Sprains, Cuts, and Bites

So, what do these three issues have in common? 

1) We can take care of them here at ZoomCare
2) Chances are it was caused accidentally
3) Each of these conditions requires a 30 minute visit, and some extra TLC during aftercare

What is a Sprain?

A sprain is an injury of the ligament that is generally caused by a sudden over-stretching.  The ligament is usually only stretched, but sprains can sometimes be snapped, slightly torn, or ruptured, all of which are more serious and require more time to heal. A strain is similar, but occurs in a muscle instead of a ligament.

How can I take care of it?

A good way to remember how to care for your injury is  by thinking about the "PRICE" of it:
  • Protect the area from further injury
  • Rest the area and reduce motion
  • Ice the area several times a day (10-15 minutes at a time).  Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
  • Compression : wrap the area to reduce inflammation, anti inflammatory medication may help as well.
  • Elevation of the area as close to the heart as possible

    NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR right away, return to ZoomCare, or go to the Emergency Department immediately in case of the following:
  • If you are experiencing numbness
  • If your skin turns blue
  • If your general health condition worsens

    Cuts (Lacerations)

    A laceration is a cut in the skin. At ZoomCare, we have a couple of options to close up wounds.  Most of the time (if the cut is straight, not jagged), we use a fantastic sterilized medical "superglue" called Dermabond.  It's great at keeping out infection and reduces scarring significantly.  It also cuts out the need for a numbing shot and a suture removal visit.  However, in some cases your ZCP may decide that good ol' fashioned stitches (sutures) are the way to go.  Both methods are efficient at closing the wound to speed healing and to prevent infection, decreasing the amount of scarring.

    INSTRUCTIONS: Keep your bandage clean and dry. If the bandage gets wet and needs to be changed, unwrap it slowly and carefully. If the bandage sticks or starts to hurt, use water to loosen it gently. Pat the area dry with a clean towel before putting on another dressing.  If possible, keep the wound raised for 24 to 48 hours to decrease pain, swelling and to help with healing. Leave the dressing on for 24 hours.

    Clean the wound at least once per day.  Use soap and water to clean your wound gently. If you have a scalp wound, you may wash your hair gently 24 – 36 hours after the injury.  Keep your hair dry until the day you are to have your stitches removed. Do not soak the wound or go swimming. If the wound is on your arm, do not wash dishes. If you have been given a tetanus shot, your arm may become red, swollen and warm to touch at the injection site. This is a normal response to the medicine in the shot. Return for a wound check in a few days. Return for removal of stitches when instructed.

    NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR right away, return to ZoomCare, or go to the Emergency Department immediately in case of the following:    
  • Swelling, numbness, or develop pus drainage, bleeding, or increased redness.    
  • Report any fevers to your doctor right away.

    Bites (of the animal or human variety)

    How do bites occur?

    Bites may occur:
  • during routine tasks on a farm or ranch
  • while you are walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, camping, or doing other outdoor activities
  • during arguments or fights
  • during intimate contact.
    You may be bitten by:
  • wild, rabies-prone animals such as skunks, raccoons, foxes, or bats
  • small wild animals such as squirrels, mice, rats, rabbits, and chipmunks, which are usually free of rabies but can cause other illnesses, such as plague
  • dogs, cats, or other pets or domestic animals, such as horses, which may cause serious wound infections but not usually rabies
  • small indoor pets such as gerbils or hamsters, which are not likely to have rabies
  • other people, usually during fights.
    Bites may result from an unprovoked attack by an animal, but they can also happen when you are playing with a pet or trying to feed a wild animal.
    *Human bites occur more often than most people realize. Because they can lead to more serious complications and greater risk of infection, human bites are often more dangerous than animal bites. However, any bite that breaks the skin can become infected and should be treated by your ZoomCare Physician.

    What are the symptoms?

    Bites may cause:
  • breaks in the skin
  • puncture wounds
  • deep cuts
  • bruises, with possibly a puncture or cut visible in the center of the bruised area
  • bleeding.
    Signs of infection are redness, pain, swelling, and pus.

    How are they diagnosed?

    Your ZCP will look at the bitten area and will ask how the bite happened to see if you need more tests. You may have x-rays if the injury is serious or if your bones could have been damaged.
    Some animals such as snakes or spiders inject venom into the skin, which can cause illness and even death. It can be helpful to your Zoomare Physician if you know what type of animal has bitten you.

    How are they treated?

    Treatment depends on how you were bitten and how badly you are injured. Follow these first aid measures for all bites that break the skin:
  • If the bite has caused a very serious life or limb threatening injury or you are losing a lot of blood, call 911 for emergency help.
  • Control bleeding by putting pressure on the wound. Do not apply a tourniquet. If you have bleeding that you can't stop, call 911 or go to a hospital for treatment.
  • If you don't think you need emergency help, wash the area with mild soap and water.
  • Put a clean bandage over the wound.
    In all cases of animal bites, call your health care provider. Your provider may suggest that you:
  • Have a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the last 5 years.
  • Put antibiotic ointment on the bite.
  • Take antibiotics to prevent infection. (Be sure to tell your provider if you know you are allergic to antibiotics.)
  • Have stitches or surgical repair, depending on how large or deep the bite is, where it is, and whether the bleeding has stopped.
  • Report the bite to authorities if you were bitten by an animal that might carry rabies. Your provider will determine if you need rabies shots.
    In all cases of human bites, call your health care provider right away. Do not wait a day or two to see your provider. These bites become infected even more often than animal bites and can cause serious problems.

    How long will the effects last?

    The time it takes for wounds to heal depends on the extent of the damage and your overall state of health. If the bite is infected, the infection will usually heal in 7 to 10 days with treatment. A deep bite may cause scarring. It might damage nearby nerves.

    How can I take care of myself?

  • Follow your ZCP's instructions for care of the wound. Tell your health care provider if:
  • The bitten area becomes painful, swollen, or red.
  • Pus is draining from the bite.
  • You have swollen glands, a fever, or other symptoms of infection.
  • Have a tetanus booster shot at least every 10 years.

    What can be done to help prevent animal and human bites?

    Be alert to the possibility of animal bites. Learn how animals act before they bite, such as raising their ears, baring their teeth, or barking. Use precautions to protect yourself from attack when you are:
  • walking or jogging (carry Mace or high-frequency sound repellents)
  • hiking or camping (wear hiking boots or shoes that cover the ankle)
  • participating in other outdoor activities (wear protective clothing).
  • Also be cautious when you swim in oceans or lakes.
    To help protect others from animal bites you can:
  • Make sure your pets get rabies shots.
  • Keep your pets on a leash.
  • Muzzle your pets if necessary when you are away from home.
  • Keep your pets in enclosed and secure areas.
    If you see an animal behaving strangely or foaming at the mouth or if an animal has bitten someone:
  • Report it to the local animal warden or police.
  • Notify the health department.
  • Notify the pet's owner.
    And finally, teach your children (and friends) not to approach or touch strange animals.