not sure when to give up

[bj taylor]

sure do appreciate the kind words of encouragement. it helps a lot.

my friend says we need to stitch her up. i'm having serious reservations about this. it's not fresh wounds. closing up holes in the body make me very uneasy. it sounds like a recipe for further infection where I can no longer get to in order to clean it out. not to mention, stitching an animal up gives me hives just thinking about it.

 

[elevan]

I would tend to agree with you...it sounds like a recipe for further infection and you won't be able to clean it out once it's stitched. eta: My vet has often told me that he never stitches a bite wound as they are more prone to infection.

 

[Southern by choice]

You never stitch over an infection.... they need to drain. You can pack the wound to draw out infection while protecting from flies etc. But the wound needs to drain.

 

[alsea1]

Never sew up an infection.
There are some very good poultice recipes online.
You want to keep it clean and let it drain and then it will heal.
Keep tabs on her temp. If she has a temp then I would suggest antibiotic treatment.
good luck. As for fly problems you could try using swat. It is made for horses , but I imagine it would not hurt her.

 

[Chevoner]

I have to agree with those who've posted above. No stitches. I had a couple of dogs, both male and new to each other, who got into a bit of a scuffle. The youngest bit off more than he could chew (pardon the pun) and ended up with some terrible punctures in his left foreleg. I took him to the vet and asked about stitches, as one of the wounds was also deeply gashed. The vet said "Absolutely not!"
Also, after a few days, there was some infection and flies and gnats seemed to hover all around his leg. Concerned, I called the vet and was told to apply Neosporin + pain relief. He also told me not to be overly concerned about maggots if they were present, as they would only help to clean out the necrotic tissues without harming the tissues still living.
It sounds like your goat really is quite the fighter, and I encourage you to continue working with her. Good luck, and I wish you both all the best!

 

[bj taylor]

thanks to everyone for posts and information. she seems to be well on the road to recovery, which is amazing considering how severe her wounds have been.
i'm wondering if such a wound that results in pretty significant scarring to her flank & perineal area will play a role when she kids. that won't be for a year yet, she's not near old enough.