Cut on ear.

Hi Dr. Marie,

My dog was attacked by a collie two days ago. They were just greeting each other and the collie bit Jack's ear all of a sudden! I pulled open his jaw and Jack ran free. The owner said her Collie has never done that before and she was very apologetic. Both dogs have all of their shots, so I'm not worried about rabies.

The gash is in Jack's ear, the outside cartilage. Because it's only a small gash in this part of his body and because he seems totally fine, like his regular happy self, I didn't bring him to a vet. I let a couple of days go by and then bathed him this morning and I could see that the gash is about 3/4 inch long and doesn't look like it's healing (yet).

I have pictures that I will email to you. I am wondering if you think he needs stitches or if this is something that will heal on it's own. Should I cover it or let the air get to it. My only concern is infection. Aside from that, I would just leave it be because it's not bothering my dog and it stopped bleeding right after the attack occurred.

I would rather not take him to the vet if I don't need to, but of course I want to do what's best for him so that's why I'm asking your advice. I read online that if the gash is less than 1 inch, it can heal on it's own, but I don't know?

Thanks for your help,
Heather