Wound Repair

In veterinary medicine, wounds are pretty common. Our goal is to minimize pain while helping the body’s process of healing so the tissue can return to normal function as quickly as possible. Because not every wound is the same, treatment pathways and the products used will vary. 

What kind of wounds can my pet get?

Puncture wounds occur after something pokes a hole in the body, such as teeth from another animal, sticks, porcupine quills, and bones etc. A laceration is a tear that has jagged skin edges. If a dog bites down, it can break the skin and cause a puncture, but if he pulls or the victim pulls away, a laceration may be seen in addition to the puncture. An abrasion is caused by a rough surface - such as the road, teeth, or gravel - rubbing against the skin.

What is debriding? 

Dead or dying tissue has to be removed, a process medically referred to as debriding, before the wound can heal. Dead tissue is a great place for bacteria to start growing which can quickly lead to an infection, and delay the healing of healthy tissue. Once the dead tissue is removed, the wound is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris. 

Will my pet need medication? 

When your pet is discharged from the hospital, you will receive specific instructions regarding your pet's home care. Typically patients are sent home with medication for pain management, swelling, and antibiotics to combat infection. It will be important for owners to follow all instructions regarding medication 

Does my pet have to wear a cone?

One of the most important goals is to prevent an infection from occurring within the wound. Often times when a pet has wound they instinctively want to lick it, but that can actually hurt them more than help them.