Open wound management in the small animal patient

Many wounds do not lend themselves to immediate primary closure, either due to the degree of tissue trauma, dead space, or infection. Bite wounds are among the most common types of wounds that should initially be managed open in many cases. Open wound management with topical therapies can lead to successful closure of most wounds with time, however it is important to manage them in such a way that further trauma to the tissues or infection are not induced. This lecture will review options for topical wound dressings and bandaging options, such as tie-over bandages. We will also discuss decision making regarding when to close.

This session originally was presented at AVMA Convention 2024.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how roper preparation of the wound is important prior to applying primary and secondary bandage layers.
• Learn bandaging techniques exist to assist in successful management of open wounds, including standard bandages and tie-over bandages.

Dr. Vanna Dickerson is originally from Georgia, where she began her veterinary career working as an assistant at a local general practice for nearly 10 years. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of North Georgia, she attended the University of Georgia for veterinary school followed by a rotating internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. She returned to the University of Georgia for a research fellowship and surgical residency, where her passion for all things soft tissue and feline surgery blossomed! She is currently an assistant professor of small animal soft tissue and minimally invasive surgery at Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Her husband is also a part of the Texas A&M University family, and they enjoy spending time with their daughter, dog, 5 cats, and exploring Texas together!