feet). Because it's leather, your dog might have a hard time chewing through it. Here is an example of the kind of boot I'm talking about:
http://www.sundaycolors.com/product/AUBDAPPBOOTS

...and these dog boots are especially made to protect injured paws:
http://www.therapaw.net/
http://www.dogbootsactive.com/dogpag/dogboots.htm

Sometimes, applying things such as cayenne pepper, lemon juice or Tabasco results in even more licking, as they can cause cause irritation to the skin. There is a spray on product called "Fooey", it's supposed to be the most bitter stuff on earth, and might help your dog stop chewing her bandage.
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?familyid=6433

I don't know why your vet said not to muzzle your dog. With a basket style muzzle, your dog could drink water, won't be able to chew on her foot.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti