Wound Management & Bandaging

Incision

Surgical laceration

Abrasion

Superficial scratch

Laceration

Tear

Puncture

Deep wound with narrow opening; bite wound

Avulsion

Tissue detachment; degloving

Pressure Wound

Sore; necrosis; decubital ulcer

Burn

Thermal injury of tissue

Clean Wound

Planned surgical incision

Clean/Contaminated Wound

Visibly clean wound; <8 hours old

Contaminated Wound

Visibly dirty wound and or > 8 hours old

Infected Wound

Old wound that has formed an abscess or has purulent discharge

Inflammatory

Immediately to 3-5 days. Categorized by blood clot formation. Macrophages and neutrophils are activated. Wound is at its weakest. Dehiscence can occur

Proliferative

Begins 2-3 days and last 2-3 weeks, fibroblasts, and formation of granulation tissue, collagen deposits, wound contraction by myofibroblasts. Wound strength is increased in this phase

Maturation

Begins after 3 weeks, and lasts up to a month. Collagen fibers remodel and align, and final development of wound strength

First Intention Healing

Occurs when edges of a wound are brought together and either sutured, stapled, or otherwise closed, allowing the wound to heal directly beneath the closure

Second Intention Healing

Occurs when a wound is left open to heal naturally, without sutures or staples

Granulation Tissue Formation

New tissue is produced from the base of the wound to fill the gap

Epithelialization

Skin cells migrate from the edges to cover the newly formed granulation tissue

Wound Contraction

The wound edges gradually pull closer together as the healing progresses

Third Intention Healing

A veterinary wound healing process where wounds are initially left open to heal by secondary intention before being closed later

Infection

A major impediment to healing, as it can disrupt the normal inflammatory process and damage tissues

Wound Lavage

Flushing a wound with a sterile solution to remove debris, bacteria, and necrotic tissue

Drain

Surgical tools to remove unwanted fluid or gas from wounds or body cavities, particularly after surgery. They help control dead space, improve tissue adherence, and promote wound healing

Penrose Drains

These are open, passive drains commonly used in veterinary medicine. They work by acting as a wick to draw fluid out of the wound

Active Drains

These drains use suction or other mechanisms to actively remove fluid

Jackson-Pratt (JP) Drains

Commonly used in veterinary medicine to remove excess fluid and prevent fluid buildup around surgical wounds or areas where dead space exists. These drains, with their closed suction system, help prevent infection and promote healing

Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC)

A non-invasive wound management technique used in veterinary medicine to stimulate healing in various types of wounds

Sutures

A crucial tool in veterinary medicine, used to close wounds and support healing in various surgical procedures

Absorbable Sutures

Used in internal tissues where they will degrade and be reabsorbed by the body

Non-Absorbable Sutures

Used externally or in tissues where prolonged support is needed before removal

Primary Bandaging Layer

Makes contact with the skin. Function is to protect the wound. If a wound is not present, a primary layer will likely not be used

Secondary Bandaging Layer

Covers the primary layer. Function is to provide cushioning/padding and absorbency. Often consists of rolled cotton, cast padding. Bandages that stabilize fractures generally require an exaggerated secondary layer  

Tertiary Bandaging Layer

Supports other bandage layers and holds them in place. Protects the bandage from external factors. Is the main cause of swelling due to constriction. Wraps should end after the distal joint. Ending a bandage right before a joint will increase swelling

Strikethrough

The leakage of wound fluid through the dressing’s layer. This happens when the dressing becomes saturated with fluid or when the dressing material is not waterproof allowing the exudate to seep through

Robert Jones Bandage

Provides initial support and compression to a limb, helping to minimize pain, swelling, and hemorrhage while awaiting definitive treatment

Modified Robert Jones Bandage

This version is less bulky than the traditional Robert Jones bandage and uses cast padding instead of bulky cotton, making it more practical for many situations. 

Sugar Bandage

Involves applying granular sugar directly to a wound to promote healing. The sugar’s high osmolality draws fluid out of the wound, creating a dry, antibacterial environment that inhibits bacterial growth and aids in debridement of dead tissue

Tie-Over Bandage

A specialized wound dressing in veterinary medicine where stay sutures are placed in the skin surrounding the wound, and the bandage material is then secured over the wound by looping tape through the sutures