Vacuum-assisted wound closure following urine-induced skin and thigh muscle necrosis in a cat

L. J. Owen; A. Hotston-Moore; P. E. Holt

doi:10.3415/VCOT-08-12-0123

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22(05): 417-4121
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-08-12-0123

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Vacuum-assisted wound closure following urine-induced skin and thigh muscle necrosis in a cat

Authors

L. J. Owen

¹Division of Companion Animal Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford Hourse, Langford, Bristol, England

²Current address: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK
A. Hotston-Moore

¹Division of Companion Animal Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford Hourse, Langford, Bristol, England
P. E. Holt

¹Division of Companion Animal Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford Hourse, Langford, Bristol, England

Abstract

Summary

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a relatively new technique for wound management in dogs and cats. It was successfully used in this cat to treat severe urine-induced skin and thigh muscle necrosis, resulting from a traumatic urethral rupture. No complications were encountered with application of the VAC technique and production of a healthy granulation bed, suitable for wound reconstruction, was achieved after only five days of VAC treatment. The marked wound contraction (40.3%) obtained after eight days of treatment, was sufficient to allow closure of the defect using a simple, rotational subdermal plexus flap. This was a safe, effective and efficient treatment for a challenging wound in a difficult anatomical location.

Keywords

Vacuum-assisted closure - wound - cat - urethral rupture - urine necrosis

Full Text

References

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