My dog was attacked, stitches failed, and cheek is hanging. What now?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zeus! Ideally I think he does need stitches. Sometimes the Vet can out stitches or staples in awake with local anesthesia like lidocaine. Either way, a Vet should examine the wound and provide antibiotics. It is a small wound and wouldn't take long to close with stitches. I hope this helps and I wish Zeus a speedy recovery!

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. She looks like she is experiencing some swelling in the face and is almost certainly in some pain. I understand that you don't have much money, but she almost certainly requires pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotics. The wounds on the face should be clipped around then cleaned with antiseptic in order to disinfect. Depending on the size of any wounds, they may need to be closed with stitches. Some veterinarians reserve medications and / or funding for situations like these that require need. You may also be eligible to apply for care credit. Here is the website. It allows you to obtain monies for veterinary care and pay it off over long periods of time interest free. https://www.carecredit.com/ Any time there is an attack in the face, I would also have to be concerned about possible trauma to the eye. If he is experiencing any difficulty getting around or looks off balanced in any way, there could be head trauma as well. A vet will be needed to make these determinations. I hope you are able to figure things out.

Poor pup! I would strongly discourage home care for a wound like this. Yes, wounds can heal by second intention (without sutures ), but risk of infection and delayed healing are potential complications. I would clean it with warm water as best you can, and get him in to a veterinarian soon. Even if your veterinarian elects to let it heal without intervention, they can clean it properly and prescribe antibiotics.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh no! Poor Killer! you need to get Killer to a Vet today. The wound itself needs surgery to explore it and close it with stitches. But the Vet has to make sure that the leg isn't broken and he isn't in shock. Ultimately if it is just the wound he should be fine. He will need that wound addressed. I wish Killer the best!

It sounds like Zeus is extremely painful, and he's quite young. I don't think you should wait to see a vet tomorrow, I think he should see a vet now. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

I am sorry to hear about your dog! I would recommend bringing him in to his vet to examine the wound if it is not improving. It probably needs to be shaved and cleaned (I cannot see the actual wound in the photo so assume it is covered in fur and the wet area on the cheek). Often bites are puncture wounds and are deep and sometimes do require antibiotics to treat infection.

You need to clean the wound with antiseptic solution twice a day being careful not to touch he eye. . Ideally, use a product that contains chlorhexidine (for example Hibiclens) The wound looks superficial, but bite wounds very often get infected. If you notice that the eye becomes swollen or it is uncomfortable for Zeus, you will need to take him to your local vets. Regarding his behaviour, it is difficult to know if that fight will change his behaviour at all. He may be nervous around other dogs for a short while but hopefully it will not cause any other issues.