Wound Care and Management

Open wounds

cut and destroy skin

Closed wounds

crushes and contusions (bruises)

5 kinds of open wounds

1. Abrasions

2. Avulsions

3. Incisions

4. Lacerations

5. Punctures

Which type of open wound is most superficial?

Abrasion

Abrasion

a shearing or rubbing wound that damages and destroys the skins epidermis and dermis

Describe the appearance of an abrasion

• red and raw

• surface oozes blood and serum

• may be contaminated by debris

Aseptic

infection preventing

What is the least traumatic way to clean a wound?

Lavage

Abscess

an enclosed collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

Why is draining abscesses that form bc of wounds important?

drainage allows removal of collected pus so body’s defense mechanisms can fight infection more effectively

Primary closure or first intention healing

direct suturing of wounds that are are simple and clean

Delayed primary closure

when a wound is left open for several days of lavage and debridement because it is too contaminated to be closed immediately

What are the best ways to encourage wound healing?

debride the wound, keep it clean and protected, and stop large doses of anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids

Why are anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids bad for wound healing?

slow down the healing process and increase the chance of wound infection

Wound characterized by the tearing of tissue

Avulsion

6. When cleaning a wound, why should you avoid vigorously rubbing off secretions and foreign materials?

Vigorous rubbing can damage granulation tissue and ingrowing epithelium

4 basic healing functions of a bandage

1. To protect the wound from environmental bacteria

2. To absorb wound secretions

3. To immobilize the wound

4. To exert pressure that helps prevent swelling or bleeding

What are the 3 layers of bandages that cover open wounds?

1. The primary (contact) layer = wound dressing

2. The secondary (intermediate) layer = absorption and padding

3. The tertiary (outer) layer = hold in place

Occlusive

water resistant

Which dressing are appropriate for clean, open wounds without established granulation tissue?

non-adherent and non-occlusive dressings

Hydrocolloidal

combine with fluid to form a gel

Which kind of wound dressing speeds wound epithelialization but also diminishes wound contraction?

hydrocolloidal, occlusive dressings

Which wound dressings are used for wounds without established granulation tissue and why?

Occlusive

• keep outside moisture out and wound fluid in

A substance that stops the growth and action of bacteria in living tissue

antiseptic

Why does a leg bandage always extend from above the target site, all the way to and including the toes?

A bandage that doesn’t extend to the toes could slip or twist, constrict the leg, and interfere with the foot’s blood flow

Which steps will a veterinarian perform to place a bandage on the leg of a small animal?

Step 1: The veterinarian places adhesive tape stirrups, which help hold the bandage in place, on the foot. Stirrups hold the bandage to the leg and are almost always an absolute requirement.

Step 2: The veterinarian then applies a sterile pad (the primary layer) over the wound.

Step 3: The leg is wrapped snugly and evenly with a variable amount of cotton padding.

Step 4: Gauze is applied over the cotton padding to compress and secure the bandage.

Step 5: Elastikon tape is wrapped around the entire bandage to serve as the tertiary layer.

Stocking up

swelling in legs of horses caused by fluid accumulation when a horse is inactive

Orthopedic stockinette

tube shaped stretchable bandage used to cover and protect the eyes of a large animal