Large Wound Closure in Dogs

Large wound closure in dogs is type of wound management for canines with acute or chronic wounds. All wounds will be evaluated and a culture sensitivity test will be used to determine the presence of bacterial growth. A thorough understanding of wound healing is required to perform a large wound closure, which is why these techniques are only carried out by a licensed veterinary practitioner. 

Large wound closure in dogs can be completed with or without the use of general anesthetic. Depending on the location of the wound, a local anesthetic may be given to prevent the canine from feeling pain during the closure process. 

Cleaning & Analysis

• The wound will be covered with a water-soluble lubricant or wet sterile sponge in order to provide protection for the removal of surrounding hair. 
• The area around the wound is clipped. 
• The water-soluble gel is eliminated with sterile saline after the clipping is completed. 
• Tap water is then used to eliminate gross contamination, followed by sterile saline, and any obvious foreign material is manually removed. 
• A deep sample will be taken from the flushed wound for culture and sensitivity testing against infection. As the culture is pending and awaiting a result, the canine will be placed on a broad-spectrum antibiotic. 
• An evaluation of wound exposure is made, determining if a vital structure such as an artery, nerve, vein or joint is present. 

Wound Closure

A veterinarian can close a wound in one or four ways; primary wound closure, delayed wound closure, secondary wound closure or second intention healing. The decision of which technique to use is based on the amount of contamination present in the wound, time of trauma, and the amount of devitalized tissue.  

• Primary wound closure: entails the closure of a wound relatively soon after the time of infliction. 
• Delayed primary closure: wound closure takes place approximately three to five days after the time of infliction, but has been medically managed during this time to improve healing.
• Secondary closure: a wound open for five or more days after injury, with the presence of granulated tissue. 
• Second Intention healing: relies on the formation of granulation tissue, contraction, and epithelialization for closure.

Large wound closure in dogs requires a good understanding of the physiology of wound healing. The goal a veterinary surgeon wishes to achieve with large wound closure is to aid in the normal mechanisms of healing and not interfere with the body’s natural ability. 

Large wound closure in dogs can take several days to months for the wound to heal, depending on the degree of trauma said wound is in. If the culture sensitivity test on the wound came back positive for an infection, the canine will require an antibiotic to combat the growth of bacteria. The wound will need to be checked daily for bleeding and signs of infection. The area must stay clean and dry, with bandage changes implemented as directed by the veterinarian. 

Large wound closure in dogs can cost a pet owner anywhere from $75 to $100. The total cost depends on the degree of laceration and the presence of bacterial infection. 

Large wound closure in dogs should be carried out by a licensed veterinarian to ensure a positive recovery. If the aftercare provided by the dog owner was inadequate, the chances for wound infection are very high and could put the dog at risk for a blood infection, or necrosis. 

The need for a large wound closure in dogs can be prevented by avoiding trauma situations when possible. Hit-by-car accidents, dog fights, animal attacks and natural disaster are all possible causes for a large wound in a dog. Take the proper precautions when the dog is outside the home or fenced in area.