Bu Fell

[Sambuca]

Last night (tuesday) at around midnight I had Bu in my condo's fenced in tennis court running around. He wiped out big time on some ice. I didn't see it (he was behind me), but I heard it. He got up quickly and limped over to me. I said let's go inside and he ran, yes ran, to the gate and back. I saw a couple scrapes but it was dark so it didn't seem like much and with him running to go home I didn't think it was a big deal. When we came inside he ran upstairs and jumped on my bed. That's when I saw all the blood stains. His left elbow was skinned in 2 spots, the smaller being about the size of a nickel. His back feet were also bleeding a bit. I realized I didn't have any med wrap so we got in the car and go to the 24 hour pharmacy. When we got home I cleaned and wrapped his elbow and cleaned his back feet and put socks on them. I also saw some minor scrapes and cuts on his front feet which I cleaned. His back left thigh was totally scraped up on the outside (roadburn) and was bruised up on the inside of the thigh. I cleaned up his thigh and he was acting pretty normal so we went to bed.

 

This morning, Bu was mopey and acting pretty sore so we went to the vet, who was impressed with the amount of damage. I knew he didn't need stitches and nothing was broken, but I hated seeing him in pain. The vet said to clean the elbow out twice a day with hydrogen peroxide and gave us metacam for the next 3 days. He's still feeling pretty bad after the metacam today. Do you have any advice to help make him more comfortable?

[Guest Greytluv]

I hope he's feeling better

[greyhead]

I wonder if applying some cold packs would help? Using a thin tea towel so it's not too cold.

[Guest IrskasMom]

Awww Bu .Sending some gentle Hugs

[Guest greybookends]

Sounds like you are doing all you can. If you don't have to go to work than I would recommend a nice blanket, extra cookies and lots of snuggling and kisses.

[nyGreys]

Poor baby. Hope he feels better soon.

[5blackgreys]

I personally am not a fan of hydrogen peroxide. It tends to irritate the skin instead of helping it to heal. My SIL, who is a vet, told me to use Hibiclens mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with water to clean out any wounds. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) can usually be found in the local pharmacy with the first aid supplies.

 

All that being said, I hope Bu recovers quickly and doesn't take any more tumbles on the ice.

[Guest Swifthounds]

Poor Bu!

 

I personally am not a fan of hydrogen peroxide. It tends to irritate the skin instead of helping it to heal. My SIL, who is a vet, told me to use Hibiclens mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with water to clean out any wounds. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) can usually be found in the local pharmacy with the first aid supplies.

 

I thought that was an odd suggestion as well. Hydrogen peroxide eats away not just harmful bacteria, but also healthy skin cells. Repeated use can slow healing and promote scarring. I would use a chlorhexidine, saline, or one of the foaming wound cleansers sold for such purpose. I would ask the vet why he suggested hydrogen peroxide. Perhaps there's a reason that outweighs the risk.

Edited January 28, 2010 by Swifthounds

[Guest Greytluv]

How is Bu feeling this morning?

[Guest Energy11]

I personally am not a fan of hydrogen peroxide. It tends to irritate the skin instead of helping it to heal. My SIL, who is a vet, told me to use Hibiclens mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with water to clean out any wounds. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) can usually be found in the local pharmacy with the first aid supplies.

 

All that being said, I hope Bu recovers quickly and doesn't take any more tumbles on the ice.

 

I totally agree on NO using the peroxide. It impeads the clotting process everytime it is used ... ie: it breaks down any scabbing, and that is what you don't want. I second the Hibiclens, and TOTALLY recomment Trypzyme V spray or ointment, as it sluffs of the old skin as it heals. http://www.vetdepot.com/Trypzyme-V-Liquid-1-oz.html

 

You could try warm packs on the injuries, and like everyone else has said, lots of loving, warm blankets and good care!

 

Sooo sorry you had two have to go through this! Hugs from us here.

[fsugrad]

Poor Bu! Hope you're feeling better soon, sweetie.

[Guest smudgebear]

It must be a bad a week for greyhounds in CT! My Shadow also took a hard fall in our fenced in yard on Monday night. We think he slipped in some mud after that big rainstorm we had. He's also pretty stiff and sore, but getting around better each day. The e-vet gave us 5 days worth of Rimadyl for the pain. I've been applying cold packs to his injured leg and that seems to help him. I hope both of our babies will be good as new before too long! It's hard to see them hurting.

[Guest 2greygirls]

Poor guy. we've had wipe-outs on ice this year too, in fact boor Bonnie fell this morning..I think you have some good advice, other than spoiling him. perhaps a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to snuggle with. I wouldn't worry about using peroxide , especially if they are surface scrapes. I think it runs into problems when you get into deeper wounds. But the other wahses suggested are great. hugs to Bu!

[Guest Energy11]

OY! We are expecting ICE and snow up here for Sat. After reading this, I will be very very careful! I have straw in our turnout pen, and carpeting on the deck and a carpeted long, handicapped type ramp, but still ... ya never know.

[CaliforniaGreys]

Poor Bu!

 

I personally am not a fan of hydrogen peroxide. It tends to irritate the skin instead of helping it to heal. My SIL, who is a vet, told me to use Hibiclens mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with water to clean out any wounds. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) can usually be found in the local pharmacy with the first aid supplies.

 

I thought that was an odd suggestion as well. Hydrogen peroxide eats away not just harmful bacteria, but also healthy skin cells. Repeated use can slow healing and promote scarring. I would use a chlorhexidine, saline, or one of the foaming wound cleansers sold for such purpose. I would ask the vet why he suggested hydrogen peroxide. Perhaps there's a reason that outweighs the risk.

 

Well put. Cleaning once with peroxide may be ok but not continuous use.

Hope he feels better as the day goes on