Treating a cut

Jason Brion · Oct 29, 2009

While in SD hunting pheasant this week my dog was cut by barbed wire. I cleaned the wound. Stapled the wound shut. Wrapped the wound with co-flex. And gave her 500 mg of Amoxicillin.

My question is this: How long would you keep her on the Amoxicillin? Is this the right doesage for a 70# lab?

twall · Oct 29, 2009

Jason,

I don't have an answer to your question.

I know that amoxicillin is not one of the first choices for antibiotics for a soft-tissue wound in a human. Watch the wound for any signs of infection, increased redness, swelling, drainage, etc. If you see signes of infection follow-up with your vet.

Tom

dnf777 · Oct 29, 2009

Not sure if a simple laceration requires antibiotics. Might want to check with a vet, then give the correct dose if needed.

ErinsEdge · Oct 29, 2009

70# would be @ 750mg/day but I would use Cephalexin.

Billie · Oct 29, 2009

I too, would use cephalexin. Its a good broad spectrum abx.(per my vet).
I would recc. treating 7-10 days leaning toward 10. I would most certainly use antibiotics in this case- why not be safe?
Good luck, cool you could staple her yourself.
And if its cephalexin, go 1000mg Twice a day.
If its amoxi, I"d go prob 500mg twice a day.

dnf777 · Oct 29, 2009

Billie said:
I- why not be safe?

Antibiotics aren't a free ride. They have the risk of potential side-effects. With a healthy dog, a wound that is well cleansed and closed (or left open, depending) the risk of infection is low. They can always be started at the first sign of infection, should they become necessary.

Buzz · Oct 29, 2009

dnf777 said:
Antibiotics aren't a free ride. They have the risk of potential side-effects. With a healthy dog, a wound that is well cleansed and closed (or left open, depending) the risk of infection is low. They can always be started at the first sign of infection, should they become necessary.

Two of my 3 dogs have been cut by barbed wire 3 separate times in the last couple months. One required several stitches. No antibiotics were administered, but the wounds were monitored closely. South Dakota hunting...

Jason Brion · Oct 30, 2009

Thanks everyone for the help. I alway error on the safe side. I use Amoxicillan because I can get Fish-Mox without a perscription. Doesn't require refrigeration. Do I need a perscription for Cephalexin? Does it need refrigeration?

Brad B · Oct 30, 2009

I had a similar instance and used Ceph. 500mg 2x a day for about a week I think it was. Worked out fine except for the big scar on his foreleg. Vet approved of my protocol and was pleased with my work.

Tollwest · Oct 30, 2009

sheriff said:
Thanks everyone for the help. I alway error on the safe side. I use Amoxicillan because I can get Fish-Mox without a perscription. Doesn't require refrigeration. Do I need a perscription for Cephalexin? Does it need refrigeration?

You can buy Cephalexin caps from the same places you buy the Fish-Mox (Revival, etc). The Cephalexin is Fish-Flex (250 mg) or Fish-Flex Forte (500 mg)

Billie · Oct 30, 2009

Tollwest said:
You can buy Cephalexin caps from the same places you buy the Fish-Mox (Revival, etc). The Cephalexin is Fish-Flex (250 mg) or Fish-Flex Forte (500 mg)

Tollwest, you beat me to that one.

Though I get my cephalexin in huge bottles from my vet. Same stuff though, even smells the same(eww).

Aussie · Oct 31, 2009

dnf777 said:
Antibiotics aren't a free ride. They have the risk of potential side-effects. With a healthy dog, a wound that is well cleansed and closed (or left open, depending) the risk of infection is low. They can always be started at the first sign of infection, should they become necessary.

Could I ask for clarification. I was under the general impression if the wound could pocket low/less draining ability, antibiotics are considered the safe option.

ErinsEdge · Oct 31, 2009

I know a dog that lost a leg and one that died from simple cuts on the legs and one with a vet that never gave antibiotics. Better safe than sorry and never had a problem with cephalexin. You never know when a dirty wound is going to cause trouble.

Treating a cut

Jason Brion

twall

dnf777

ErinsEdge

Billie

dnf777

Buzz

Jason Brion

Brad B

Tollwest

Billie

Aussie

ErinsEdge

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