hey crisgal, hope your little one is all better! It's a shame people jumped to conclusions so quickly (something I am guilty of sometimes, and I won't deny it). We were recommended Sudocrem, many other dog owners use it. Of course it is wise to go to the Vet if the cut is dirty or swollen; but like a human's bumps and scrapes, dogs heal well naturally.
If Jack, our Collie, had a problem, we'd be straight to the Vet with him, as you would, but I do know some dog-owners who are off to the Vet in a panic at the merest sign of a bump or bruise. These are natural, given dogs' inquisitive and sometimes clumsy nature! While it's not OK to leave a suffering dog without treatment, I also don't think it's healthy to go off bothering the Vet at every cut and scrape!
Sorry to hear your life is so hectic at the moment, I hope it is better soon...
Again, hope he is all better! Lisa x