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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

L. J. Owen
1   Division of Companion Animal Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford Hourse, Langford, Bristol, England
2   Current address: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK
,
A. Hotston-Moore
1   Division of Companion Animal Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford Hourse, Langford, Bristol, England
,
P. E. Holt
1   Division of Companion Animal Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford Hourse, Langford, Bristol, England
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 09 December 2008

Accepted: 03 May 2009

Publication Date:
18 December 2017 (online)

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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
 

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