The use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy for the treatment of distal extremity wounds in 15 dogs

Objective-To evaluate clinical outcome after vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in dogs with traumatic wounds located in the distal extremities and report our early experience with VAC. Study Design-Retrospective study. Animals-Dogs (n=15) with traumatic distal extremity wounds. Methods-Medical records (1999-2003) of dogs with traumatic injuries to the distal extremities managed by VAC were evaluated. Data included signalment, location of wound, time until surgical intervention, wound reconstruction methods, orthopedic procedures, outcome, complications associated with VAC, and length of hospitalization. Results-The mean number of days until reconstruction was 4.6 days (range, 2-7 days). Reconstructive surgery was successful in all cases. Mean hospitalization was 9.7 days (range, 6-16 days). Complications included dermatitis at the wound margin and loss of vacuum causing wound desiccation. Conclusion-VAC therapy can be used to achieve adequate management of traumatic distal extremity wounds. VAC provides an effective method of securing skin grafts over the wound bed. Clinical Relevance-VAC therapy can be used as an ancillary treatment for distal extremity wounds in dogs before surgical repair as well as a method for securing skin grafts to the wound bed. (C) Copyright 2007 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.