Wound Care

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                      General Information



A wound is a mechanical injury to any part of the body.  There

may or may not be a break in the skin.  Types of wounds include:



Contusion:  a bruise (usually no break in the skin).



Abrasion:  a superficial scrape or rubbing away of the outer

layers of skin.



Incised wound:  clean cut by sharp objects, such as glass or

knives.



Laceration:  wound with torn or jagged edges.



Puncture:  penetrating wound of various depths that tends to seal

over quickly (may become abscessed).



Some open wounds require stitching (suturing).  Others are better

left open, especially if they are small or severely

contaminated.



Drain tubes or wicks may be used to allow pus and fluid to escape

from a deep or serious wound.  If your pet has a drain, it will

protrude from the lowest part of the wound, unless the wound is

covered with a bandage.  The drain tube usually is covered by a

bandage and is not visible.



                     Home Care of the Wound



Please follow the items checked.



    ____Clean the wound gently with cotton or tissue saturated

    with ( ) hydrogen peroxide, ( ) rubbing alcohol 1-2 times

    daily.  If a drain tube is present, clean the skin upon

    which the drainage accumulates.



    ____The bandage(s) should be changed ( ) in the office,

    ( ) at home every ____ days.



    ____Apply cold compresses (washcloth with ice cubes or an ice

    bag) on the injured site ____ times daily for the ( ) first

    day only, or ( ) the first ____ days, then apply warm

    washcloths or a warm-water bag.  The compresses should remain

    upon the injured site for 3-5 minutes at a time.



    ____Other:





        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet chews the sutures or opens the wound.



    * Swelling occurs in the area of the wound.



    * There is excessive bleeding or discharge from the wound.



    * Pain increases at the site of the wound.



    * Your pet's overall health worsens.