Cut at the rear heel

Question
Hey Gwenyth,
My sweet guy has managed to get a cut on the back side of his heel and there is some swelling for starters.  He is very sore and is almost walking on three legs to keep the weight off of it.  It has only been a few days but I do not want this to go on.  Is there anything that you can suggest that I do.  I have been told that sometimes the best thing to do is to do nothing but I have a hard time doing that when I see him suffering.  I have him on bute but I am most concerned with his weight bearing.  
Thanks,
Carolyn
Fellow Allexpert
Home Improvements/Plumbing

Answer
Hi Carolyn ... if this has been going on for a few days and there's no improvement I'd give the vet a call. Swelling, heat, etc. almost always indicate infection.

In terms of Homeopathy you can give him some Calendula 30c ... give one pellet 3X a day for 2 days. you can also get some Calendula OINTMENT or OIL to put right on the wound. It is a natural antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic ... better than the Triple Antibiotic creams and such that are usually the 'standard'. BUT ... if he is setting up an abscess then the Calendula will heal the tissue so fast that if you don't get it into the very deepest part of the wound the outside may heal before the inside and then you've got more issues.

I'd check his temp; check his respirations; feel for warmth; cold hose the wound to help with the swelling, give the Calendula and call the vet.

:)  Good luck and keep me posted.

Oh, you can get the Calendula 30c at your local health food store, most likely and if not, you can get it here http://www.homeopathyworks.com  Just get a 2 dm bottle of it. It will cost you about $7 or so plus shipping. They also have the Calendula ointment and oil, I believe if you can't find that at your local health food store.  

--Gwen