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Old 12-19-2010, 01:25 PM   #1
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Unhappy Large Bite Wound w/Dying Tissue - Need Advice

First, this post is about my parents' dog, a 15 year-old toy/miniature poodle, Karmen (she's about 19 lbs). I'm just looking for some advice from anyone who has been through a similar experience with a large wound on a dog.

About a week ago, I went over to my parents' house to check on their dogs. To make a very long story short, one of the larger dogs attacked Karmen. She had several shallow bite marks around her neck and a larger bite mark on her rump. I rushed her to the hospital and they immediately administered antibiotics and other treatments. She stayed in the hospital overnight and the vets were cautious, but optimistic, that she would be fine. The biggest concern was the larger bite mark on her rump.

About two days later, an abscess developed on her rump/hip and the vet had to make a small incision to drain the pus and fluid. Unfortunately, more tissue in this area started to die and the wound grew. At this point, the wound is about 4 inches in diameter. During this time, she was at the vet's office daily, and they were really trying everything to keep the wound from getting worse.

Karmen is currently being treated daily at the vet with treatments that include laser treatment (which helps the tissue regenerate) and cleansing with sugar and honey (both of which have antibiotic properties). The vet is minimally optimistic that this will work, but it's the only thing that might work. Surgery is not an option because of her age and a mild heart condition. Also, our vet agrees that the surgery (which would basically involve a skin graft from a healthy location) could mean that we just trade one problem for another (i.e., the graft not taking, the wound from the graft site not healing, etc).

Our family is really struggling with what to do. We are so fortunate to have wonderful vets (we've been going to the same practice for about 14 years) who are really trying to do what they can. Our vet did tell my mom that euthanasia was a viable option given the situation. Karmen was our family's first dog and the emotional bond we have with her is very strong. My stepdad is particularly devastated, because Karmen has always been "his dog." He wants to try everything possible. My mom loves Karmen, but feels that she is already very old and probably at the end of her life anyway. My mom does not want to prolong Karmen's life if it means pain and agony that Karmen cannot understand. At this point, Karmen is at the vet's office each day, and I am sure she doesn't like that too much.

And of course this being the holidays doesn't make things any easier.....

The somewhat ironic part is that despite missing a significant amount of skin on her rump (the wound looks nasty, although it has finally stopped oozing), she seems absolutely fine. She's eating like a champ, able to get around, and is her usually self. The vet has bandaged her rump for now.

I know wounds of this nature can take a long time to heal. What we're scared of is that more tissue will continue to die, which will make it highly likely that Karmen will die from sepsis. We don't want her last days to be filled with pain, but we are also hopeful that the treatments will work.

Has anyone out there been through this? Any advice or words of wisdom?
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Old 12-19-2010, 02:24 PM   #2
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I'm so sorry that you are going thru such a rough time with your dog. I understand not wanting to do surgery at this age. Maybe just take it one day at a time, since she is eating fine, etc. . I wish I could give you some advise but I can send my good thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
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Old 12-19-2010, 02:32 PM   #3
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Sounds like you have excellent vet care and that is so important in cases like this. Hopefully, someone will be able to give you advice but it really sounds like you are doing all you can do. It is great to hear that Karmen is feeling like herself, active, and has good eating habits.
I will pray she continues to keep her spirits and her wounds begin to heal. Please keep us updated on her recovery.
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Old 12-19-2010, 02:51 PM   #4
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Thanks so much. It's just such a horrible situation for our family, especially around the holidays. My mom feels terribly guilty because she thought it was ok to leave all the dogs together (Karmen and the dog that attacked her had been living together with no issues for almost a year. The other dog is also a poodle, but larger).

I also think it's hard because she appears to be feeling just fine. The vet thinks that there has been some nerve damage, and that's why she's not in pain. But she's able to walk and run and do just about everything she always does. It's hard to talk about euthanasia when your dog is walking around and eating just like normal (granted, with a huge chunk of skin missing).
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Old 12-19-2010, 03:01 PM   #5
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I can't imagine what your mom is going through. Has euthanasia come up by the vet yet? I am so sorry this happened to poor Karmen and your family is having to deal with such a situation.

Thank you for sharing your story, though. I don't think people often think about things like this happen in their own home, especially with thier own pets.
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Old 12-19-2010, 03:18 PM   #6
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Yes, after talking with the vet and the emergency animal hospital where Karmen spent the night, it is clear that this happens fairly often. Euthanasia has been discussed and it's a very possible option. We're hoping she can at least make it through the holidays, but we'll have to see.
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Old 12-19-2010, 09:29 PM   #7
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Oh, I am SO sorry. Tell your mother she is not to blame. Sadly these things do happen sometimes.
It sounds like she is getting great care. I do hope that since she is eating well and moving about, perhaps the wound might begin to heal.
I will keep her and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Very traumatic for all.
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Old 12-19-2010, 09:29 PM   #8
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Oh, I am SO sorry. Tell your mother she is not to blame. Sadly these things do happen sometimes.
It sounds like she is getting great care. I do hope that since she is eating well and moving about, perhaps the wound might begin to heal.
I will keep her and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Very traumatic for all.
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Old 12-19-2010, 11:22 PM   #9
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It is a horrible situation for all concerned, especially difficult at holiday time. I think as you were already advised, taking one day at a time is the wy to go. As long as she is eating well and you can see she has some enjoyment in her life, I would try to help her keep going and maybe heal this wound. If it comes to the point that she is in too much pain, then you can change the course and agree that she needs help ending her life. I hope this will not have to be done at Christmas though. It is so hard when a loss is asociated with a holiday.

I had a 17 1/2 year old dachshund that I was asked about euthenasia several times. I always said that as long I kept seeing sparks of my girl enjoying her life, I could not do it. She did not have a horrible wound to deal with though -- just the normal problems of being that old: arthritis, blind, and deaf). Whatever decision you, your family, and the vet come to -- know that it is the right one for you all. No one else can know what is right for you and your dog's particular circumstance. The important thing is that she was given 15+ years of wonderful love and devotion. Prayers for you all!
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Old 12-20-2010, 12:50 AM   #10
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Just thinking it may be important if your vet were to treat this a bit more aggressively like with IV antibiotics for a few days... JMHO
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Old 12-20-2010, 08:40 AM   #11
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It doesn't sound as though the dog's quality of life is bad. She is eating well, and running around, she sounds pretty happy. Since it sounds like the wound is open, not stitched together, it has to granulate in and that takes longer to heal. Maybe if the wound isn't getting worse, and a new infection isn't setting in, she will make it. I know I wouldn't be able to euthanize if she were happy and her quaility of life was good. However, if the wound were getting worse, and infection was setting in, then I am sure she would start to feel bad and her quaility of life would be in decline. I have to agree with others, I would take it day by day.
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Old 12-20-2010, 09:05 AM   #12
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I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. It sounds like you are working with a fantastic vet who has Karmen's best interest at heart. If it comes down to making the decision to euthanize or not, then follow your own heart and let her comfort be your guide. To me, it sounds quite positive that she is still active and eating well. Deep wounds are always the hardest and take the longest to heal because they have to heal from the inside out.

Please tell your mom that she's not at fault for this. Things can happen even when you watch them like a hawk. Please keep us updated.
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Old 12-20-2010, 09:23 AM   #13
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I am so sorry the little poodle is going through all this. It sounds like ya'll are doing all you can to help her. Of course the vet care and guidance is of the utmost importance. One thing I can suggest that my vet recommends for wounds is lavender oil. You can get the essential lavender oils at most health food stores. I mix it with a little coconut oil as the carrier oil. Lavender oil is one thing I would not be without. You just have to make sure you use the 100% pure therapeutic lavender oil. Here is a link that explains the benefits:
The Many Benefits of Lavender

FYI....it works wonders for toothaches too.

I pray everything works out. I would definitely give up just yet. Please keep us posted.
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Old 12-20-2010, 09:56 AM   #14
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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. I think you and your family know your dog best and have great medical vets to help you make the best informed decisions regarding her care. I am so sorry this happened and you are having to go through this tough time.
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Old 12-20-2010, 10:16 AM   #15
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I really have no advice, but wanted to say that a friend of mine who is in rescue went through this. She has Doxies. Never had an issue and one day came home and found her oldest and sickest had been attacked by the three of them. She had 19 puntures on her. She rushed her to the vet but she was in too bad a shape and had to be put down. She was sick over it. She said she had them for years, but the oldest and sickest she had from a pup. She said she would never hurt them or wish them bad but couldn't look at them. She ended up rehoming them, which I think was better. She just could not get the picture out of her head of her litte baby laying in pain dying when she got home. And, this is a very responsible woman who devotes all her time to rescue. I'm not sure if she'll get another again or not but she is fostering an old man from a neglect case that isn't a Doxie and who will probably stay with her until the end as he is not really adoptable. I"m sorry for your mom and for the little girl. I pray God keeps her from suffering. It is very tragic. Elaine.
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