NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/573001
30 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2015 unting dogs are a special group. They love the hunt just as much as their masters, and they are family just as much as they are working partners. Energetic, athletic and brave, with hearts as true as steel, good gun dogs will stay quietly by your side in the duck blind, run twice the distance you do in the field and retrieve the last bird of the day with as much fervor as the first. However, the outdoors does have its hazards. From minor cuts to more serious injuries, be prepared when your four- legged hunting companion goes down. Bleeding Many injuries in the field will involve some form of bleeding. Most are superficial and will require little more than direct pressure and a bandage, but heavy bleeding can be unnerving. If this occurs, stay calm and attempt to stop the bleeding on site. Field Treatment There are two types of bleeding: arterial and venous. Arterial bleeding is "usually more forceful, bright red, and pulsating; it will be going away from the heart. Venous bleeding will be more constant, bluish and going toward the heart," said Dr. Randy Acker in his book Field Guide to Dog First Aid. Superficial Wounds – For superficial wounds, apply direct pressure over the wound with a clean cloth or gauze sponges until bleeding stops, then flush wound with an antiseptic cleanser such as saline solution or diluted chlorhexidine; sterile water is also an option. Bandage with more gauze sponges, or non-stick Telfa pad, and then apply vet wrap or first-aid tape. Bleeding should stop within five minutes under normal circumstances. For large cuts that require stapling, see "Cuts from Barbed Wire." Forceful Bleeding – For more forceful bleeding, apply pressure above the wound (toward the heart) for arterial bleeding, and apply pressure below the wound for venous. When the wound stops bleeding, flush it out with sterile water or antiseptic solution. Then bandage with gauze or Telfa pad and then vet wrap. See a veterinarian immediately. Uncontrolled Bleeding – If you have the sinking feeling that a wound will not stop bleeding, apply pressure while the dog is immediately transported to the nearest veterinarian. An extra set of hands will help here. Cuts from Barbed Wire These cuts are common when hunting in the Midwest. Without thinking, a dog may run right through a fence to chase game. Cuts vary from small nicks to larger lacerations that need immediate attention. While hunting near barbed wire, be sure to keep a close eye on your dog and check for cuts regularly. Field Treatment Body – Small cuts are simply treated with antibiotic ointment, gauze and bandage, while larger cuts may require a skin stapler – a must-have tool for sportsmen who like to hunt with their dogs in remote areas. When you're miles In case your four-legged hunting partner gets injured in the field. Gun Dog First Aid Story and photos by Jenny Nguyen H Lacerated ear margins can bleed profusely due to high blood vessel density. A styptic pencil can be used to quickly clot small wounds.