Wound Management Secrets

Small animal patients often become wounded as a result of trauma. Fortunately, loss of a limb due to vascular damage or neurologic damage is uncommon, but wound contamination and complications with closure due to lack of tissue are common. Once a traumatized patient has been stabilized, the most pressing aspect of wound management is removal of macroscopic and microscopic debris to minimize infection. This is commonly accomplished via clipping and lavage of the wound using high- or medium-pressure lavage. Sterile saline is the ideal lavage fluid, but this paper discusses the pros and cons of other acceptable options. If wounds are not candidates for primary closure; then they must be managed as open wounds and "dressed appropriately." Options include wet-to-dry, dry-to-dry, and wet-to-wet options; each dressing technique has specific indications and potential complications, which are discussed. Second-intention healing may be required for many wounds; however, if left "unaided" these wounds can take a long time to heal, are at increased risk of infection, require large amounts of time to manage, and may be disfiguring. This paper shows how to aid wound closure using creative methods called the "split-shot" technique and "tie-over" bandage technique. 

COMMENTARY: Split-shot isn't just for fishing anymore! In this seminar, the speaker discusses how to use this technique to encourage skin edges to contract and how difficult-to-close and difficult-to-cover wounds can be managed using something called the "tie-over bandage." This paper offers some unique practice tips on wound closure.

Wound management secrets. Seim III HB. Proc NAVC 2006, pp 1464-1466.