Domestic Pets

Injury Guide

FROSBITE

Frostbite is localized damage caused by intense and prolonged cold, in parts of the body more exposed or less well provided with blood vessels, namely the ears (especially if erect), scrotum,extremities of the limbs and tail

CAUSES

LONG PERIOD OF EXPOSURE TO TEMPERATURE BELOW FREEZING POINT: Especially when it is windy at night

PROLONGED IMMERSION IN SNOW: Frosbite is a danger when the weather is bad.Animals with short hair are the most susceptible

BLOWS

ASSESSMENT

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION: Check the skin on the points of the ears,the scrotum,tail and the extremities of the limbs

If there is frostbite,this will feel very cold,appear pale and be insensitive to handling

After thawing,which will occur about 5-10minutes after being brought into warm surroundings, the skin becomes red,regains its sensitivity, and starts to hurt

SERIOUS FROSTBITE: If the tissue is badly damaged,you will notice that the skin gradually peels, or in the most serious cases, even partiallly detaches

If you observe these developments, you should consult a vet at once

TREATMENT

WRAP: Wrap the animal in a thick blanket,perhaps warmed beforehand

WARM UP: Carefully warm up the affected parts by gently applying warm water - not over 40 degrees C

Paws can be immersed in a small basin,ears,scrotum and tail can be warmed with pads of cloth soaked in warm water for about 10 minutes

DRY: When you see the part is beginning to redden as it warms up,dry it gently, and avoid damage by not handling it further

LUBRICATION: Having warmed up the frozen part

You can apply a thin layer of animal or vegetable oil to limit peeling and to soften the skin

Cod-liver oil / Sunflower Seed oil / Olive oil

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