Page 2728 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Frostbite 1418.e1

Frostbite
VetBooks.ir Suspect frostbite

Remove from source of cold

• Assess patient; treat systemic disease
if present
• Apply warm compress to affected area
• Do not rub or massage

Immerse affected area
in lukewarm water

Apply dry, non-
compressive bandage

Consider antimicrobial therapy
if contamination or infection

Necrotic tissue
grossly infected
Yes No
Leave in place to
Debride facilitate healing,
eventually debride

EDITED BY: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY: Scott P. Shaw, DVM, DACVECC

Clinical Algorithms

www.ExpertConsult.com