What I am wondering is whether what you are calling a scab is necrotic tissue instead. They don't look a lot different. Necrotic tissue is dead, typically black and leathery looking, attached to the live tissue underneath, very smelly if there is moisture around the edges.
a scab is usually more irregular, does not smell, is a collection of exudate that has dried, whereas necrotic tissue is skin and whatnot that has died in that spot. It needs to come off before the wound can heal -- but if tendons are exposed below it you do have a problem. In people it is surgically removed then irrigated well and dressed with something like Silvadene or neosporin. If it is necrotic tissue you may have to remove it a piece at a time. Hard to tell the difference not being there, even a good pic may not do it, but let's hope you figure out a way to do a pic. You may have to cut rather than pull it off.
To make the scab/necrotic tissue easier to remove and less painful I would soak it in warm diluted betadine and them remove or cut scab off. I think switching to neosporine is a good idea.
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I would have to say it's necrotic tissue, due to the smell. I can soak it for as long as it takes, but I foresee it coming off in one piece. So...what do I do about exposed tendons? Sure would hate for it to get any worse than it is!
Thanks for your help, all - I'll keep checking back, and let you know how it's going!