June 2, 2018 . We noticed a skin rash on Twister’s neck. We suspected that the cone rubbing on his neck was responsible.  My husband took him to Dr. Doolittle who recommended the following: Neosporin and another medication. For the time being, in order for his skin to heal, he is wearing no collar and no harness. Bob takes him out for a walk in our backyard regularly and only puts the harness on during that time. During this time we did not let Twister wear his collar. Besides, he’s always inside with us,  so there is no chance that he would get lost. Plus, he’s also microchipped.

June 9, 2018. Bob took Twister to the veterinarian because he was scratching at his neck and irritating the wounds. Our veterinarian told us to wipe the area with a warm, damp clean cloth then apply Neosporin to the area where the skin was raw.  The medication that was Apoquel (Oclacitinib)16mg. Give one half tablet by mouth every 12 hours for seven days. Then give one half tablet by mouth every 24 hours until gone.

The vet also noticed a pink area in Twister’s tummy.  The vet suspected  the pink area was due to an allergy. Twister no longer has the pink area.The medication helped to get rid of this. He scratches a little which is normal. His neck is better. 

June 11, 2018. Because we were worried about fleas bothering Twister, we started scattering diatomaceous earth in our backyard, especially in the areas where Bob takes Twister for a stroll. Twister is still taking his meds. But he only wears his harness when he goes for a walk. He looks so much better and the wounds on his neck that were caused by the scraping of that stiff cone are healing.

We are also trying to patch up the holes that Twister made in our backyard tool shed. Apparently, he must’ve seen something go in there and was trying to capture it. (Maybe that’s how he injured his foot.)

To keep Twister away from the tool shed, my husband set a have a heart trap inside the shed. He captured a possum and released it in a habitat near a creek where he would be happier. He repeated the procedure on another day and captured a field mouse that he also released in the same area.