Torn pad

[MA]

One of my barn cats has ripped a good portion of his pad. Front, the skin is still intact. I have him confined, he is not happy, but he is in our bedroom. I put him on antibiotics for good measure, I would put ointment on his pad, but I don't want him licking it off. It is a half moon shaped tear on his front paw. Anything else I can do before tomorrow?

[Traci]

If it's bleeding, apply pressure of course. If there is a flap of skin that is just hanging there, best to wrap it.....you can gently dip his paw in tepid water and a drop of antibacterial soap, then gently blot it dry with a towel, then cover with a telfa pad, then wrap with gauze or vet wrap. Don't apply wrap too tight, and try wrapping up the leg to keep it secure. Don't be surprised if he chews at it or shakes it off, in which, leave it alone and see your vet first thing in the a.m. Again, if there is a flap of skin hanging, it will probably need a suture or two.

What antibiotic did you give him? (amoxicillin suspension is best for this, but depends on the wound and how deep it is.....your vet may opt for giving a pen-g injection if it's too deep or infected)

[MA]

right now all i have is clavamox- I will take him in in the morning. I did try wrapping it, but he would have none of it and ripped it off in a matter of minutes