by threadbear » Fri 12 Jun 2009, 14:30:00
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('smallpoxgirl', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('patience', 'G')ranted the stingy stuff destroys healthy tissue. Are you saying you wouldn't use it if nothing else was available?
Correct. The problem is this. Healthy tissue is relatively resistant to bacteria. When you put stingy stuff on and it kills cells, now you have dead tissue in the wound. Dead tissue is a smorgasbord for bacteria. You're basically baiting bacteria into your wound. A wound needs to be kept clean and dry. Any foreign material or dead tissue needs to be scrupulously removed. Other than possibly an antibiotic, I wouldn't usually put anything else in it.
My dog seems prone to abcessing when she breaks her skin. The vet suggested doing exactly what you have described here, with the added advice of applying hibitane, a mild antibiotic soap, to the injury. I have avoided applying the hibitane, because I didn't want to destroy the healthy bacteria that might outcompete the other bacteria. Maybe I've been right about that, when it comes to hot spots.
I generally don't do anything when she gets an irritated foot pad, and it usually just goes away by itself. People are surprised by the fact that I will let her limp for a day or two rather than rush her to a vet. But I am really concerned about the potential to over treat and introduce new problems.