I took my doby out 3 days ago now and he got a little nic on his ear, but bleed it poured! by the time I got him home he was covered in blood, so was my kitchen where he kept shaking his head. I put presure on it and  I put a  dressing on it but the dressing was soaked within a couple on mins. Eventually after sitting all night with him on the lead and making him sit still the bleeding stopped. I didn't walk him  so as give the wound time to clot. But today i though would change the dressing the ear still looked wet, but not to bad so I thought I would lead walk him, I took him out the back door he saw a cat got all excited and the ear started to drip with blood. I have rung the vet and says he might have to sedated for a while to enable the wound to to clot?
Has any body got any suggestions?

Hi sallyj123,

Ears tend to bleed a lot when even only slightly nicked or scratched - from your description I'd say definitely best to have the vet at least check him over and discuss with a professional what's best in this situation.  If inappropriately treated or healed, it can cause the ear to baloon up with blood in the form of a 'pocket' - not pleasant and this usually requires more invasive treatment than your dog may need at the moment.

best wishes, Teri

Some years ago we had awful probs with our GSP. The vet stitched it but despite a head collar she could still shake her head and it opened up. This happened twice. In the end the vet had to trim the edge of the ear back but the used Superglue to seal it. Took ages to come off the ear but did the trick.  It was only a very small nick too but boy did it bleed.

Styptic powder or in an emergency Cornflour
"Styptic powder is an antiseptic clotting agent that is most often used in pet grooming. Much like a styptic pencil, which is made of alum, styptic powder stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels. Most pet groomers and veterinarians keep styptic powder on hand. Styptic powder is most often used on dogs, cats, and birds and is a good product for pet owners to keep on hand as well.

Dogs and cats have blood vessels running down the centers of their claws. When the nails are trimmed during grooming or routine care, they can easily be cut too close to the blood vessels. Amazingly, when nicked, these blood vessels can produce an alarming amount of blood. Applying styptic powder to this type of seemingly minor injury can not only stop the bleeding, but can make future trimming easier.

Styptic powder causes the vessels to contract further back into the claw and also clots the blood. Not only does styptic powder control the bleeding of over-trimmed nails, it helps prevent bacteria from the surrounding area entering the blood stream. This particular first aid agent is not only useful for accidents while trimming dogs and cats' nails, but also birds' beaks. Veterinarians use styptic powder to control bleeding of other external injuries as well.

To use styptic powder, simply dip the affected paw or beak into a small bowl or container of the styptic powder. Do not dip the area into the container of powder, but rather pour the powder into a separate container to make applying easier. Only a small amount of styptic powder is necessary - just enough to cover the affected area. It generally stops bleeding on contact, but should bleeding continue, proceed to apply light pressure to the area and then reapply styptic powder. If the bleeding is uncontrollable, seek the services of a veterinarian. "

Where do I  get Styptic powder from? I have a pets at home near me would they have it?

They might have it for stopping nails bleeding called Clip stop or similar

You might even get it from a chemist

You can use Cornflour(as used to thicken sauces) has a similar effect

At risk of sounding like the voice of doom ...

Has your Dobermann been tested for von Willebrand's disease? Hopefully not the case here, but if you had a minor nick that has bled excessively (although ears do bleed profusely), I'd want to have it checked out in case of more serious injury next time.

M.

Hi no he hasn't. What other syptoms would there be?

just trying the cornflour now, as won't get to pets at home in time. once I have done it should I leave the wound uncovered?

I to, was going to question vWD status. 

Ears do bleed a lot, though.  When my dogs ears bleed, I use QuickStop, or vegetable oil (if I dont have quickstop).  Also, if for some reason, the vet decides he wants to stitch the ear, make sure it doesnt catch on anything, or you can have a kink in the ear.

Keep the ear clean, but dont overwash.  Use a damp cloth, or guaze with Saline to wash it. 

cover the wound, as to not let anything scrape it again.  But, be very careful, when you take the bandages off.  The best thing to do actually, is to use a pantyliner, or pad.  I use pantyliners on my dogs ears, before stitches come out.  It doesnt seem to stick to the blood, but it absorbs it well.

bleeding is the main thing.

But many dogs affected with VWD dont show symptoms either.  It would be best though, with the problems of bleeding with the ear, that you get your Dobe tested.  It is a costly test though,but very well worth it.

Thankyou everybody, I gently cleaned the ear cornfloured it now he is running around with a panty pad on, I will see how that goes. I am ringing the vet tomorrow as he asked me to let him know if the bleeding has stopped. I will ask him about VWD.

many many thanks

There is more info here. It may be that your vet thinks there is no issue, and it is just one of those parts of the body that does seem to bleed disproportionately. Worth bearing in mind if you weren't aware of it though.

M.

Out of interest I just got out Blu's pedigree and have just traced both his parents on the net and both were tested for VWD and both were clear it actually states that against each parent. How nice was that to see his mum and dad again.

anyway he is now asleep and looks like the bleeding has stopped for the time being

 
Does that mean that Blu will be clear?

Yes, if they're both genetically clear, he will be clear. Sorry if I worried you there ...

M.

no worries I am glad i did it,  saved me money at the vets!!!!

Ditto moonmaiden Ive used these on human and dogs.

Gosh could you post a picture of that my minds boggling a doobie with cornflower and a pantie pad!!

Ahh Bless!

He's got ears and...   Wings!

Sorry I just couldn't resist!

Hope he's better soon, ears can be really frightening when they are cut.

Blu is fine the bleeding has stopped , He has a little tiny plaster on the cut now and was walked today with no problems, you  are all a mind of information and I really appreciate all the help and advice you give.

Thank you from me and Blu