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View Full Version : My dog has a scab that looks infected


Pint
May 24, 2007, 02:34 PM
2 weeks ago, Pint had surgery on his leg after being in a cast for a few weeks. The doctor said he had an ulcer on his elbow from the cast rubbing against it.

I cleaned it with peroxide but was more concerened about his stitches. Now the ulcer looks like a big elevated scab about 1/4 inch thick. It doesn't seem to bother him.

But does anyone know anything about "ulcers" and if they can form into something else? And if a scab this thick is normal?

Thank you!! :confused:

DocWill
May 24, 2007, 03:29 PM
Where is the inflammation located on or near the sutures?

I wasn't fast enough on the first attempt, experience tells me its under the incision
From the original wound. Its basically an abcess that can easily be cleaned an drained at home if you an your helper are willing to take on the job.
Heat up a wet cloth and gently soak the scab until it is soft an plyable to remoce or separate from the skin to expose the wonderful smell of the bacteria you have to discharge until you can produce small amount of blood witch shows us its empty of the majority or completely empty. This shouldn't be uncomfotable for the patient if any at all. For obvious reason if it did produce yelps from the pup, leave every thing alone, make sure he doesn't begin licking it until he can see his vet.
None of this is great cause of concern provided it doesn't grow into a watermellon before he can have it drained.
If you are succesfull in draining the abcess contact your vet ASAP,so they might increase his Antibiotics or change Rx's
Follow up wound care should not cosist of HydrogenPeroxide inside any open wound. Warm soapy water is very safe if concerned.
DocWill

Pint
May 24, 2007, 04:24 PM
Thank you!

However, the "scab/ulcer" is located on his elbow cause by the edge of the cast, not by or under the stitches. It doesn't seem like a bump, its almost rock hard as if it were an extremely deep wound that's scabbed. Though I will definitely try the warm compresses and see if it helps. Thanks.

DocWill
May 24, 2007, 04:27 PM
Need to remove that scab an let me know what you find, lots of hidden treasures gold mebby!