Large Bite Wound w/Dying Tissue - Need Advice - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Vinniedoggy · 12-20-2010, 11:27 AM

[QUOTE=Cha Cha;3363281]I have seen and treated a lot of abcesses in my life (although not on a small dog) where they had to be lanced. It has always been my experience that through the healing process it looks like tissue around the abcess area dies, and that is part of the process. It should stop dying and healing tissue should take over again The thing with an abcess is it is deep tissue, and must heal from within as I am sure your vet has told you. This is part of the healing process and can seem quite slow. I have also seen some wounds where the hide is missing and muscle tissue is exposed. This always looks quite disturbing and sometimes, even though the tissue you see looks dead it can just be dry from a lack of skin covering. My point is that even though it may look really really bad, it may still be healing like it should be. [QUOTE]

Thank you so much. Yes, the vet today was more optimistic. She said that the skin all looks really healthy beneath, like it wants to heal. My parents are continuing treatment for this week at least and are going to see how things progress from here. While money wasn't initially a huge concern, at $70-$100 per day for treatment, it's obviously becoming somewhat of an issue. We are really hoping that the vet can get things to a point where we can manage the wound at home. Thankfully, I live just down the street from my parents, so I can come over and help change bandages or do whatever else needs to be done.

Right now, muscle tissue is exposed and it looks just horrible. It's just so amazing that she doesn't seem to be in any pain. And if it was painful we would know because Karmen actually has a very low threshold for pain. Usually, the small things like a routine illness or ear infection just make her act like she's dying. So it's almost hilarious to see this dog with a huge chunk of skin missing all the way down to the muscle and her acting as if nothing is wrong.

Cha Cha · 12-20-2010, 11:55 AM

I am glad to hear this. I always feel that our animals have a way of letting us know when it is time to go. Your girl sounds like a fighter. The scary thing with an abcess is the body's natural instinct to form a scab. If that happens before the damaged tissue inside heals, you end up with another abcess and more infection. Daily cleaning of the wound keeps this from happening and any infection removed. Once she heals past the risk of reforming an abcess, I think home treatment will be easier. As far as the muscle damage, those wounds always look bad. But, when no vital organs, blood vesseles, nerves, or bones are involved, they will heal just fine, and this may be why she may have some muscle soreness, but not exhibiting a lot of intense pain.

MaddiesMommie · 12-20-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinniedoggy

Thank you so much. Yes, the vet today was more optimistic. She said that the skin all looks really healthy beneath, like it wants to heal. My parents are continuing treatment for this week at least and are going to see how things progress from here. While money wasn't initially a huge concern, at $70-$100 per day for treatment, it's obviously becoming somewhat of an issue. We are really hoping that the vet can get things to a point where we can manage the wound at home. Thankfully, I live just down the street from my parents, so I can come over and help change bandages or do whatever else needs to be done.

Right now, muscle tissue is exposed and it looks just horrible. It's just so amazing that she doesn't seem to be in any pain. And if it was painful we would know because Karmen actually has a very low threshold for pain. Usually, the small things like a routine illness or ear infection just make her act like she's dying. So it's almost hilarious to see this dog with a huge chunk of skin missing all the way down to the muscle and her acting as if nothing is wrong.

Great news! I will continue to say prayers for little Karmen. Thanks for keeping us updated.

concretegurl · 12-21-2010, 03:52 AM

I was working at a B&B oh my wow almost 10 years ago...we had several many "Inn cats" one was severely attacked by a raccoon, she had the same skin missing/rotting issue. I actually took her into my home for her treatment period, she had to have a tube placed under one part of her back to just under her back leg to manage the infection drainage, later the tube removal and healing became infected...both times skin had to be removed and then they did an iodine treatment topically (I guess that's what it is called) several times a day-okay I actually had to do it-I think I had her almost 3 months and the tube was in for almost a month-that was the awful part tube would try to heal over and get stuck and needed to be cleaned out but it was visually just so disturbing-never heard of sugar and honey...and of course antibiotics-she was a half wild "Inn Cat" it was a really fun process (not really), but visually I think the situation was also very similar to yours-she somehow managed to look so well disturbing limping, tubed and infected and yet had no issues with getting up and trying to hunt my Chinchilla in his house...I will always be amazed at how the skin regenerated and despite concerns the hair on her coat grew back for the most part, I actually found a really nice home for her with one of my mom's co-workers she was able to regain most use of her hind leg muscle. Of course Mikita became a house cat after that-not sure this helps but really glad things seem to be looking up for your parents dog.

Vinniedoggy · 12-26-2010, 09:56 AM

Quick update on Karmen - I wanted to post this in case someone else has this issue in the future and needs some advice. Despite missing a large section of skin on her rump/hip (it's about 5 inches by 5 inches wide) she is doing surprisingly well! She had a great holiday at home with our family. Despite being 15 and having an injury that I would think should hurt or at least be uncomfortable, she is eating like a champ and even wanting to go for long walks. She is all bandaged up at the moment and goes back to the vet tomorrow (Monday) for more treatment.

The vets were cautiously optimistic that her wound will in fact heal. They are continuing to do the honey and sugar treatments, followed by some lasering and debreeding of the dead tissue. The vets told me that the dying of skin appears to have stopped and there is evidence of regrowth. They also noted that all her tissue appears healthy. The true test will be tomorrow, as it's been a couple of days since she has been at the vet. But we are really, really hoping that she makes it through this. Despite being 15, she has quite a bit of spunk still and just doesn't seem like she's at the end of her life quite yet.

So we are still keeping all our fingers and toes crossed. I didn't realize until this happened just how lucky we were to have such awesome vet care right in our neighborhood. Our vets have been very proactive and really willing to try non-surgical interventions.

I will post updates as we have them.

kjc · 12-26-2010, 11:54 PM

That's really great news... glad to hear she's doing well!

ladyjane · 12-27-2010, 05:43 AM

Great news about Karmen!!! Thanks for the update. Hope things continue to go well.

Cha Cha · 12-27-2010, 09:14 AM

Thanks for the update. I've thought about you a few times over the Holiday. Karmen is so lucky to have you.

Vinniedoggy · 12-27-2010, 04:53 PM

A quick (and wonderful) update on Karmen! My mom took her to the vet today and the vet said that the healing is progressing wonderfully. They are very happy with how things look and are pretty certain that Karmen won't need to even be bandaged after this week. They said that the skin is growing inward like it should and there are no signs of infection. Her rear is still bandaged, so we can't see the wound, but when I saw it last week, I found it hard to believe that enough skin would grow back. At this point, they do not even think she'll need any surgery!!

I have to admit that I did not think we'd be at this point when I first posted here. My family was seriously discussing euthanasia, as we just thought that given the extent of her injury and her age that recovering from this wasn't possible. But she is acting completely normal and eating like a horse. Our vets are clearly pleased with how things are progressing.

I doubt we are still completely out of the woods, but things could not be better at the moment. I have always really liked the veterinary practice we use, but I have a totally new respect for what they do after this. Seeing Karmen get better from this is just amazing.

deeda9999 · 12-27-2010, 04:59 PM

That is such wonderful news!!! I am so happy to hear that.

ladyjane · 12-27-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinniedoggy

A quick (and wonderful) update on Karmen! My mom took her to the vet today and the vet said that the healing is progressing wonderfully. They are very happy with how things look and are pretty certain that Karmen won't need to even be bandaged after this week. They said that the skin is growing inward like it should and there are no signs of infection. Her rear is still bandaged, so we can't see the wound, but when I saw it last week, I found it hard to believe that enough skin would grow back. At this point, they do not even think she'll need any surgery!!

I have to admit that I did not think we'd be at this point when I first posted here. My family was seriously discussing euthanasia, as we just thought that given the extent of her injury and her age that recovering from this wasn't possible. But she is acting completely normal and eating like a horse. Our vets are clearly pleased with how things are progressing.

I doubt we are still completely out of the woods, but things could not be better at the moment. I have always really liked the veterinary practice we use, but I have a totally new respect for what they do after this. Seeing Karmen get better from this is just amazing.

YAY!! Wonderful news indeed!!

Wylie's Mom · 12-28-2010, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinniedoggy

A quick (and wonderful) update on Karmen! My mom took her to the vet today and the vet said that the healing is progressing wonderfully. They are very happy with how things look and are pretty certain that Karmen won't need to even be bandaged after this week. They said that the skin is growing inward like it should and there are no signs of infection. Her rear is still bandaged, so we can't see the wound, but when I saw it last week, I found it hard to believe that enough skin would grow back. At this point, they do not even think she'll need any surgery!!

I have to admit that I did not think we'd be at this point when I first posted here. My family was seriously discussing euthanasia, as we just thought that given the extent of her injury and her age that recovering from this wasn't possible. But she is acting completely normal and eating like a horse. Our vets are clearly pleased with how things are progressing.

I doubt we are still completely out of the woods, but things could not be better at the moment. I have always really liked the veterinary practice we use, but I have a totally new respect for what they do after this. Seeing Karmen get better from this is just amazing.

Just catching up on your thread, Andrea! YAY! Very happy to read this update. Phew. I really hope this kiddo continues to pull through and amaze all of us. Go Karmen!

Btw, are they giving her antibiotics / immune support? Keep us posted

!

MaddiesMommie · 12-28-2010, 08:54 AM

Oh wow! I was just reading your update from the 26th and then, I read your update from yesterday and got really excited. That is great news! Way to go little Karmen!!

Thanks so much for updating Andrea. So many of us read these posts and worry about these pupsters. You are so right, others in the future may find themselves in this situation and your thread may give them some insight and hope.
Thanks again and I will say a prayer for Karmen's continued recovery.

Vinniedoggy · 01-01-2011, 11:10 AM

Quick update on this - as things looked yesterday when we took Karmen to the vet, it appears she's going to make a full recovery!! I will admit that when the vet showed me her wound about 2 weeks ago (it had been bandaged and it was the first time I was seeing it), I was skeptical that it would ever heal. It was deep (down to the muscle) and HUGE (about 5+ inches in diameter, covering her rear).

Well, she had a bandage change yesterday and the wound is (per our vet) quickly closing. They said it's down to about 1-2 inches in diameter and she will likely not even need the bandages in another week or so. Everyone was so relieved!! Our vet did this without any surgery, just using laser treatments, debreeding, and sugar & honey treatments. All I have to say is - Wow!!

concretegurl · 01-01-2011, 11:22 AM

That is so awesome! Very happy for you and good to know-glad you shred this story in-case anyone else needs advice on this treatment. Keep posting I'm still reading!

12-20-2010, 11:27 AM	#16
Vinniedoggy YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 280	[QUOTE=Cha Cha;3363281]I have seen and treated a lot of abcesses in my life (although not on a small dog) where they had to be lanced. It has always been my experience that through the healing process it looks like tissue around the abcess area dies, and that is part of the process. It should stop dying and healing tissue should take over again The thing with an abcess is it is deep tissue, and must heal from within as I am sure your vet has told you. This is part of the healing process and can seem quite slow. I have also seen some wounds where the hide is missing and muscle tissue is exposed. This always looks quite disturbing and sometimes, even though the tissue you see looks dead it can just be dry from a lack of skin covering. My point is that even though it may look really really bad, it may still be healing like it should be. [QUOTE] Thank you so much. Yes, the vet today was more optimistic. She said that the skin all looks really healthy beneath, like it wants to heal. My parents are continuing treatment for this week at least and are going to see how things progress from here. While money wasn't initially a huge concern, at $70-$100 per day for treatment, it's obviously becoming somewhat of an issue. We are really hoping that the vet can get things to a point where we can manage the wound at home. Thankfully, I live just down the street from my parents, so I can come over and help change bandages or do whatever else needs to be done. Right now, muscle tissue is exposed and it looks just horrible. It's just so amazing that she doesn't seem to be in any pain. And if it was painful we would know because Karmen actually has a very low threshold for pain. Usually, the small things like a routine illness or ear infection just make her act like she's dying. So it's almost hilarious to see this dog with a huge chunk of skin missing all the way down to the muscle and her acting as if nothing is wrong. __________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru

12-20-2010, 11:55 AM	#17
Cha Cha Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Where the deer and the antelope play Posts: 7,069	I am glad to hear this. I always feel that our animals have a way of letting us know when it is time to go. Your girl sounds like a fighter. The scary thing with an abcess is the body's natural instinct to form a scab. If that happens before the damaged tissue inside heals, you end up with another abcess and more infection. Daily cleaning of the wound keeps this from happening and any infection removed. Once she heals past the risk of reforming an abcess, I think home treatment will be easier. As far as the muscle damage, those wounds always look bad. But, when no vital organs, blood vesseles, nerves, or bones are involved, they will heal just fine, and this may be why she may have some muscle soreness, but not exhibiting a lot of intense pain. __________________ Shelly and the girls Moka Mylee

12-26-2010, 09:56 AM	#20
Vinniedoggy YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 280	Quick update on Karmen - I wanted to post this in case someone else has this issue in the future and needs some advice. Despite missing a large section of skin on her rump/hip (it's about 5 inches by 5 inches wide) she is doing surprisingly well! She had a great holiday at home with our family. Despite being 15 and having an injury that I would think should hurt or at least be uncomfortable, she is eating like a champ and even wanting to go for long walks. She is all bandaged up at the moment and goes back to the vet tomorrow (Monday) for more treatment. The vets were cautiously optimistic that her wound will in fact heal. They are continuing to do the honey and sugar treatments, followed by some lasering and debreeding of the dead tissue. The vets told me that the dying of skin appears to have stopped and there is evidence of regrowth. They also noted that all her tissue appears healthy. The true test will be tomorrow, as it's been a couple of days since she has been at the vet. But we are really, really hoping that she makes it through this. Despite being 15, she has quite a bit of spunk still and just doesn't seem like she's at the end of her life quite yet. So we are still keeping all our fingers and toes crossed. I didn't realize until this happened just how lucky we were to have such awesome vet care right in our neighborhood. Our vets have been very proactive and really willing to try non-surgical interventions. I will post updates as we have them. __________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru

12-26-2010, 11:54 PM	#21
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	That's really great news... glad to hear she's doing well! __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

12-27-2010, 05:43 AM	#22
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	Great news about Karmen!!! Thanks for the update. Hope things continue to go well. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

12-21-2010, 03:52 AM	#19
concretegurl Between♥Suspensions Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vaissades Posts: 7,979	I was working at a B&B oh my wow almost 10 years ago...we had several many "Inn cats" one was severely attacked by a raccoon, she had the same skin missing/rotting issue. I actually took her into my home for her treatment period, she had to have a tube placed under one part of her back to just under her back leg to manage the infection drainage, later the tube removal and healing became infected...both times skin had to be removed and then they did an iodine treatment topically (I guess that's what it is called) several times a day-okay I actually had to do it-I think I had her almost 3 months and the tube was in for almost a month-that was the awful part tube would try to heal over and get stuck and needed to be cleaned out but it was visually just so disturbing-never heard of sugar and honey...and of course antibiotics-she was a half wild "Inn Cat" it was a really fun process (not really), but visually I think the situation was also very similar to yours-she somehow managed to look so well disturbing limping, tubed and infected and yet had no issues with getting up and trying to hunt my Chinchilla in his house...I will always be amazed at how the skin regenerated and despite concerns the hair on her coat grew back for the most part, I actually found a really nice home for her with one of my mom's co-workers she was able to regain most use of her hind leg muscle. Of course Mikita became a house cat after that-not sure this helps but really glad things seem to be looking up for your parents dog.

12-27-2010, 09:14 AM	#23
Cha Cha Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Where the deer and the antelope play Posts: 7,069	Thanks for the update. I've thought about you a few times over the Holiday. Karmen is so lucky to have you. __________________ Shelly and the girls Moka Mylee

12-27-2010, 04:53 PM	#24
Vinniedoggy YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 280	A quick (and wonderful) update on Karmen! My mom took her to the vet today and the vet said that the healing is progressing wonderfully. They are very happy with how things look and are pretty certain that Karmen won't need to even be bandaged after this week. They said that the skin is growing inward like it should and there are no signs of infection. Her rear is still bandaged, so we can't see the wound, but when I saw it last week, I found it hard to believe that enough skin would grow back. At this point, they do not even think she'll need any surgery!! I have to admit that I did not think we'd be at this point when I first posted here. My family was seriously discussing euthanasia, as we just thought that given the extent of her injury and her age that recovering from this wasn't possible. But she is acting completely normal and eating like a horse. Our vets are clearly pleased with how things are progressing. I doubt we are still completely out of the woods, but things could not be better at the moment. I have always really liked the veterinary practice we use, but I have a totally new respect for what they do after this. Seeing Karmen get better from this is just amazing. __________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru

12-27-2010, 04:59 PM	#25
deeda9999 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: long island, ny, usa Posts: 115	That is such wonderful news!!! I am so happy to hear that.

12-28-2010, 08:54 AM	#28
MaddiesMommie LoveMy2 Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 4,060	Oh wow! I was just reading your update from the 26th and then, I read your update from yesterday and got really excited. That is great news! Way to go little Karmen!! Thanks so much for updating Andrea. So many of us read these posts and worry about these pupsters. You are so right, others in the future may find themselves in this situation and your thread may give them some insight and hope. Thanks again and I will say a prayer for Karmen's continued recovery.

01-01-2011, 11:10 AM	#29
Vinniedoggy YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 280	Quick update on this - as things looked yesterday when we took Karmen to the vet, it appears she's going to make a full recovery!! I will admit that when the vet showed me her wound about 2 weeks ago (it had been bandaged and it was the first time I was seeing it), I was skeptical that it would ever heal. It was deep (down to the muscle) and HUGE (about 5+ inches in diameter, covering her rear). Well, she had a bandage change yesterday and the wound is (per our vet) quickly closing. They said it's down to about 1-2 inches in diameter and she will likely not even need the bandages in another week or so. Everyone was so relieved!! Our vet did this without any surgery, just using laser treatments, debreeding, and sugar & honey treatments. All I have to say is - Wow!! __________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru

01-01-2011, 11:22 AM	#30
concretegurl Between♥Suspensions Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vaissades Posts: 7,979	That is so awesome! Very happy for you and good to know-glad you shred this story in-case anyone else needs advice on this treatment. Keep posting I'm still reading!