Wound Repair

Discovering a cut or an open wound on your pet is a scary moment for any owner. Whether it was a rough play session at the dog park, an unfortunate encounter with a sharp fence, or a mystery scrape from the backyard, seeing your furry friend in pain triggers immediate worry.

While minor scratches might heal on their own, deeper lacerations require professional medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. At Nimbus Pet Hospital, serving the Tigard and Beaverton communities, we provide compassionate, expert wound repair to get your companion back on their paws as quickly as possible.

When does a pet need stitches?

Not every scrape requires surgery, but distinguishing between a minor boo-boo and a serious injury can be tricky. Laceration repair involves cleaning, exploring, and closing a wound. This process helps the tissue heal faster and significantly reduces the risk of infection.

You should seek veterinary attention if your pet’s wound:

  • Is bleeding heavily or won’t stop bleeding after ten minutes of pressure.
  • Appears deep enough to expose muscle, tendons, or bone.
  • Was caused by a bite from another animal (these have a very high risk of infection).
  • Is located near the eye, face, or on a paw pad.
  • Has ragged edges or is gaping open.

When you arrive at Nimbus Pet Hospital, our team assesses the severity of the injury. The repair process typically involves sedation or anesthesia to keep your pet calm and pain-free. We thoroughly clean the area to remove debris and bacteria, trim away damaged tissue, and close the wound using sutures (stitches), staples, or surgical glue.

Worried about a wound? Don’t wait for infection to set in.
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Why choose Nimbus Pet Hospital for wound care

Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priorities. Wound repair is about more than just closing a gap in the skin; it is about pain management and preventing future complications.

Here is why Tigard and Beaverton pet owners trust us with their emergencies:

Comprehensive Pain Management

We believe no pet should be in pain. From the moment you walk in, we utilize effective pain relief protocols to ensure your pet is comfortable during the examination and the repair procedure.

Expert Surgical Care

Proper wound closure is an art. Our veterinarians are skilled in various closure techniques to minimize scarring and promote rapid healing. We also check for underlying damage that isn’t visible to the naked eye, such as pockets under the skin where bacteria can hide.

Detailed Aftercare Support

The healing process continues after you leave our clinic. We provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to care for the stitches, how to administer medications, and how to use protective devices to prevent your pet from licking the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I treat my pet’s wound at home?

For very minor surface scrapes, you can gently clean the area with warm water and mild soap. However, you should avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. If the wound is deep, bleeding, or originated from an animal bite, professional veterinary care is necessary.

How do I tell if a wound is infected?

Infection can set in quickly, especially with bite wounds or dirty injuries. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Swelling or redness spreading around the wound.
  • The area feels hot to the touch.
  • Discharge of pus or a foul odor.
  • Your pet is lethargic or has a fever.
  • excessive licking or guarding of the area.

How long do stitches usually stay in?

In most cases, non-absorbable stitches or staples need to remain in place for 10 to 14 days. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the healing progress and remove the sutures. Absorbable stitches, which are often used internally or for certain skin closures, will dissolve on their own over time.

Let us help your pet heal

Accidents happen, but they don’t have to lead to long-term problems. Prompt professional care is the best way to ensure a safe and speedy recovery for your dog or cat. If you are in Tigard or Beaverton and suspect your pet needs wound repair, our team is ready to assist.

Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment or let us know you are on your way.