Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 5/5/2009

Question
Our beloved Winston the Whippet got attacked at the dog park by a larger dog.  We only noticed the wounds when we returned home and the blood had started to soak his black hairs.

There are two puncture holes (as far as I can see).  They are about 3 or 4 inches apart and located on his back, approximately 5 inches from the base of his tail.  I shaved the area as best I could and cleaned him up for now.

There seems to be something else that I can't figure out.  When I run my fingers gently over the area between the bite wounds and the base of his tail I can feel and hear a strange gargling or crackling under the skin in this swollen area; almost as if there is liquid that I am displacing with the pressing and passing of my finger.

What do I do???  Please help?  It's midnight now and we are far from an animal hospital.  Plus I can't really afford a costly bill and if I can help the little guy myself I'd rather do that.  Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Should I flush out the puncture wounds? With what?  How can I decrease chances of scaring?  How can I decrease chances of infection? What's under his swollen skin around the wounds?  Is it trapped blood?  Is it serious?

What are the steps we should take to fix up new again?

Thanks :)
Sho

Answer
Sho -

You should have your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to prevent infection.  The sound your hear when you touch the wound is related to crepitus - there is air in that area which means that the wound needs to have a drain placed in order to fill the area between the skin and your dog's fur. This is often the result of a dog bite.  A drain should be placed by a veterinary professional. Your dog most likely will need antibiotics and pain medication which can be provided by your vet.

Best Regards,  

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM