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Frost Bite
General Information
Skin damage from prolonged exposure to subzero temperatures (frostbite) is most likely to occur at the tips of the ears of cats and dogs or the tip of the tail, the toes, or the scrotum of dogs. In these areas, the hair covering is thin and the circulation is poor.
While frozen, the skin is cold to the touch, lacking in color, and numb. As warming occurs, redness develops, and the areas become painful. In mild cases, the hair may turn white; in the more severe cases, the skin dies and peels away.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Mild Cases: Application of a mild protective ointment is usually all that is necessary.
2. Severe Cases: In more severe cases, the dying tissue is removed surgically but not until sufficient time has passed to determine the extent of damage.
3. Once frozen, skin is more likely to be damaged on subsequent exposure to the cold. Keep your pet in warm quarters during cold weather.
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