WARNING: This blog contains some graphic images
Dog fight wounds are often descriptive as an iceberg. On the surface, you may see just a few puncture wounds and assume your dog was lucky, getting away with just a few cuts and scrapes. Those small wounds, however, may just be the tip of the iceberg. A lot of times, these small surface wounds cause much further damage underneath the skin surface. We are going to discuss a dog attack wound case today of a very sweet patient who unfortunately got some very bad injuries. We will discuss the initial presentation as well as the progression of her treatment over the course of approximately one and a half months.
The patient originally presented the first week of November for getting attacked by another dog.
On the surface, there were numerous puncture wounds around the right shoulder and the caudal abdomen. As we discussed before, these wounds can oftentimes be more extensive beneath the surface. On sedated wound explore, underneath an area of intact skin, a portion of this patient’s body wall was punctured into, meaning there was direct communication between her abdominal cavity and the outside world – all due to the tearing motion that happens during a dog bite. During this initial procedure, I sutured that abdominal wound closed and ended up placing a few drains in the surface wounds to prevent fluid from pocketing.
This patient went home with empiric antibiotics, pain medications, and anti-anxiety medications because, after any procedure, we want a patient to stay nice and calm to facilitate healing.
Another thing I should mention is that after any procedure – whether it be a surgical procedure, wound repair, or whatever – wearing an E-collar at all times is extremely important. This patient, unfortunately, did manage to get her E-collar off and was able to traumatize her own wound. As a result, there was necrotic, non-viable tissue over the wound that a second sedated wound explore was needed to remove.
After that skin was removed, the entire caudal half of this patient’s right abdomen was exposed. There was no skin left to close it, so what can we do?
In those cases, bandages come into play. Because of the location, I placed a bandage called a tie-over bandage which allows me to 1) place Medi-Honey on the wound end to help facilitate healing and 2) help pull in and facilitate constriction of the wound edges.
We were now doing something called “open wound management” for this patient, which is where the body heals by second intention. First, a nice healthy layer of pink-to-red granulation tissue lays down and then we start to form new skin via epithelialization.
Initially, I recommended the patient get rechecked every 2-3 days for bandage changes and then, once the wound constricted down further and further, I spread the bandage changes out to every 5-7 days. Once the wound was down to about the size of a nickel, I elected to leave it open to continue to heal without a bandage. From the time of the first bandage change to the time of the last bandage change, it was a little over one month – the body's ability to heal is amazing with appropriate treatment and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
So, if your dog ever is unfortunately attacked by another dog (or scratched by a cat or hit by a car or some other kind of trauma), please bring them into the veterinarian to be evaluated. Wounds are often much worse than they seem from the surface and treatment is best when it can be initiated as soon as possible.
Preventing Dog Fights: Tips and Resources
Preventing dog fights is crucial for the safety and well-being of your pet. While accidents can happen, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of dog fights.
Tips to Prevent Dog Fights
Spaying/Neutering: Consider spaying or neutering your dog. This can reduce aggression and lower the chances of your dog engaging in fights with other dogs.
Socialization: Proper socialization from a young age can help your dog feel more comfortable around other animals. Gradually introduce your dog to various environments, people, and other dogs to reduce anxiety and fear-based aggression.
Leash Training: Always walk your dog on a leash in public areas. This allows you to maintain control and prevent unwanted interactions with other dogs.
Supervised Playtime: Ensure that playtime with other dogs is supervised. Look for signs of aggression or discomfort, such as stiff body posture, raised hackles, or prolonged staring, and intervene if necessary.
Avoid High-Risk Areas: If you know that certain areas have a high concentration of aggressive dogs, try to avoid them during walks or outings.
Know Your Dog's Triggers: Be aware of what might provoke your dog. Some dogs may react to specific noises, environments, or types of dogs, and knowing these can help you avoid potential conflicts.
Training and Obedience: Engage in regular training sessions to establish a strong bond and ensure your dog responds to commands. This can help you manage your dog in potentially stressful situations.
Stay Calm and Assertive: Dogs can sense tension and fear in their owners. Remaining calm and assertive can help your dog feel secure and less likely to react aggressively.
Reputable Resources on Preventing Dog Fights
For more detailed guidance on preventing dog fights, you can refer to these reputable sources:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides comprehensive advice on dog behavior and training. Visit their website at akc.org for articles and tips on preventing dog fights.
The Humane Society of the United States offers guidelines and resources on responsible pet ownership and preventing aggression in dogs. Check out their materials at humanesociety.org.
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) provides insights into animal behavior and safety. Their website, aspca.org, includes resources for managing and preventing dog fights.
By taking these preventive measures and utilizing expert resources, you can help ensure a safer environment for your dog and reduce the likelihood of dog fights. Remember, proactive steps and education are key to keeping your pet happy and healthy.
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