Hi everyone we have a black lab who's 14 next month. He has a very large ulcer on his back it's the size of an large apple. He's been on antibiotics for 3 weeks which have helped the smell and cleared up the infection. It's weeping badly and we can't get it dried up. Also trying to get a dressing to stay on is a nightmare. Hate seeing him like this. Any idea how to help would be greatly appreciated. He's such a good crater and we love him to bits
Hi Valerie and welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear that your boy is having trouble with this ulcer. Is your vet sure that the infection has gone? What kind of methods have you used to keep the dressing on? Have you tried a doggie t-shirt (either one you've made out of a small tshirt or one you've bought)?
When did he last see your Vet? The Vet may need to take another look at it, culture it. Maybe you will need to try a different antibiotic. Your Vet should have some ideas on how to get the dressing to stay in place.
I'm a wound care nurse, although for humans, but wounds are all pretty much the same. If the wound is not getting better, it can only mean that there is still something in the wound hindering it, the infection is still there, a foreign body, or something worse (cancer). Take him back to the vet and cultures would be great if she hasn't taken any. By the way, what do u mean by "weeping?" It is normal for a wound to drain a clear, yellow tinged drainage sometimes red (blood). Do you happen to have pictures of the wound?
Hi yes vet says the infection is gone but it's still weeping. I have just stated using manukau honey today as she says it might help. At the moment I have a dressing on bandage on and them one of my old vest tops lol. Fingers crossed it works. Poor crater he's in brilliant form otherwise. x
Hi it's a watery substance with blood in it. He's been on antibiotics for for 4 weeks now. The lump is to large to be removed so she says it just a case of getting dried up. She doesn't want to put him through to much but she's 90 percent sure its cancerous. Trying Manuka honey on it from today so see how that goes. xx
Hi yes we are are try Markus honey on it from today and with a dressing and then bandage and a vest top of mine. Fingers crossed it works x
Sad to hear to that. Given his age it is most likely something cancerous. A biopsy would be best at least to confirm. Unfortunately, if it is the case this wound would never "dry up" or close. Palliative care would be the priority here trying to prevent the wound from getting re-infected. We don't like manukah honey at our wound center. Ask for an antibiotic cream that you can use instead. Again it would be great if you have a picture.
So very sorry to read about you old love . When my dog had surgery a year ago, his wound ( on his chest ) didn't close very well . I used manuka honey, my Vet agreed that it is excellent for aiding healing . I also adapted an old polo shirt of mine for him to wear when I couldn't supervise him . I just wanted to wish him good luck , what a worry for you .
You need to use a host like photobucket or similar , there is a thread in the Tech Help section to show you how to do it x
Hi Valerie and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear about your dear boy - old dogs are just the best! I hope you can keep him comfortable, and wish you both a happy and stress-free time together.
Just to mention, Photobucket has changed their service and it is no longer to use them for posting pictures on third-party forums like this. However, Flickr, Imgur and other options are still available.
Hello Valerie, welcome to the forum. Sorry it under such circumstances. Hope your poor lad will soon heal.
Hi @Valerie 106. I am so sorry to hear that you lovely boy is not well. I can see from the avatar that he has a beautiful face and I am in love with older dogs. I hope this improves soon. All the best.
Thank you we love him to bits. Hopefully we'll get it sorted I know we're not goi g to get rid of the lump but if I can just get it to dry up I'd be more than happy because he's in brillant shape otherwise. X
