Vacuum assisted wound closure : negative pressure, positive results

Abstract

A six year old female spayed Miniature Pinscher dog was treated over a two month period for extensive dog bite wounds over her perineal region, tailhead, caudal thigh and right pelvic limb. Her wounds were managed in several ways including wet-to-dry bandage, primary closure, vacuum assisted wound closure (VAC) and mesh grafting. The VAC technique involves placing a foam dressing into the wound, followed by a non-collapsible evacuation tube embedded into the foam, then an air-tight adhesive drape and a remote collection canister or suction unit. In this case, it was used both before and after the skin graft was placed to aid in wound healing and contracture. The results of this case were positive.