Dog with cut on his side

Question
Hello,

My dog recently ran away and when he came back he had a cut that looked like a small hole on his left rear side near his thighs. We thought it was a small scab because it was not bleeding, so we let it be. Two days later, my dog keeps on licking in it and then it started to bleed and we took him to the emergency vet. They just gave him a shot to fight away infection but couldn't do much since it was on the weekend and our vet was closed. The hole on the side has continue to bleed a little at a time, and we have place cotton bandages on it....but I am not sure if that is the best thing we could do. My dog has a cone on his head to prevent him from licking the wound. What can we put on the injury to make it from turning swollen or red? Should we take the bandages off or leave it on? Please help.

Answer
Hi Yen!I would recommend going back to the vet. Your dog should be placed on oral antibiotics for 10 days. You can clean and flush the area with an epsoms salt solution or saline. And I would let it open to drain but keep the collar on to avoid him from licking it. I would definately take your dog to your regular veterinarian for treatment. Often times when a dog/cat gets lose, it is found that they have been shot with a bee bee gun. I only say this because I have seen this so many times and it fits the wound you are describing. Bee bees can stay inside an animal or human alike as long as there are no concerns as to the placement of the bee bee. Since this wound is on the inside of your dog's leg, I would be concerned with the fact that a major artery runs through the hind legs. I would have him checked and have the wound checked just to dismiss any of these concerns.
He may have gotten bit by something or he may have sliced it on something. This could cause an abcessed wound. He should be on antibiotics daily for at least a week to prevent infection. You have mentioned that he is wearing an E-Collar (the cone) and therefore is unable to lick the area. Since he is not able to lick the area, I would definately suggest putting regular Neosporine on it...not the advanced kind...just the old fashion regular. This will help the healing process and fight against infection.
Leave the wound undressed, as the air needs to hit it in order for it to heal. If there is infection in it, it will need to drain.
 
I hope this helps!Nicole.D.