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The use of negative pressure wound therapy following subcarapacial abscess excision in a tortoise
Author(s) -
Hedley J.,
Woods S.,
Eatwell K.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/jsap.12118
Subject(s) - medicine , granulation tissue , debridement (dental) , negative pressure wound therapy , surgery , wound healing , antibiotic therapy , abscess , presentation (obstetrics) , soft tissue , tortoise , antibiotics , pathology , paleontology , alternative medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
A 42‐year‐old female Testudo graeca was referred with a five‐month history of a non‐healing carapacial wound. Previous treatment had involved long‐term antibiotic therapy and conscious debridement of necrotic tissue. On presentation an extensive deep wound with purulent discharge was visible on the right side of the carapace. A computed tomographic scan was performed to assess the extent of the wound. This revealed a large carapacial deficit with two underlying soft tissue masses. Surgical debridement was performed under general anaesthesia resulting in an even larger defect. Because of the extensive nature of the deficit, negative pressure wound therapy was applied to aid wound healing. A negative pressure of approximately 120 mmHg was maintained and bandages were changed every third day. Wound healing progressed rapidly and a healthy granulation bed was formed within 16 days.