First Aid

Dakotazeb

Dakotazeb

Well-known member
The skin stapler I added to my dog's first aid kit came in handy yesterday. I was really warm yesterday so after the first place Elle and I walked I took her vest off. Wouldn't you know it, the next place she runs into a barbed wire hidden in the grass. Nice cut in her chest. A couple of staples and some EMT Gel looks like it has fixed it right up. I was going to head out today but staying home to let the wound heal. I have a 2 day hunt planned on Monday and Tuesday so I want her ready to go then.
 
Sorry can't get any pics. The EMT Gel I put over the wound hardens into a big glob. Looks like it's healing fine.

I had never used a skin stapler before and it was very easy. I just held the skin together, placed the stapler so it would straddle the two flaps of skin and click, it was done. Dog never even flinched. I'll leave the staples in for a week unless I see they are causing a problem. The EMT Gel covers them. I hope her vest will cover the wound as it's in a place there is no way to get a bandage on it. I'll be hunting her Monday and Tuesday.

If you get a skin stapler make sure you also get the staple remover. It's a special little tool to take them out.
 
I took a first aid class for sport dogs and it included working with the stapler. We practiced on chicken thighs. I was surprised how easy it was. It may not be pretty but I am confident that I can get the job done in the field.
 
staplers

just like anything else, there can be problems. first to consider is the use of one necessary or are you using it just because you have one. when I asked my fishing buddy, the vet, about this type of thing his reply was, in most cases if I sew a cut up it takes about a week to heal, if I don't sew the cut up, it takes about a week to heal and the chance of infection is less if you leave it alone. if the cut is that bad, ya might need help and not make things worse, anyway

cheers
 
lab man said:
do you have to get one from a vet?
Click to expand...

No. You can buy them online or probably at any pet store.

Look, I'm not advocating that everyone run out and buy a stapler. But I do believe it can be an effective tool in closing an open wound. Maybe taking a first aid course like dukhnter7 did would be a good idea. I was a medic for 3 years in the Army so I do know a little about first aid. And musti, I have a vet friend that would dispute what your vet friend says.
 
I think I'm gonna get one for trips to SD, with all the wire it's a good tool to have. They look simple to use and it will just make me feel better knowing I have one more tool in the kit that could help me with the dogs care.
I think a clean wound stapled would help me feel better than an open wound.
 
There are some videos on Youtube on using a skin stapler. I didn't find any that were great but at least it shows you how. I didn't use a tweezer to hold the skin like is shown in some.

As I've said before. If you get a stapler make sure you also get the staple remover.

I'm with you GP. While an open wound may heal okay I feel better about closing it. Logic seems to say that it will heal faster. It's best if you staple the two sides together when the wound if fresh so the edges of the skin have not hardened or crusted. Also be sure to apply some antibiotic cream/ointment to the wound.

DISCLOSURE: I'm not a vet so if you have any doubts about treating a wound I would seek the assistance of a veterinarian.
 
My Vet is right down the road and with a pack of 3 dogs (usually) they know me by name and are always willing to help me out with pet care. I will visit them Monday and ask if they have a brand they like better and they will even give me tips and tricks of the trade.

Glad you brought this up Zeb, I still have time to get one before next weekend!:thumbsup:
 
Gun dog supply has staplers and the removal tool.
My vet/hunting buddy carries one with him as they are faster and easier then Sutures in the field. I would guess he would use sutures if he was in a more "convenient" location. Goldenboy uses the same vet and he will attest that he knows his stuff
 
I have often thought about getting one as well. This past summer while running one of my pointers he got a cut on his chest. I put EMT gel on it daily (because he licked it off). It took about a week to heal. I figured it was in an area he could lick and keep clean so probably Ok.
 
My dog Indy is a pro at getting cut open, so I have had a lot of practice with a stapler. They work great for modest size cuts. Getting the cut cleaned out is a key. Then keeping the dog from licking the cut is critical. I will often use an under armor shirt to cover chest and leg cuts. A little duct tape to hold sleeve in place. Much easier on the dog than the cone of shame.

But there are some cuts that are more than you want to staple. Basically if you are not sure if you can get it stapled closed, go to the vet. My vet let me go in and watch them clean out a cut and do stitches. That was good to watch.
 
first aid

Setternut has it right. My friend who is a vet and I used to hunt a lot. He let me watch in his office. He also taught me to lay any pup down when small and make them submit .Put your leg over them. Thats what I have always done. I can and have stitched up many dogs. I like the stapler also but have several stiching needles preloaded with material to stitch. Also for a add on in your first aid kit, go to your vet and get a bottle of antibiotic and sedatives.
Best of luck this year
 
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