Can’t touch injured dog

[JeanW]

My dog is a Shi Tzu cross with a terrier- possibly a Jack Russell or. A Border.

she is soft and gentle until she has an injury or has hurst herself.

Any attempt to handle her once she is hurt results in her becoming aggressive and biting to warn you offf

Last tome she was taken to the vet, as she was limping, they were unable to get near her because of this behaviour.

Any suggestions as to how we can deal with this?

 

[Finsky]

With injured animals, it is their natural instincts that take over and I doubt it is a scenario one can really train the dog for.
Vets should know this and able to deal with it as it is a case of making sure the animal does not injure or hurt itself anymore than it is feeling already or cause injury for those who are about to help it. That means it is a case of some sort of restrictive action for its movements and possible medical approach to sedate it.
Home use of the sedatives are not available just like that but temporary movement restrictions may mean a cage/muzzle/ holding within blanket or towel and of course handling the dog with calm manner and lots of loving talk to reassure you are not harming it. The dog may not understand what you are saying but your tone of voice on its own may send a message and take the worst edge of its fears away.
Training the dog to get used to occasional use of muzzle when it is well is one thing that you could train it for. When the time comes and call for it for a real, it is not anymore another added worry around its face.
Adaptil travel spray has calming effect and it doesn't interfere with any medications...it might be worth of trying if it does help with the nervousness with injured pet and help it relax a teeny bit but it doesn't 'knock the dog out'. It MAY help to just calm it down A LITTLE.
When ever you dog is unwell or injured, if it doesn't want to be handled, keep it to absolutely minimum and let it otherwise be.