Healing his wounds

Panda's_mommy · 03-01-2015, 04:24 PM

As most of you know my little Panda is battling Cushing's disease and lately he's deteriorating physically really fast. He's got a lot of wounds on his delicate skin and I'm having trouble healing them. What can I use that's safe?

Piebald · 03-02-2015, 06:43 AM

Sorry Panda's Mommy I don't know what else to use. Something to consider is that anything that numbs the pain will increase the liklihood of further injury.

I have no idea if it would work but maybe ask your vet about that fake spray-on skin you see for sports injuries in humans? Here's an example:
http://www.first-aid-product.com/ind...od-stopper.htm

**DrKMcK** · 03-02-2015, 06:59 AM

Hi Panda's Mommy. Unfortunately, there really is nothing that will actually heal Panda's skin with Cushing's. The Sudocreme is probably the best for hams as it helps prevent infection. It mostly soothes the dry, sore skin, making the hammy more comfortable. Part of the distress for owners with Cushing's Disease, besides the hair loss, which doesn't really cause the hammy pain, is the recurring sores, which can be painful for the ham. It is the sores, and the size, depth, and quantity of them that usually prompt an owner to help their friend to the Bridge. It's a miserable disease. I wish there was more I could say that would help.

cypher · 03-02-2015, 07:04 AM

I'm not really sure if there is anything that would really help with cushings but I was wondering if you can get the F10 products over there as they do a barrier ointment that might help them heal as well as helping to protect them from infection, it is meant for small animals so should be safe if you can get hold of it.

Panda's_mommy · 03-02-2015, 01:23 PM

What about saline solution? I've read it works good to heal wounds but should it hurt him if I put it on? I'm feeling torn because he still has energy, still loves his wheel, still eats well and is happy. What upsets me the most is the wounds on his skin. I don't know if he's in pain or not. When he's not on his wheel he's burying himself in his bedding.

**DrKMcK** · 03-02-2015, 07:00 PM

The sudocreme is the best thing for him, in terms of comfort. I don't think I'd use saline myself. Watch for hunching of Panda's back and very slow movement. These are usually signs of pain. If he is tootling around, eating and drinking, he should be okay. {hugs}

I know it's so hard.

Panda's_mommy · 03-02-2015, 07:31 PM

Thank you.....I'm going to keep using the sudocrem. I just wish his wounds would heal. The first big wound he got healed quickly but these ones aren't. What's weird is that there's fur growing where some of his wounds are. I assume because his wounds are red they aren't healing but it's hard to tell. Sometimes it looks like they are scabbing.

**DrKMcK** · 03-03-2015, 09:38 PM

They will keep doing that. What you want to watch for is infection. You will know when it's time to help Panda to the Bridge. But he should still go on for a while, hamstering along. This is the part of loving hamsters that is so difficult. Trying to gauge the quality of our little friend's life, and how to keep them comfortable and happy. Just keep in mind that Panda is very well loved and his happiness has always been uppermost in your care of him. He's a lucky little ham to have you. {hugs}

Panda's_mommy · 03-04-2015, 06:56 AM

Do you recommend that I keep putting the sudocrem on them everyday or if I stop will it be better because they will start to scab? Now he's got some on his tummy but he's such a happy little guy and I don't see any signs that he's in pain.

**DrKMcK** · 03-04-2015, 02:03 PM

It's hard to say. I think the creme creates a barrier against infection. You could try to just do the better looking wounds every other day and see how that works. If it looks like they are scabbing over, stop the creme on the next best healed wounds. Really sore, open wounds should be protected though. I am glad he's still a happy furry.