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we just got a pit bull, not sure of her age seems not quite ...


Sent to Pet Experts June 17, 2006 4:40 p.m.

we just got a pit bull, not sure of her age seems not quite a year yet. today her right hind leg is swollen she doesnt seem to wince with pain when we touch it but wont put full pressure on it when she walks. She was fine this morning it seemed. What do you suggest we do? Should we wrap it, just keep an eye on it? We will take her to a vet if it seems to keep bothering her but they are quite expensive and werent planning on taking her just yet for a check up.


Optional Information:
Female; Breed: pit bull

Already Tried:
nothing just noticed this morning
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
June 17, 2006 4:51 p.m. (11 minutes and 26 seconds later)
REPLIED Check Mark

there are several things that can cause such immediate swelling as the kind you are describing. the two that come to mind first are insect or snake bites. you need to look over the area VERY carefully to see if there are any puncture wounds or apparent stings on the leg. please do that and get back to me so that we can decide on appropriate treatment for your girl.

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PictureMichele McMurray  -- Rescue & Kennel Owner -- 100% Positive Feedback on 132 Pet Accepts
many years of dogs & cats, current work is with special needs dogs (blind & deaf) & Great Danes
Reply to Michele Conrade
Sent June 17, 2006 5:10 p.m. (18 minutes and 47 seconds later)

she was found about 10 or 12days ago through a friend of a friend she does have old wounds,a few small scabs on her leg the people that found her said they cleaned her up. when they found her the wounds were fresh, as if she had been used for fighting or been attacked. her foot seems to be swelling more as the day goes by. again it doesnt seem to bother her when we are looking at her paw. she is very quiet, responds to us very well, lets us know when she needs to go out, and is very good with our chihuahua(male), and our kids.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 17, 2006 5:18 p.m. (8 minutes and 30 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

if these are old wounds that are causing the swelling she most likely has developed an infection from them. Even though they cleaned her up when they found her dog bites can get terribly infected and really need antibiotics to help combat the infection. if you have access to an emergency vet I really suggest not waiting until monday as sepsis can set in quickly from this type of infection. if you do not have access to an emergency clinis you can clean the wounds again using peroxide. once clean soak her leg in a warm epson salt bath to help reduce the swelling and soften the tissue so that if there is a pus pocket under the skin it can open up. the warm water will also help make her a little more comfortable. you will need to soak her leg every eight hours until she sees a vet. after her soak (which should be at least a half an hour long) you will need to alternate between warm and cold compresses every three hours for 15 minutes at a time to help control the swelling. do not use an antibiotic ointment on the wounds as they cause the wound to heal from the outside and if there is infection underneath it will seal in the infection instead of letting it drain. you can give her a Bufferin brand aspirin for pain if you feel she needs it. one tablet every six to eight hours as needed.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need further information.



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If you found this answer helpful, please click on ACCEPT and PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK. Accepting an answer that you are able to use improves BOTH of our ratings. And a bonus is always welcome! You may reopen your question at anytime if needed.
PictureMichele McMurray  -- Rescue & Kennel Owner -- 100% Positive Feedback on 132 Pet Accepts
many years of dogs & cats, current work is with special needs dogs (blind & deaf) & Great Danes

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