Key Takeaways on Gangrene in Dogs and Humans
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Gangrene is a life-threatening condition caused by tissue death due to loss of blood flow, infection, or trauma.
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Dogs can get gangrene just like humans, though it’s rarer and can affect external body parts and internal organs.
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Common causes in dogs include untreated wounds, hidden injuries under fur, infections, and conditions like diabetes.
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High-risk groups include pets and people with compromised immune systems, vascular diseases, or uncontrolled diabetes.
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Types of gangrene include dry, wet, gas, internal, and Fournier’s, each with unique symptoms and severity.
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Early symptoms may include swelling, fever, discolouration, pain, numbness, and foul-smelling discharge.
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Prompt diagnosis through blood tests, imaging, and vascular studies is essential for effective treatment.
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Treatment options include surgical removal of dead tissue, antibiotics, and in severe cases, amputation.
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Prevention involves wound care, infection control, managing underlying conditions, and regular pet health checks.
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First aid training equips pet owners with the skills to manage wounds quickly and reduce gangrene risk — available through CPR First Aid courses.
Gangrene is a serious and life-threatening medical emergency that significantly affects the tissues in the body.
The first thing people think about with this condition is pirates. If people aren’t familiar, gangrene was the leading cause of amputation back in those days. This is likely why there are so many peg-legged pirates.
However, gangrene affects more than just pirates and people. It can even affect dogs.
Let’s learn a little bit more about gangrene in dogs.
A Refresher on What Gangrene Is
Gangrene is the death of tissue. It occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to an area of the body. This can happen because of bacterial infection, trauma, or other issues.
It is expected to hear about gangrene legs. Other parts of the body that gangrene commonly affects are the toes, fingers, arms, and even genitals. This is because these are extremities and often have a diminished blood supply.
As mentioned, those with a higher risk of gangrene are those with a bacterial infection. Increased risk can occur due to wounds, burns, and frostbite injuries. Those with compromised immune systems due to medications, age, or other medical conditions are also more susceptible to it.
Finally, risk factors include underlying health conditions that affect blood vessels. These conditions include diabetes, atherosclerosis, Raynaud’s syndrome, peripheral arterial disease or peripheral vascular disease, and Buerger’s disease, to name a few.
Types of Gangrene
Gangrene has many different types, depending on where on the body it occurs, its cause, and what bacteria cause it. Dry gangrene is common in people who have diabetes or compromised blood vessels. It develops slowly and manifests in discoloured skin.
Wet gangrene is when tissue becomes infected. The affected area will have swelling and blisters. Injuries like frostbite and burns can cause this type, or if someone with diabetes accidentally stubs their toes.
Gas gangrene is commonly caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens. It affects muscle tissues and causes skin cracking when pressed. The infection also releases gas that causes tissue death, making it a life-threatening type.
Internal gangrene, as the name suggests, affects organs. It occurs when there is no sufficient blood flow to an internal organ. Finally, we have Fournier’s gangrene, which is a type of gangrene that affects genitals.
How to Diagnose Gangrene
Doctors perform several tests to help diagnose gangrene. First, blood tests are done to check for infections. Imaging tests, like a CT scan, assess whether the disease has spread. Doctors also inject a special dye and use an X-ray to see whether there is a build-up or blockage in the arteries.
Can Dogs Get Gangrene?
The answer to this question is yes. Dogs can get gangrene just like people can. The main difference is that gangrene in dogs is not as common as it is in people. It is a rare condition that is no less serious.
Common Causes
Open Wounds and Infections
The most common cause of gangrene in dogs is an open wound that becomes infected. This can happen if your dog fights with another animal or is injured in some other way that is not readily apparent.
The infection can cause gangrene to develop because it can spread, blocking blood flow to an area of the body.
One problem is that dogs often try to hide their wounds. Knowing when your dog has a wound is essential.
Untreated Injuries Due to Fur
As just mentioned, open wounds that develop infections are the leading cause of gangrene in our furry friends. The question now is, why isn’t the injury treated, much less seen?
This is all because of the dog’s fur. Many dogs have a lot of fur covering most of their body parts. Only when we look under this fur can we see whether there are any problems with certain parts.
Thus, while it is not a direct cause, a dog’s fur can easily hide wounds, leading to missed treatment and infection.
Diabetes
While most causes of gangrene come from varying types of wounds, it is also possible for internal conditions to contribute to it.
Diabetes, for instance, is a factor that puts both humans and dogs at risk. This is because diabetes narrows blood vessels, hampering blood flow.
The Difference Between Gangrene in Dogs and Humans
For starters, gangrene between dogs and humans share many things. These include things like symptoms and affected areas.
On the topic of affected areas, when humans experience gangrene, it is usually in the exterior of particular body parts. These include things like fingers, toes, and fingers.
This is primarily true in dogs as well. Dogs with gangrene can have their arms, legs, and paws affected. It takes a step further, though, as it also affects their ears and tails.
The most significant difference, though, is that dogs can get gangrene internally. A dog can contract gangrene on a particular organ. This is considered more dangerous as it can affect essential organs in the body.
Symptoms of Gangrene in Dogs
The fortunate thing is that many symptoms manifest in humans and dogs that are indicative of gangrene. These are good because people can put these symptoms together and tell whether their pets are in danger.
However, they shouldn’t depend on it as detecting these symptoms may indicate it is too late. The ramifications of gangrene could be fatal.
Let’s check out several symptoms.
Swelling
Swelling is the most common symptom of gangrene. This is because tissue death leads to an increase in fluid in the area. The extra fluid leads to swelling.
Fever
A fever can also be a symptom of gangrene. This is because the infection that gangrene often causes will cause the body to fight it off. As we know, when our bodies fight off gangrene, it leads to fevers.
Discolouration
Skin discolouration is another tell-tale sign that people should look out for. Tissue death leads to a change in skin colour, which often takes on a greenish hue.
Loss of Feeling in a Body Part
In severe cases, gangrene can also cause a loss of feeling in an affected area. This is because when gangrene takes root in a specific body part, it will start to kill the nerves in the area. The loss of feeling can often be partial or complete. Before this, the person or dog will first experience severe pain.
Discharge
Last, there is discharge, often accompanied by a sickly but sweet smell. The infection can cause pus or other fluids to leak from the wound.
Gangrene Treatment
The treatment of gangrene is essential as it can save a person or dog’s life. It is also something that should be done as soon as gangrene is diagnosed. This is because gangrene will only get worse over time. The longer it goes untreated, the more damage it will do and the harder it will be to treat. Let’s take a look at several treatment options.
Removal of Affected Tissue
One of the most common treatments for gangrene is the removal of the affected body tissue. The process is called debridement, in which the damaged or dead tissue is targeted. This process is much the same with dogs with gangrene.
This is because when gangrene takes hold, it starts to kill the healthy tissue in the area. The removal of this tissue is often done through surgery. The surgeon cuts away the infected tissue, helping prevent gangrene from spreading. Tissue removal will also usually come with reconstructive surgery and skin grafts.
Controlling Infections With Antibiotics
Another standard treatment for gangrene is antibiotics. As mentioned before, gangrene often leads to infection, which antibiotics help control and prevent.
Amputation
In some cases, amputation may be necessary. This is usually the case when gangrene has spread too far and has caused too much damage. Amputation is often seen as a last resort, but it may be necessary to save a person’s or dog’s life.
Prevention
The best way to deal with gangrene is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Be on the lookout for symptoms of gangrene, including low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath, to name a few.
Also, keep wounds clean and covered. Watch out for any signs of infection. Keep your pets as healthy as possible, including checking their glucose levels and taking proactive measures if obesity is observed. It is also essential to see a healthcare provider or veterinarian as soon as possible if an injury occurs. The sooner gangrene is caught, the easier it is to treat.
At the same time, vigilance is also crucial. Dog wounds lay unsuspecting under their fur, so owners must constantly check for them and treat open wounds. Wound healing is essential to staving off gangrene.
Moments That Last a Lifetime
Pets are precious companions. When cared for correctly, they can cultivate special moments that will last a lifetime. So, to avoid getting tissues for your tears, you need to care for the tissues on your dog’s various body parts. Gangrene is a severe condition with potentially fatal consequences.
Knowing first aid can help prevent gangrene in dogs. It also gives you the skills to handle wounds and a protective mindset.
Learn more about first aid with CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course. From a first aid course, a CPR refresher course, and childcare first aid courses to name a few, CPRFA offers various courses that will no doubt benefit you.