Lacerations

• Dogs are more likely than cats to suffer lacerations.
• We frequently see lacerations in the summer but also in the winter from ski or snowboard edges.
• If possible, wrap your pet’s leg to slow any bleeding and protect it from getting dirty.  A simple laceration can often involve tendons and can easily get infected.
• As lacerations begin to heal, the skin edges will scab over, making surgical closure of the lacerations more difficult.  If a laceration requires surgical closure, it is best to do the procedure when the wound is fresh.
• When you call the veterinarian on emergency, he or she will help you determine if the wound will need surgical closure and if it’s ok to wait until the clinic is open the next business day.

Most importantly, please keep your pet from licking the wound by using an Elizabethan collar (aka: Cone of Shame, satellite dish), a T-shirt or a sock.