Dog ear injury

[Ceejayzee]

Our German Short Haired Pointer and our Dutchie were playing about a week ago, and the GSP’s ear got hurt. It’s still looking pretty rough, and I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to treat it or if we need to take her to the vet in the morning.

 

[gtaus]

I'm not a vet, but the wound does not look all that bad to me. I'd wash off the wound with soap and water and maybe put a little antibacterial cream on it. You should see improvements in a couple of days, but if things turn badly, you could always make a vet visit at that time.

Here is an article that may help you on Triple Antibiotic Ointment on Dogs. The first paragraph reads....

"Using human medicine on canines is a big don't in most cases. But not so with triple antibiotic cream. It not only is one of the exceptions to the rule, it is also a highly effective exception, often providing just what the doctor, er, veterinarian would order in minor first-aid cases."

It goes on tell you how to treat your dog. Probably save you a vet visit in this case. Best wishes.

 

[cassie]

I couldn't tell from the picture, but is the ear swollen? If it is that means there is an infection and/or a hematoma. That would require treatment. The wound itself does not look bad. Is there pus? If there isn't and it isn't sore I would just clean it up and apply some topical ointment like Neosporin.

 

[Ceejayzee]

No swelling and no pus, so I’ll try the triple antibiotic cream. Thank you both!

 

[sourland]

Good decision - I, too, was concerned about a possible hematoma. That little nick will heal fine.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree that as long as there's no swelling or heat radiating off of it it should be fine to heal on it's own. Don't be surprised if it heals slowly though, and don't pick at any scabbing, as ears bleed easily. A while ago my dogs were rough housing and one of them got an ear nick that looked similar to yours. It scabbed over without issue, then she fell into our pond while chasing ducks and the scab came off and the darn thing started bleeding again and wouldn't stop, even though the wound was weeks old by that point. I ended up using gauze and vet wrap to wrap her ear down against her head to stop the bleeding, then once it scabbed over again, we were very careful to not let the scab get wet or torn off. It took months to completely heal up, and there's still a little residual rough patch where it was.

 

[Ceejayzee]

Thank you guys for the help. That makes me feel better.

 

[Rammy]

I agree with everyone else and I work for a vet! It doesnt look that bad. Just keep it clean and get some triple antibiotic to put on it. Watch for swelling or see if it feels hot. That might indicate infection but it looks just like a minor knick. It should heal just fine.