Continued
Last week, we discussed the emergency control of haemorrhaging due to cuts and assorted wounds on the extremities (legs, tails), etc.
Whatever the cause of the lesion (wound), there is great likelihood that germs (bacteria, spores, etc) would have entered the broken surface of the skin. Our objective, therefore, must always be to clean the dirt and debris out of the wound, without introducing more germs. For this reason, the materials/instruments we use must themselves be clean. In fact, if you boil the cotton wool and the scissors, etc, before intervention, that would be best. Your hands should also be washed clean, preferably with germicidal soap.
Cleansing of fresh wounds
You should firstly clear away the clotted blood and dirt from around the wound (not yet from the wound itself). Use a sharp pair of scissors to clip away the hair surrounding the wound. If the animal is in a state of shock and will allow you to touch the wounded area, you may wish to use a safety razor to shave away the hair surrounding the wound. You may now begin to cleanse the edge of the wound (gently) using a Q-tip (match stick with sterile cotton wool on the tip) or a sterile damp gauze/pad. Now wash away the hair (from the clipping) and the general dirt from the wound properly. You can use just ordinary tap water. If the wound begins to bleed again, just press a clean pad/gauze bundle/cotton wad on the wound and keep the pressure on until the bleeding stops. You may now introduce and antibiotic ointment/cream/powder on to the surface of the fresh wound. Do not ever clean a fresh wound with hydrogen peroxide!
If the gash is large and deep (especially if there is tissue loss), you may wish to contact your veterinarian, because suturing of the wound may be indicated. He/she will also decide on whether a bandage is necessary. I personally always would advise to stitch a deep, fresh wound (anything over an inch in length).
Caring for old wounds
In many instances, one does nothing after the injury to the skin has occurred. The wound then becomes covered with dry pus and serum and a contaminated scab. Under this scab some festering can be taking place. In such cases, one should follow the hair clipping/shaving and general cleansing procedure described above. One may use hydrogen peroxide (three per cent solution) or an anti-bacterial soap to further cleanse the old wound. Introduce antibiotic ointments and a bandage if necessary. The suturing of an old wound has doubtful, if any advantages.
Later, we will discuss the whole issue of bandages. I am not always a great supporter of the use of bandages on wounds. For one thing, dogs and cats tend to see them as irritants which must be removed promptly – and they proceed to do same. Secondly, the old belief that it is better to ‘air’ the wound (especially) if the surface is daily cleansed) seems still valid to me, and I think it helps with the healing process. Thirdly, if the wound is left open and the animal licks at it, that might not be such a bad thing since the area is stimulated for even quicker healing. Some may even argue that saliva has an antibacterial property. Of course, the same licking will carry away the ointment you may have placed on the wound. Well my answer to that is not to place the ointment on the wound; instead you may administer the antibiotic capsule/tablet, suspension orally.
Finally, nowadays we can stitch the wound with steel sutures, the ends of which stick the patient’s tongue/muzzle and dissuade him from fooling around with the wound.
We will discuss the use of non-use of screwworm sprays on open wounds at a later date.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
