b'Lacerations, Scrapes,Bites & Wound Repairby the UrgentVet DoctorsIf your furry friend gets a wound, how do you know whether H ERE ARE A FEW REASONS WHY :to manage it at home or bring them for a veterinary visit?Sometimes, the part of the wound you see is the tip of theWhen in doubt, its always best to seek veterinary care. But, iceberg, and the full wound goes deeper and needs morehere are a few important things to know about wounds in pets. involved care. This is especially common with bite orpuncture wounds.C OMMON TYPES OF WOUNDS IN DOGS AND CATS , If your pet is in pain, they might not let you clean theAND HOW THEY HAPPEN wound fully. A veterinary team can provide safe painScrapes & cuts management and a thorough cleaning.Burns A veterinarian can advise you on what type ofBitesmedicine to use on your pet.Abscesses The wound may need extra protection andHot spots (red, raw-looking patches application of a padded bandage.caused by excessive licking) And of course, if at any time a wound isnt heal-Broken toenails ing or is getting worse, you should seek veterinarycare ASAP.The type of wounds that could happen depend a lot on yourpets lifestyle. For example, whether theyre indoor or outdoor, H OW ARE PET WOUNDS TREATED ?whether theyre around other animals, etc. As you can imagine, the specific veterinary plan will varydepending on the needs of your pet. H ERE ARE A FEWH ERE ARE SOME COMMON WAYS IN WHICH DOGS AND CATS CAN COMMON PARTS OF A WOUND TREATMENT PROTOCOL :BE INJURED : Cleaning the wound. This is very important right after theDuring outdoor play, due to hazards on the wound happens, and might need to be repeatedground or underwater. during the healing process.Bites caused by another animalmost com- Preventing or treating infection.This maymonly with cats who roam outdoors, dogs be done with oral antibiotics, topicalat dog parks. ointments and sprays, or both.Burns from walking on hot sidewalks or Managing pain. This maydue to kitchen appliances. involve sedation to clean aScrapes and abrasions because of a fall painful wound, oral medications,or being hit by a car. or even certain topical creams.Getting a toenail stuck on something. (Remember, some human painSelf-inflicted wounds caused by allergies medications are toxic to pets, soor anxiety, leading to a hot spot. never give medications at homewithout checking with the vet first.)If it happens to your buddy, dont feel bad. Accidents can Sutures (stitches), if needed.happen even when pets are well-monitored. However, its Allowing drainage. Some wounds might need toimportant that they receive appropriate, prompt wound care. drain to prevent an infection. Protecting the wound. This often involves a bandage D OES MY PETS WOUND NEED VETERINARY CARE ? and an Elizabethan collar to prevent your palSome woundsespecially shallow, minor cuts and scrapes from licking the wound.can be managed at home, if you have some experience andyour pet allows you to examine and clean the wound. If you With any care plan, be sure to monitor the wound, andhavent treated a pet wound before, or if theres any doubt as to follow up with recheck veterinary visits. That way, you canwhether you need veterinary care, its best to err on the side of be sure the wound is healing properly, reduceing the oddscaution and bring your pal to a veterinarian.of complications.68 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'