Question:
My son has a 6-year-old male Great Dane. A couple of years ago, he began to get an open sore on his leg. We took him to our vet who treated him, but it continues to grow. When asked to have it removed and the wound closed. The vet told us that because of the location that would be very difficult to do. I have enclosed photos of the knee at the present time.
We were given different ointments to apply and also internal medication in the form of antibiotic pills. When our vet finally decided to operate, we found (through blood tests) that he had a heart murmur, and we were told that he might not come out of anesthesia if he were put under. We have continued to doctor him ourselves by applying a medicated powder several times a day, but the sore just seems to get worse. Some days it looks better, even like his hair is growing back; but then the scab comes off and it starts to bleed again.
Is there any treatment you might suggest that may help to heal this wound?
L.D.F., Midlothian, Md Nov 15, 2009
Answer:
Sending photos of your dog's nonhealing wound was very helpful. Clearly, the wound must be scraped (debridement and curettage) and surrounding hair removed. Medicated powder will only delay healing.
I would first try daily applications of aloe gel and calendula (marigold) herbal tincture and pad the elbow well, using the large size Dog Leggs elbow protector that helps many dogs suffering from sore, calloused elbows and hygromas (visit www.dogleggs.com or call 1-800-313-1218). Giving the dog a human-dose equivalent by body weight of daily supplements with his food, such as fish oil, zinc, selenium, and Coenzyme Q10, may also help the healing process.
For difficult granulomas, a mixture of 100 drops of almond oil and 5 drops each of essential oils of lavender, myrrh, frankincense and helichrysum applied daily can work miracles, but it can take many months of treatment before the large wound closes up.
Subscribe