Idea Exchange: Protect patients' tails with pop bottles

When we need to bandage a patient's tail to prevent further trauma, we use a homemade pop bottle bandage. To make it, we cut the bottom 2 in off a 20-oz pop bottle, remove the cap and the ring under the cap, thoroughly clean the bottle, and cover all the cutoff edges with elastic tape (Elastikon—Johnson & Johnson). We slide the patient's tail through the bottle opening and wrap the elastic tape about 1.5 in up the tail. By bandaging the tail this way, the owner is still able to apply medication and air can still reach the damaged skin, but the tail is protected from further trauma caused by happy wagging.

Brenda Girard, LVT

Amy Taylor, LVT

St. Clair Shores, Mich.