Jackdoodle Was Attacked & Bitten by Another Dog This Morning

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am so shook up I can barely type. We were out on our a.m. walk when suddenly this dog got out of his yard and attacked JD. I had to drop his leash, he was trapped. JD put up a fight but he's handicapped by his ruptured disc, and he fell. The other dog was over him down on the ground, I was screaming and trying to kick the other dog, I don't even know exactly what happened, my brain just shut down and it's a blur, it all happened so fast, but the dog was off of him by the time the owners came out. I was mostly worried about JD's back and didn't even know he was bitten until we got home. He has a puncture wound with a tear under his eye (thank God he missed the eye itself) and a big scrape across the top of his head. We're just back from the ER. They cleaned it and gave me pain meds and antibiotics...just what he needs with his IBD. I may not give him the pain meds, but I have to give him the amoxicillin, which is certain to upset his stomach. And I have to apply warm compresses to the wound under his eye several times a day for a few days so it doesn't scab up too fast. I am so upset I'm shaking. That dog got out of that yard so fast and so easily, they may as well not even have had a fence. 

Going to pick up his amoxicillin now. Poor JD. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks Heather. I don;t even know where it's safe to walk any more.:-(

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

So far, does he really need the Amoxicillin?

I know that is the method of choice when treating puncture wounds and dog bites.  They can easily become infected.  But my thoughts are to wait and watch and soak.  Keep it clean and open.  

It's a risk but so is sending that belly into a whirlwind of issues.  Just my thoughts.  I have treated and not treated Spud's dog bites.   Those not treated seemed to be okay.  Maybe just lucky.   It is all a trade-off and risk but I'm thinking ( of course I am not there nor am I a vet) that I may wait and watch in this situation rather than upset that tummy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I talked to ER vet about that. The problem is that it's a puncture wound, so there's a big risk of infection, and he's on prednisone. I'm going to try the antibiotics and if he gets sick, I'll stop them and ask if they can give me a topical.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Just to add another thought..I was thinking maybe they can give him a shot of antibiotics.....this way they can by pass his belly but be sure not to let an infection happen.....as you know steroids Inhibit healing also so it may take longer...

Xoxo

[Rebecca]

I think this is a good idea!  They should be able to give him a shot.  Ask your vet about Convenia.  It is used instead of having to give oral meds and lasts for 14 days.  I hope JD recovers well and fast poor baby.  This completely freaks me out! My prayers are with you and JD!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Rebecca. The vet said we could discontinue the antibiotics now, but good info for the future.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Do all the things you always preach, most especially the probiotics. A topical may not do much for a puncture wound.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, F. I will. 

[Christine & Camus]

Karen, I am so sorry, I was out all day and just read your post.  I hope both of you are doing okay. 

Would antibiotics via injection be an option?  My friend's dog gets sick every time he has to take antibiotics so now he gets them by injection, which does not make him sick.  Might be a better option fr JD.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks Christine. I didn't know there was such a thing, but I'm going to ask his vet tomorrow. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh yes, one big shot of penicillin would possibly be just the thing.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I am so sorry Jack was hurt and you were scared. I hope he tolerates the antibiotic and has no problem with his back.