Tip 1:
The integument is one of the largest body organs, comprising approximately 12% of an adult dog’s body weight. The viscoelastic properties of skin are determined by the combination of its fluid viscosity and the elastic properties of the dermal proteins; collagenous, reticular and elastic fibres (Pavletic, 2003). These dermal fibres are surrounded by a mucopolysaccharide ground substance made up of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfuric acid.
Tip 2:
Understanding Wound Healing is vital to preparing a surgical approach for closure. Wound healing has been conceptually divided into several phases:
1. Initial response to trauma – haemorrhage, coagulation and initiation of repair process
2. Inflammatory or debridement phase – involves the initial vascular and cellular response to trauma
3. Proliferative or repair phase – incorporates the processes of angiogenesis, fibroplasia, contraction and epithelialisation
4. Maturation phase – remodeling of connective tissue. .
Tip 3:
Ideally skin sutures should be placed only to oppose the skin edges. Ideally there should be no tension.
Relieve your tension – learn to close wounds at the VetPrac Surgical Wound Management Workshop.
To download the Surgical Wound Management Workshop Brochure click here >>
If you have any questions about any of the tips or our workshops feel free to his ‘reply’ or book in a complimentary discovery session here >>