Effective First Aid for Injured Dogs: Quick Steps

Xray imaging is a crucial diagnostic tool for identifying fractures in dogs. It allows for precise determination of the location and nature of the fracture through the analysis of Xray images.

In cases where no fracture is present but there is bruising without any external injury, a cold compress or ice pack can be applied within the first 24 hours. This helps to constrict local blood vessels and reduce the amount of subcutaneous bleeding. If cold compresses are not tolerable due to cold weather, they can be avoided. It is important to refrain from using external blood circulationpromoting ointments or heat therapy within the first 24 hours. Applying such ointments at this stage can cause the expansion of capillaries in the subcutaneous tissue, leading to increased bleeding from the previously ruptured vessels, making the bruising more pronounced and increasing pain at the affected area.

After 24 hours, it is appropriate to apply some blood circulationpromoting ointments. If the bruise area is not extensive, it may not require any intervention. Bruises typically absorb gradually over time, so patience is key. For simple bruising, a warm compress using a towel soaked in hot water can be applied to the affected area once or twice daily. Generally, bruising will subside in about two weeks if the area is not large.

For fractures, methods such as reduction and immobilization can be employed. There are various methods of immobilization for canine fractures, with displaced fractures usually requiring internal fixation. This can include the use of intramedullary nails, plates, screws, and medical wire. Internal fixation is best performed within 5 days of the fracture to prevent the formation of bone calluses, which can affect surgical procedures. Open fractures should be surgically treated within 8 hours of the injury to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. Thorough cleaning and disinfection should be conducted before surgery to lay the groundwork for postoperative wound healing. Postoperative care should be meticulous to avoid recurrent fractures.

External applications that can be used include:

① Fresh roots of chive and peach tree, in appropriate amounts, cleaned and mixed with a small amount of lees (or egg whites, or toad), mashed and mixed to create a poultice.

② 20g of gardenia fruit powder, mixed with 2 egg whites. The gardenia fruit is ground into a fine powder and mixed with the egg whites for application.

③ 50g of Chinese toad sores, mixed with an appropriate amount of light vinegar. The toad sores are ground into a fine powder and mixed with vinegar to form a paste. A bandage is then soaked in the paste and prepared for use.

Internal medications to consider include:

① Yunnan Baiyao, with large dogs taking the adult dosage.

② A traditional Chinese medicine formula: 20 parts of ma huang (without nodes), 4 parts of myrrha, myrrha (roasted), blood coral (ground separately), panax notoginseng, 4 parts, angelica sinensis, 10 parts, ground beetles (roasted yellow), 5 parts, amber (ground separately), 2 parts, natural copper (quenching 7 times with vinegar), 3 parts, strychnine (roasted in sand), 2 parts, and bonesetting herb (dehaired), 5 parts.

The above herbs are ground into a powder, passed through a fine sieve, and stored in a bottle. The dosage for dogs is 35g per administration, taken 12 times a day, for 87 doses. When administering, mix with 25ml of yellow wine, 4g of brown sugar, and 20ml of milky water as a guide, and administered through a gastric tube.