Frostbitten tissues should be rapidly warmed. Immerse the affected part in water of 104-108 degrees F for at least 20 minutes or until thawing is complete. Dry heat should not be used. Never rub or massage the tissues. Application of soft, dry bandages to the injured part is required to protect the area from self-infliction or other trauma. Cage rest is required to reduce injury. Analgesics must be given as this injury is extremely painful. Topical antiseptics may help prevent infection of necrotic tissue or ruptured blisters. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended. Culture of an infected wound and sensitivity should be performed to select the appropriate antibiotic. Should the wound on a distal limb become superficially infected, topical administration of sugar with daily rinsing and bandaging until cleared (usually 3 days) works very well. Surgical management should be delayed until spontaneous amputation of necrotic tissue has occurred and is complete. Definitive surgical management is based on the individual injury. Heparin or low-molecular weight dextrans have not proven beneficial.
Sources
Karol Mathews, DVM 83rd - WI VMA Conference Proceedings
http://www.thecapsulereport.com/sa18,1-3.htm