When part of where they cracked me open on my chest wouldn't heal, the surgeon said to put antibiotic ointment on it. I did and it was worse because it made me itch like crazy. I thought itchy might signify healing, so I tried to leave it alone. It was scary to look at and I was afraid to touch it. It was dark with under-the-skin blood and pulsed. Finally, out of desperation and due to intuition, I cleaned the ointment off, esp. after finding it had lanolin in it which I am allergic to(!) and used a diluted solution of iodine (betadine) swabbed on it. Iodine kills germs etc. In just a couple of days it was healing and within a week it was much, much better.

My vet told me about iodine. He said never to use ointment on a pet's wound as it smothers the area so that it can't get oxygen which helps with healing. He recommends diluted iodine for any cuts, abrasions, and closed wounds.

Hope this helps.

kat