How To Treat Wounds On A Cat

What is a wound?

A wound is an injury causing damage to the peel and/or the underlying tissues. It can be an open wound, such as a cut, or a closed wound, such every bit a contusion or bruise.

What should I do if my cat'due south wound is bleeding?

Initially, try to terminate the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with an absorbent dressing, such as dry gauze, followed by a layer of bandage textile or a make clean, dry cloth. This will protect the wound during ship to the veterinary clinic and prevent any further contamination of the injury.

If possible, try to raise the affected area higher up the level of the heart. This volition help reduce the catamenia of claret to the bleeding area. Do not apply ointments, creams, disinfectants, or any other chemicals to the wound (unless directed by your veterinary), equally they can interfere with healing.

Why are some wounds left open up to heal?

Sometimes, the location or the amount of peel loss prevents surgical closure or bandaging (wounds on the face or high up on the leg). Puncture wounds or other trauma can strength bacteria deep into the tissues. A contaminated wound that is more a few hours old should never be closed without surgical debridement (removal of all the contaminated or expressionless tissue), and in some cases, this may effect in more permanent impairment than treating the wound medically and leaving it open up to heal.

Most wounds are contaminated with bacteria and often contain foreign cloth such as dirt, grit, or pilus that may require anesthesia to remove. When possible, your veterinary will disinfect and stitch up the wound; notwithstanding, if there is gross contamination or deep infection present, the wound will be left open for topical handling and to ensure drainage.

If the wound is open for an extended period, information technology will oftentimes be left to heal without surgical closure, though a drain may be placed. Most of these wounds are treated using a combination of repeated flushing, bandaging, and antibiotics.

How should I care for my cat'due south open wound at home?

Your veterinarian will provide you with specific instructions.

Typically, you volition need to clean the wound ii or three times daily with a mild antiseptic solution or warm water to remove any crusted belch and to go on the wound edges make clean. DO Non use soaps, shampoos, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, herbal preparations, tea tree oil, or whatever other product to clean an open wound, unless specifically instructed to do then by your veterinarian.

The wound may exist bandaged to protect information technology from further contamination or to prevent your true cat from licking it. Daily bandage changes, as demonstrated by your veterinarian, may be required if in that location is a lot of discharge from the wound. If the wound cannot be bandaged, your cat may crave a protective collar to preclude farther injury to the wound.

"...your cat may crave a protective collar to prevent further injury to the wound."

How practise I prevent the wound from closing too early?

When cleaning the wound, gently massage the surrounding pare to open the wound and promote drainage. Yous may see some discharge or bleeding when you do this. Note whether it appears to exist infected (a thick or colored discharge) or if it is a clear thin fluid. Y'all should remove or permit either blazon of belch to bleed away. If the discharge continues to be bloody, green, or yellow for several sequent days, contact your veterinary for instructions.

Is any other medication required?

Most probable, your cat will be given a course of antibiotics, especially if the wound is infected or suspected of being contaminated. No topical treatments should be used unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, as some seemingly harmless chemicals tin damage tissues and delay healing. Hurting medication may exist prescribed for your cat's comfort and to support the healing process.

Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-cats

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