at-home wound care

Question
I have a 6 yr old cocker mix. I noticed yesterday that he was bleeding from the loose skin on the underside of his neck. I took him to the vet and it was determined not to be a bite. The wound is about 1 to 1 1/2 in. long. I had the wound cleaned and bandaged as well as a 3 day penicillin shot administered. My question is, can this wound heal on its own if  continue the wound care at home. I love Chance very much, but unfortunetley cannot afford the 300.00 bill for the procedure. Will something like a liquid bandage help? He is eating and drinking normally. Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer?

Answer
Hi Diana,

The antibiotic is something you certainly want to continue, since all wounds are contaminated with dirt and bacteria.
I will assume that the wound has stopped bleeding. You didn't say if the vet sutured the wound or not,  or if your vet gave you any instructions for cleaning the wound. Were you told to return for further treatment or change the dressing? It's hard for me to give you information without knowing these things.

I can tell you that those liquid bandage products are not meant for deep wounds, or if the wound has be sutured.

Before handling the wound, make sure your hands are clean. Cleanse the edges of the wound with a damp gauze or pad. Irrigate the wound with clean tap water. Apply antibiotic ointment. Older wounds with a scab should be cleansed with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or a surgical soap. Blot dry. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage. Change the dressing regularly. Do so at least daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.

Nobody can force you to take your dog back to the vet, you certainly can try to treat this wound at home. If you see signs of infection: redness, the wound feels hot, there is pus or swelling, then you really need to have your vet treat your dog, since it can get pretty serious if left untreated.

Read about wound treatment here:

http://www.angelfire.com/extreme3/heartoftheapbt/Wound.html
http://animalpetdoctor.homestead.com/Injuries.html
http://www.seefido.com/canine-dog-health/html/dog_wound_care.htm

Sometimes a vet will allow you to pay off a bill over a period of time, rather than paying for the whole thing at the time of treatment. It's worth asking, should you need to take your dog back.

I hope I've been a help.

Best of luck,
Patti