The open cut has closed completely. The four staples are still in. So I thought I'd take off the cone yesterday afternoon and see what happens. It is healing so it is itching, just like the two small cuts I have. I don't lick mine but she did and does lick hers. When I did not see her licking her wound later last night after all the staining was gone and the area clean, I decided I'd leave the cone off for the night. The legs was perfect this morning and no signs of chewing or licking.