Wound debridement and closure for injured dogs

Debridement

Debridement means removing dying tissue and then any remaining foreign matter using tissue forceps (tweezers) and scissors or perhaps a scalpel.

Debridement requires experience to look for the distinction between normal and devitalized tissue, and instruments to manage hemorrhage and close the wound. Accordingly, wounds that require debridement and closure should be treated with a veterinarian.

Closure

Fresh lacerations on the lips, face, eyelids, and ears would be best sutured or stapled to avoid infection, minimize scarring, and speed recovery.

Lacerations longer than one-half inch (1.25 cm) on the body and extremities probably should be closed, but small lacerations might not need to become. Small V-shaped lacerations heal best when they are closed.

Wounds contaminated by dirt and debris are very prone to become infected if closed during the time of injury. These wounds should be left open or sutured around a drain that may be used for through-and-through irrigation. Similarly, wounds over the age of 12 hours shouldn't be closed without drainage.

Suturing or stapling should be avoided when the wound seems to be infected (is red, swollen, or includes a surface discharge).

Your veterinarian might wish to close a wound that continues to be left open for a few days and it has created a bed of clean tissue. Wounds that are clean after several days are resistant against infection in most cases could be closed with impunity. Suturing this type of wound is known as delayed primary closure.

The amount of time sutures or staples should remain in place depends on the wound's location along with other characteristics. Most sutures and staples can be taken off after 10-14 days.

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