Cat got into something...help?

[BigDreams]

My older cat Snuffy came in from outside today and there is a small open wound under his ear, with the hair missing all the way around. The open part is probably a little less then a centimeter wide, the area of hair missing is about the size of a silver dollar. I tried to download pictures, but the computer wouldn't let me.

I don't think it's vet worthy yet (though I'll be keeping a close eye on it just incase!) but I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me. Should I clean it with warm salt water?

[growler~GateKeeper]

Sounds like either a fight wound or he got caught on a fence or something....I would take him in for a wound flushing/cleaning, these types of injuries can quickly abcess & cause greater pain later.

[BigDreams]

It doesn't look much like a fight wound, my guess was like you said got caught in a fence.
Ok, thanks for the advice. He has had abcesses before and they weren't pretty (neither was the $400 vet bill!). I'd rather get it delt with now! I will give the vet a call in the morning.

[growler~GateKeeper]

Let me know how the vet visit goes rusty nails/wire & splintered wood can leave nasty little bits in an open wound

Preventing infection is always cheaper than dealing with clearing it up afterwards

[sandyrivers]

I am a firm advocate of 'Violeta Gerencia' tincture, in both humans and pets. When a wound is too severe to simply put peroxide/or risk more oozing by applying creams, or if it is an open wound of small to moderate size , like your pet seems to have, i would apply the tincture with a dropper ( as many drops to fully cover the wound) every 24 hrs for 3 to 4 days... keep in mind that the tincture may cause small discomfort/pain when applied, and your pet is most likely to twitch, as well as humans!!! I found that it helps to heal fast, speeds drying of wound and eradicates oozing alltogether, the only downside is that it may stain the coat of your pet (a vivid violet color)for a few weeks/months. I live in montreal/canada and buy this tincture in an homeopathic store.
Good luck

Sandy