Abrasion and Laceration

An abrasion is a damaged or scraped area of skin. A laceration is a cut in the skin. These injuries can be mild and superficial or large and very deep with multiple areas involved. Whenever the protective outer layer of skin is damaged, bacteria can easily invade deeper tissues and cause infection.

Common causes include bites, scrapes, falls, and cuts from wire, glass or other sharp surfaces. Serious abrasions and lacerations are usually obvious. However, these injuries can be hidden under hair or in skin folds.

Common signs include:
 

• redness
• bleeding
• pain
• swelling
• chewing or licking at the damaged area

Treatment is based on the extent and severity of the injuries. All wounds require clipping, cleaning, and usually antibiotics.

Significant injuries often require anesthesia, repair of damaged tissue, deep cleaning, and, if necessary, removal of foreign bodies. Sutures (stitches) or surgical staples are frequently needed to repair lacerated tissue. Severe abrasions and lacerations can be life threatening, especially if significant bleeding occurs. These extensive skin wounds can be accompanied by deeper injuries to muscles, tendons, vessels, nerves, bones, and organs.

Good home wound care and monitoring are vital to a speedy recovery. Pets frequently may try to lick or chew at healing wounds, sutures, or surgical drains, causing more damage. This can be prevented by the use of an Elizabethan (cone
shaped) collar.

*** IMPORTANT POINTS

• Use all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Monitor your Pet carefully and have him/her rechecked if you have any concerns.
• Be sure to follow all activity restriction instructions from your veterinarian.
• Carefully follow any post surgical, bandage, or wound care instructions. These could mean the difference between a successful recovery and further problems.
• It is important to have your Pet rechecked as recommended by your veterinarian.