to cover a wound or not? - Page 1

My girl got cut last night while out doing our thing. wound is where the front leg meets the upper brisket. no vet for 5 hours to go. not bleeding or anything. put chloromide on it. other dogs keep cleaning it out.


best to cover it or not.

she is 7yo, gonna retire her now.

she been a great working dog but enough is surely enough.

I would cover it if she is going to need stitches so the skin stays fresh. Otherwise, I would leave it open unless she won't leave it alone.

It's a long time past but tell me, how deep and is it exposed or in the fold, where it will rub?

Always clean a wound right away, just clean it, soap and water.

You might shave back hair if it's gonna cause problems.

But if it's deep you should try to get to a vet, if it's too late to stitch at least you'd get some anti-biotics.

Minor cuts should heal and leaving them open allows any (minor wound) to heal faster, not so with deeper cuts.

I don't think I'd let your other dogs lick the wound if that's what you were saying above, she can lick her own wounds.

Keeping it clean and avoiding infection is a big plus if your not going to the vet.

 

 

 

Hi VK

 

I praise you for having such concerns for your dogs.

Its a traite that not everyone has.  My oldest female is now 11 years old,

she spends most of the time with her head in my lap when I'M in the house.

Your dogs must love you with a passion.

Every one needs to be loved,especially our older companions,

Have a wonderful day. Hope your dog heals fast.

  John

^ thanx.

What caused the cut? If was the tooth of an animal, closing it with sutures will likely cause an absess. If the wound is out of her reach, the other dogs licking it can be benneficial. Allow it to drain, if it's deep, it needs to not be closed to air, allowing anarobic bacteria to flourish. If it's not bleeding, and bone is not exposed, I'd leave it uncovered....just keep her in a clean environment.

Btw, even an old wound can be sutured if neede...the edges of the wound are debrided so they are fresh and can bond.

Is it worse than this? This is day 2 or 3 using Vetericyn Hydro-gel. Gash was over 2" wide at it's most swollen center point. Too swollen and aged (several hours) to stitch when discovered. Healed absolutely perfectly.

The problem I've had using Vetericin on deep wounds is that it causes the wound to heal from the outside first, causing absess to form in the wound, (a deep wound MUST drain, or it will absess). I would not use any meds externally if it is a deep wound, just keep it clean. If need be, administer antibiotics orally, or give penn shot.

Ooh that's nasty ^.

it was a tusker, wound is short but deep. but must be the position as it splayed sort of open can see the layers of flesh.

vet left it open. the swelling went up quick and extended over the chest. the swelling is already gone??

The swelling is already gone...it is allowed to drain by being left open. Whenever in doubt about treatment for a wound, unless bleeding must be stemmed, best to leave it open. My guess is that your vet put her on antibiotics. Tusks and horns can cause the worst bacterial infections known to science....gangreen, tetanus, staph. Etc.
Glad the swelling is down, that signals infection is under control.