Guest goofydog2 Posted October 1, 2017 Posted October 1, 2017 (edited) This is a nasty looking bite that I've sought input from several very experienced GH folks, that I trust very much, that it is from a Brown Recluse. I can't seem to get the pics from my phone to post here, however if you Google the bite on canines they are exact matches. I first noticed a half dollar sized bald patch on his back last Friday eve when returning from work. On closer inspection it was a raw spot about 1/8 inch deep. The vet was already closed so we were there first thing Saturday AM. The relief vet said it appeared to be a spider bite and started him on 1000mg cephalexin bid. i have been following that regimen without any real change in appearance of the wound. I did use a Sharpie to mark a circle so any growth of the hole could be identified. So far it hasn't reached the marker circle, thank goodness. Obviously this didn't happen between leaving Friday AM then returning to find it. The vet said it probably abscessed inward then ruptured the surface. He doesn't show any discomfort when I touch it or the surrounding tissue or when laying down. It is tacky to touch so is still weeping fluid. We will be at his vet first thing in the AM for a closer exam and hopefully a definitive diagnosis and possible change in treatment. Does anyone have any experience with a Brown Recluse spider bite? He appears okay, me not so much. TIA. Clown Boy and his worried Mom Edited October 1, 2017 by goofydog2 Quote
Rickiesmom Posted October 1, 2017 Posted October 1, 2017 Toni, no experience, but you and Morrie are in my thoughts and prayers. Quote
XTRAWLD Posted October 1, 2017 Posted October 1, 2017 A brown recluse is no joke. No personal experience but have heard it needs some immediate medical attention to prevent major issues. Thinking of you. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015
Guest goofydog2 Posted October 1, 2017 Posted October 1, 2017 Toni, no experience, but you and Morrie are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you Mary. We'll happily accept and appreciate your thoughts and prayer. Quote
Guest goofydog2 Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 A brown recluse is no joke. No personal experience but have heard it needs some immediate medical attention to prevent major issues. Thinking of you. Thank you XTRAWILD, He's been on the 1000mg cephalexin bid for 9 days now without any decline in health, appetite or activity level. I keep giving him checks of all signs/symptoms several times a day. As a grey I do have to sometimes wake him up to do those checks! Quote
Roo Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Our angel Dusty had a nasty spider bite on her back leg. We/our vet assumed it was a recluse bite. It started out small, then grew and grew quickly. Vet prescribed antibiotics and rinses (perhaps saline, perhaps something else - it was a long time ago!). It oozed like crazy. The skin died and sloughed away but it healed well and she recovered just fine! Quote Mom of bridge babies Regis and Dusty. Wrote a book about shelter dogs! I sell things on Etsy!
cleptogrey Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 (edited) Watch it carefully. In humans they need to be derided. Any negative changes do call your vet. If you look up brown recluse spider bite you will be shocked. DD was bit by a spider, initially they thought brown recluse. Luckily it was a black widow! Edited October 2, 2017 by cleptogrey Quote
Busderpuddle Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 My ex was bitten by a Brown Recluse and it required 2 mini surgeries to remove the dead skin away from it. It left a divet in his leg about an inch deep. They also did debridement prior to the surgery. He was on antibiotics for 3+ weeks. Praying all goes well for your sweet pup. Quote Karen
NeylasMom Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 I know nothing about brown recluse bites in dogs, but two thoughts for expediting wound healing that always work well for us. The first is Epsom salt soaks twice a day if he can tolerate them. Where the wound is located you will probably need to make the solution and then soak a towel/wascloth in it and do a warm compress for 10 minutes. The second is cold laser therapy. Miraculous for drying out wounds and increasing blood flow to promote healing. I would of course discuss both with your vet because I'm only talking about normal woumds, I have no idea how these might affect a venomous bite. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong."
Guest goofydog2 Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Jen, thanks so much for the epsom salt suggestion. Usually that is my first 'go to' solution for wounds and I completely forgot about it with this. I'm basically making myself crazy worrying about this and he is no different from any other day. Guess I need to take my cue from him! The vet is double booked all day. Fortunately the have 2 doctors on duty so we were able to get a 3:30 appointment. I'll also ask if cold laser is an option. Thank you everyone for the well wishes. I will update later this afternoon. Quote
Guest goofydog2 Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Morrie will go in tomorrow for surgical debridement then closing the wound. I'm tossing in a dental while he's under and has never had one. This way he doesn't have to be sedated again in a few months. Healing thoughts appreciated. Quote
macoduck Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Paws crossed that Morrie has a good day tomorrow. Toni - Mazy, Allen, little Charlie, Potato and I shall be pacing backandforthbackandforth with you tomorrow. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt.
schultzlc Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Sending good thoughts for Morrie's procedures tomorrow! Quote Laura, mom to Luna (Boc's Duchess) and Nova (Atascocita Venus).Forever in my heart, Phantom (Tequila Nights) and Zippy (Iruska Monte).
NeylasMom Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Fingers crossed for a smooth surgery and that this is the only one needed! Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong."
Guest goofydog2 Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Thanks guys. Drop off by 9 & pickup after 4. They were always good at keeping me updated with all of Get Em's procedures so I'm sure tomorrow will be no different. Love this vet practice! Quote
RaineysMom Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Sending prayers for an uneventful surgery!!! :hope Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway
greytpups Posted October 2, 2017 Posted October 2, 2017 Hope all went well with Morrie Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Rickiesmom Posted October 3, 2017 Posted October 3, 2017 Fingers crossed, watching for a great update ! Quote
Guest goofydog2 Posted October 3, 2017 Posted October 3, 2017 No update yet so I'm going with no news is good news. I'm to call at 3:30 for an update. Fingers crossed he'll be out of surgery and awake. If so I can bring him home then. Quote
macoduck Posted October 3, 2017 Posted October 3, 2017 Any news? Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt.
Guest goofydog2 Posted October 3, 2017 Posted October 3, 2017 Thanks for asking Ducky. We got home a bit before 5 and he's been snoozing for most of the time. He has a bandage circling his tuck that is just short of his 'propeller shaft'! Hiss vet said that post surgery the area was a bit weepy and if he removes the bandage that might continue. Still a bit woozy/wobbly when he gets up. I've put a couple of Milk Bones out for him if he wants something. I also have a new bottle of Rimadyl, however I don't really want to give it until he has something on his tummy. Next time he gets up, or even looks awake, I'll offer some turkey. If that doesn't work I'll break out the trusty smelly sardines! To avoid the cone of shame I'll muzzle him before I crash on the couch, just to make sure he won't be eating the bandage. Quote
Rickiesmom Posted October 4, 2017 Posted October 4, 2017 Well, sounds as good as it can. Hopefully he eats for you and then goes back to sleep so you can both get some rest tonight. Hope it's nothing but healing from here! Quote
macoduck Posted October 4, 2017 Posted October 4, 2017 Toni, do you have any Bitter Yuck spray? I've used it on foot and leg injuries and it mad Mazy stop licking booboos. Even if he can't reach to spot on his back you could spray the bandage. Doesn't sting if you put it on the wound. My vet recommended it. Our Petsmart didn't have it but Petco and Tractor Supply did. Do not get Bitter Apple. That was a waste of money. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt.
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