Dumb questions re: Epsom Salts :-)

cheeser said:

One of our cat's toes looks a little inflammed, and we were advised to soak it in an Epsom salts bath for 5 minutes twice a day to 'draw out' any possible infection, and then rinse well.

So is it possible his toe might look a little worse before it gets better?

We're just trying to get an idea what to expect so we don't pester the vet any more than we absolutely need to. ;-)

ETA:  And does 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom salts per bowl of water sound about right?

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IndyJones said:

Honestly if you are concerned your vet can give you better advice than any of us. It's their job description. You may even be able to get advice over the phone.

I have used the Epsom salt before for my own feet after stepping on a nail (long story) and other than my skin looking pruney I didn't notice much. Might see a little yellow around the wound if there is an existing infection i imagine it's similar with cats.

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Primula said:

Wouldn't worry about pestering the vet. That's their job and they charge a lot for it.

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JMarkitell said:

 
Epsom salts are used for feet a lot because it can help to toughen the skin around an injury...it physically affects the wound's skin, making it tougher and less susceptible to infection and to heal faster. The salt, weather it is Epsom (Magnesium), regular (sodium), potassium,...they all do about the same thing. Some salts hurt a lot more than others...regular table salt, sodium chloride, hurts like heck but Epsom salts don't hurt nearly as much.

   I could never understand why people (or animals) soak their non broken skin injuries in Epsom salts, since the salt can't really do anything to the injury unless the skin is broken, otherwise it should provide the same help as plain warm water. When the skin is broken, the salts help to toughen the skin and tissues, which helps to keep infections from setting in and helps to allow the infection to work itself out of the wound, much like a pimple being popped. The salts themselves have an antibiotic effect, so they both help to clean the wound as well as keep the germs from getting a foothold.

   As far as the dosage goes...1/2 teaspoon per bowl of water seems pretty weak to me. I usually use a few tablespoons in a quart/liter of warm water, although most Epsom salt containers have dosage levels printed on them somewhere. I hope this helps somewhat. The toe/foot might look worse before it gets better, but if it turns markedly more red or seems to be very painful or swollen, then you should pester the vet. If the toe/foot releases a lot of the pus, then the foot/toe should be washed well (with Epsom salts if desired) and kept clean and dry if possible. Unless it stays swollen or seems continued painful, then the wound is probably OK and will heal normally. If it gets swollen or very red, then get to the vet ASAP.

Jim

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