My ferret's wound keeps reopening and bleeding. What should I do?

Thanks for reaching out about Santiago and including a photo. Dermal infections or a histiocytoma are common dermal conditions in ferrets. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Monitor for self trauma and scratching, as if opens up, more likely to become infected. Good luck.

Yes, gently cleaning with warm water or a mild soap should be fine. But aggressive cleaning might remove the scab and it will bleed again. The mast cell tumors release histamine which can cause it to itch, scratch and bleed. As long as the lesion remains small and doesn't bleed too much, you can wait and monitor. The surgery itself is very simple and quick and they heal well. Good luck.

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I would not use anti-itch cream. It is not harmful I just don't think it is the best thing to use. Using something like this wound gel would be better. ( ) When you look for a vet definitely get one that is used to treating ferrets. Also be sure you have him on a premium diet like Marshall's or Mazuri. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/basic-ferret-feeding-nutrition/ ) ( http://www.mazuri.com/mazuriferretdiet-1.aspx ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I am worried that the area on Ralph could be an infection or even a tumor. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. They may recommend antibiotics, or possibly a biopsy. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi there! It's hard to tell from the picture but it does look like Loco might have a little scrape or scab on his chin. It may be due to irritation from his bath or trauma if he has been scratching at it. Keep a close eye on it - if it spreads or worsens, swells, seems painful, or begins oozing, take him back in to see your veterinarian. You can gently clean it with warm water and try to apply some Neo-Sporin but Loco may rub it off! Good luck and I hope Loco feels better soon!

This could be edema in her eye. I would definitely have your vet take another look at it as soon as your can to ensure it is improving and not getting worse. Your vet may need to change the antibiotics ointment or add in additional meds if it isn't healing. It could also be a scar and the vet may just have you continue the current meds. I hope this helps!

I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues with Waffles. Thank you for providing a picture of the wound. I would start by placing an e-collar on her straight away so she can't bite or lick the wound. This will cause further tissue trauma and may introduce infection. Cat bites are very likely to form an abcess. Which is an accumulation of Bacteria and dead and dying white blood cells. This forms puss and accumulates when wounds close over infection, under the skin, until it bursts. It sounds to me from what you are describing hay Waffles had an abscess which has not re-opened. Due this high likelihood for an abcess, as well as the fact that the would is currently open and bleeding, I would advise taking Waffles to the veterinarian soon. The vet will clean the wound by flushing it with saline. The vet may need to place a surgical drain in order to prevent pus building up and an abcess forming. The vet can also prescribe more medications such a as antibiotics, pain relief, and anti-inflammatories to make Waffles comfortable and help the healing process. I hope this information was helpful and that Waffles heals well.