Hello everyone,
Hoping some of you more experienced farm folks can give me some advice on wound care.
We were out for the day and came home to our 6mo old ND wether in shock from a dog attack. He is badly banged up all around. He had dried blood all over his neck and throat, but after getting him cleaned up I found what I believe is the most serious injury: a nasty laceration above his ear. It looks to me like the dog went after his ears in particular (he has cuts over each ear, presumably tears) but one is far more serious than the other. Finding him after dark and with limited first aid supplies on hand I did the best I could: thoroughly rinsed the wounds with warm water, washed and rinsed again with a very gentle antimicrobial soap, and slathered with Neosporin. From the way the right ear sagged slightly when unsupported, it looks as though the muscle is torn. I made a sling of sorts to support the base of the ear with his horns and prevent the wound from gaping open. (The wound is about an inch +/- long, and very deep)
I am planning on going to the farm store first thing in the morning for penicillin and vetericyn.
Also picking up some clippers to properly clean up the area and further asses damage.
I know I'll need to flush twice daily (planning to use saline henceforth and coat with vetericyn afterwards)
A few other things that may be of note: I did get him to eat after the initial clean up, and gave him some children's Motrin for pain. He's currently in a big dog crate on a nice bed of hay up on our porch. Also, he is utd on his CD&T.
Just hoping for some input about this care plan. This is my first trauma incident with the goats, and I want to do everything I can for him.
Thanks for any advice.
Hoping some of you more experienced farm folks can give me some advice on wound care.
We were out for the day and came home to our 6mo old ND wether in shock from a dog attack. He is badly banged up all around. He had dried blood all over his neck and throat, but after getting him cleaned up I found what I believe is the most serious injury: a nasty laceration above his ear. It looks to me like the dog went after his ears in particular (he has cuts over each ear, presumably tears) but one is far more serious than the other. Finding him after dark and with limited first aid supplies on hand I did the best I could: thoroughly rinsed the wounds with warm water, washed and rinsed again with a very gentle antimicrobial soap, and slathered with Neosporin. From the way the right ear sagged slightly when unsupported, it looks as though the muscle is torn. I made a sling of sorts to support the base of the ear with his horns and prevent the wound from gaping open. (The wound is about an inch +/- long, and very deep)
I am planning on going to the farm store first thing in the morning for penicillin and vetericyn.
Also picking up some clippers to properly clean up the area and further asses damage.
I know I'll need to flush twice daily (planning to use saline henceforth and coat with vetericyn afterwards)
A few other things that may be of note: I did get him to eat after the initial clean up, and gave him some children's Motrin for pain. He's currently in a big dog crate on a nice bed of hay up on our porch. Also, he is utd on his CD&T.
Just hoping for some input about this care plan. This is my first trauma incident with the goats, and I want to do everything I can for him.
Thanks for any advice.
