By Doug Tack, DVM

Bite Wounds
Probably the most common Terrier injury

1. Control Bleeding - In most instances, firm pressure applied directly against the bleeding tissue for a few minutes, will allow clotting to begin. If the bleeding does not stop, and you are dealing with a wound to the leg, you may try a tourniquet. Using a shoe lace or a piece of rubber tubing, simply tie the limb off at or above the closest joint to the wound. You can also apply direct pressure to help with clot formation.

REMEMBER - The tourniquet can be dangerous. It should be loosened at least every 3-5 minutes, to allow blood flow to return to the limb. Lack of blood starves the tissue of oxygen and nutrients very quickly. (Often times causing severe complications or tissue death!)

2. Clean and Flush Wound -

Deep Punctures - Flush large volumes of fluid through the wound. (I like sterile saline (water will do in a pinch) with enough Betadine added to make a dark tea colored fluid.) Be careful not to dislodge clots. If you had a bleeding problem you should SKIP this step! Clean all hair, dirt and debris from the wound. Clip the hair from around the edges and scrub throughly. REMEMBER - Deep punctures are always much worse below the surface of the skin. Seek Veterinary care as soon as possible. Good broad spectrum antibiotics should be prescribed ( I like Baytril or Clavamox).

Superficial (Mild) - Cuts, Scrapes and Punctures - Clip Hair around wounds, then scrub throughly with Betadine or Nolvasan (Chlorhexaderm) scrub. If there is any doubt, flush wounds and see your Veterinarian. Continue to clean and scrub wounds until they have healed. Keep scabs off!!! They are only plugging up the holes, keeping bacteria inside!

Helpful Hints:

1. If the wound is extensive, apply a thick layer of K-Y Jelly over the entire wound before clipping. This will prevent hair and dirt from getting into the wound while clipping. It then will be easier to flush out later.

2. Wounds of the extremities (legs) often respond best to therapeutic soaks. Simply make up your solution of Betadyine and water, (diluted to a dark tea color), and then soak the limb for 5 to 10 minutes. You can then scrub scabs off and apply antibiotic ointment. This should be done 1 to 2 times a day until all wounds are healed.

3. DO NOT bandage wounds and forget about them! If you are covering a wound, you MUST change the dressing at least once a day. Remember to clean and soak the wound each day.

4. Do Not suture or staple closed a deep or infected wound. You need adequate drainage, or you will trap bacteria under the skin. This will result in an abscess.

5. If you start antibiotics, always continue for 3 days past healing. To help avoid bacterial resistance, the minimum is 3 days of any antibiotics before discontinuing.

6. Don't forget pain management - Baby Aspirin will help, Rimadyl is better (ask your veterinarian for dose). Yes dogs are stoic, but these wounds hurt!

Eyes
Second most common injury in Terriers

Flush eyes with Sterile Ophthalmic Flush/Saline after working a hole. Roll the eyelids out to thoroughly flush the conjunctival sacs. Flush liberally! If your pet is squinting and holding the eye shut, he/she probably has a corneal ulcer or puncture. Apply a healthy amount of an Ophthalmic (eye) Antibiotic ointment ( I prefer mycitracin or some other ophthalmic triple antibiotic ointment). Continue the ointment 3-4 times a day until you have seen your veterinarian.

REMEMBER -

1. NEVER put anything with cortisone into your dog's eyes without your veterinarian's specific instructions. If your pet has a corneal ulcer, scratch or puncture, the cortisone will delay healing.

2. Only use drops, ointments and flushes specifically made to be put into the eye. Anything else can damage the eye.

3. Always see your veterinarian for a follow up visit if the squinting doesn't resolve within a few hours, or if your are at all unsure if there is a problem.

Fractures & Broken Limbs

1. Muzzle the dog: even your most beloved pet will bite you if in extreme pain.

2. If possible, try to immobilize lower limb fractures.

3. Wrap pet in warm coat or blanket to help avoid shock.

4. Seek immediate Veterinarian care.

5. Treat for shock, if you know how.

Poisonous Snake Bites
Avoidance is the best.

1. If you are in an area were this is a problem, pre-condition your dog to avoid snakes.

2. Learn which areas to avoid.

3. If your dog gets bit:

a. Apply tight tourniquet above wound.
b. Seek immediate emergency care.

First Aid Kit

• Sterile Eye Irrigation Solution - Sterile Saline will work fine
• Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic ointment for eyes
• Wound Flush
• Small Bottle of Alcohol
• Small Bottle of Betadine Scrub
• Muzzle Material - gauze works well
• Bandage Material
• Gauze sponges
• Triple antibiotic ointment for wounds
• Tourniquet
• Hemostat
• Scissors
• Clotting Solution or Sticks
• Antibiotic
• Other

If you have Special Training

• IV Catheters
• Disposable razor - to clean wound edges or prepping for catheter
• Soludelta Cortef or Dexamethasone - for shock treatment
• IV Antibiotic - Totacillin or Keflin
• Surgical Staples or Suture Material
• Endotracheal Tubes
• Splint Material
• Other