I am sure she knows you are helping her that is what she doesn't bite you but I wouldn't hold it against her if she did. She can't talk and this is her only way to talk to you. I am glad she is better I would not look at sugery if it for cosmetic reasons but if it is necessary to keep her pain free then I would do it. I don't know how to help you with the spilting but I would think it would heal on it's on one day soon.
Give Kody a pat for me please.
Rhayden