Help- puppy reacting to every type of tape

[DaisyD]

I've got an almost four month old puppy that is having a lot of problem with reactions to tape. We've done latex free, multiple brands, Skin Prep too, and I and the breeder are running out of ideas so I'd thought I'd ask here.

I've been all over posts here as well as DPCA website. I'm experienced owner- this isn't my first dobe, but I've never had ear issues like this. Even using Skin Prep, she's prone to developing blisters on the inside of her ear.

I've tried using the DPCA suggestion of covering the ears with gauze after the posts are inserted and letting the tape only touch the skin at the very base and very tip, but she manages to slip those posts almost instantly because she shakes her head so vigorously. She's been to the vet multiple times and had swabs looked at under the microscope- no infection, no mites, no nothing- ears get the all clear.

I can't figure out any way to post without tape touching her somewhere. I've tried Zonas (which she had the absolute worst reaction to- blisters everywhere), along with 3M versions of breathable tape. Transpore seems to be the best I've found. I use Torbot for the posts because if I back tape with anything the inside of her ear will be really blistered after 1-2 days even with the skin prep, so I'm essentially using the method here by JanS.

Has anyone experienced this or have any other suggestions I can try? I really need to find a functional way to post this puppy that doesn't leave her with blisters. Thanks for any input.

 

[Ddski5]

I know that we discourage the use of Coban because it has a tendency to shrink but it does not have any adhesive on it like tape.

You could put it on loosely and then lightly squeeze it to cinch down…

With a 4month old puppy, man….you are in a serious spot because those rascals tend to get out of posts.

If you do use the Coban, please monitor carefully.

 

[Ddski5]

If there was a way to find something to keep the post/thick zip tie in the ear, it definitely won’t be as secure as using tape or glue. So I would secure it the best I could and cue/guard/correct the pup constantly to leave it alone. Take for a walk and engage him some way while constantly cueing and hope that he may finally get use to something being in his ears.

Good luck.

 

[DaisyD]

I know that we discourage the use of Coban because it has a tendency to shrink but it does not have any adhesive on it like tape.

You could put it on loosely and then lightly squeeze it to cinch down…

With a 4month old puppy, man….you are in a serious spot because those rascals tend to get out of posts.

If you do use the Coban, please monitor carefully.

Yeah, the breeder is pretty anti-Coban because she’s seen the issues it has caused, and that has me nervous too.

It is a spot for sure. We have four dogs and they play rough. I feel so bad for her because it’s been an issue since she was cropped and cupped. I kept hoping a change of tape or the Skin Prep would fix it, but not so far. I mean, the prep helps for sure, but she’s not completely blister free even with it.

 

[Rits]

Have you tried Micropore / paper tape? Would you be able to get away posting with just the torbots? There have been times when I only used torbot/ostobond if I was out of tape and it held just as well as with tape... I think the tape is just an added layer of security.

 

[DaisyD]

Have you tried Micropore / paper tape? Would you be able to get away posting with just the torbots? There have been times when I only used torbot/ostobond if I was out of tape and it held just as well as with tape... I think the tape is just an added layer of security.

I have not tried Micropore yet. That's a great idea.

Yesterday evening I put them in with just the turbots for the first time after seeing the thread here about that. I will admit I was doubtful, because I think the Skin Prep in general makes things not hold as well, but fingers crossed, so far so good. And they were playing ROUGH after I put them in, and didn't budge. She also didn't react and sulk nearly like she does with the tape.

 

[DaisyD]

Just wanted to update- I did end up adding a single piece of tape at the midpoint, and the posts made it until this morning before they popped out, which isn't really that bad compared to even with tape attached in three places. Usually three days is as long as they make it with this many young dogs playing like maniacs. The good news is absolutely no blisters this time. Her ears look great.

Now if I could figure out a reusable post with this method.

 

[Rits]

Just wanted to update- I did end up adding a single piece of tape at the midpoint, and the posts made it until this morning before they popped out, which isn't really that bad compared to even with tape attached in three places. Usually three days is as long as they make it with this many young dogs playing like maniacs. The good news is absolutely no blisters this time. Her ears look great.

Now if I could figure out a reusable post with this method.

Awesome! 3 days, that's not too bad for a boisterous puppy. I wrapped my posts in duct tape to make them firm then applied the glue to that. Once I removed the posts I'd use unisolve and gently wipe away the glue, then reuse. The glue would slide off the duct tape and duct tape would remain so long as I didn't use too much unisolve to soak the posts.

 

[DaisyD]

Update to the update. The paper tape is absolutely the way to go here for her. They look absolutely beat to heck more quickly clean wise, but they stay up for days, and no ear issues for the moment.

 

[JanS]

Any recent photos?