The
Vet
Phone 01254 53622
The VETerinary Health Centre,
Daisy St.
Blackburn,
Lancashire, BB1 5EW
serving Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Rishton, Great Harwood,
Clayton-le-Moors, Oswaldtwistle, Langho, Whalley and Clitheroe
USA:
U.S. Dermatologist Lowell Ackerman has discovered
and used pictures from this website in his new book on Veterinary Dermatology
book
Australia Parts of our website are now being used for teaching vet nurses on
Gilles Plains Campus
JAPAN:
Our Firework Phobia leaflet is now in use in
Japan!! (Download
Japanese version)
back> to recent cases Sammy's Big Bite Wound
Sammy the westie was attacked by a large aggressive dog, picked up by the chest
and shaken. A large area of skin on the right side of the chest was damaged
beyond repair. He was a very brave patient and remained perky throughout his
treatment. Antibiotics prevented septicaemia and anti-inflammatories kept the
worst of pain and swelling away.
After a few days the dead skin was removed under general anaesthetic. There was
not enough skin remaining to close the wound so we allowed the area to heal as
an open wound (or as we say "by second intention"). The first picture shows the
wound 5 days post surgery beginning to heal by granulation.
Three weeks later the wound was closing steadily. The scar formation can be seen
clearly round the edges of the wound gradually shrinking and drawing the skin
edges together. Sammy was back to normal in himself.
Four weeks later (about 9-10 weeks after the initial injury) the wound is
virtually closed. Sammy is left with a 5cm long scar which is hidden under the
fur and gives him no discomfort. The ability of the body to close large wounds
is quite amazing!
Sammy fully recovered.
