6/18-7/1 “The mystery bite saga”

I was definitely warned that it would look worse before it looks better so I’m trying to trust the process, but this looks terrible 😭 .

We still haven’t decided definitively between snake or spider bite but at this point, I don’t think it really matters.

He’s starting his second round of antibiotics, has remained on pain medication and had a course of antihistamines.

Topically we’re rotating SSD, hydrocortisone, and silver honey spray .

Therapeutically he’s receiving frequent laser and pemf treatments.

I’m fairly sure that we’re doing all we can do for him and he doesn’t seem too painful but this is definitely not a fun thing to deal with especially in the summer. It’s extremely hard to keep this clean between potty breaks and the summer rains coming through.

#snakebite #spiderbite #Malinois #workingdog #caninerehabilitation

2 days agoEdited to

... Read moreDealing with an uncertain bite scenario on a working dog like a Malinois can be quite overwhelming, especially when the source of the injury—whether from a snake or spider—is not clearly identified. In my experience, maintaining consistent veterinary care and a strict wound management routine is crucial to promoting healing in such cases. I found that alongside antibiotics and antihistamines, topical treatments like silver sulfadiazine (SSD), hydrocortisone, and natural remedies such as silver honey spray can provide antibacterial action and help soothe inflammation. Rotating these treatments can prevent skin irritation and support the tissue repair process. Pain management is vitally important too. Observing the dog's comfort levels helps guide the use of analgesics without risking overmedication. Therapeutic modalities such as laser therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy have been valuable adjuncts in my experience, aiding in reducing inflammation and accelerating healing. Environmental factors play a significant role—summer heat, humidity, and frequent potty breaks increase the challenge of keeping the wound clean and dry. Using breathable protective coverings and meticulous hygiene routines are essential to prevent secondary infections. While the uncertainty about the bite source remains, focusing on comprehensive care tailored to the dog’s response ensures the best chance of recovery. Patience and trusting the process, even as the wound may look worse before improving, are necessary. Sharing these experiences helps raise awareness on managing bite wounds in working dogs and the practical steps that can be taken during recovery.