Biomechanical comparison of canine median sternotomy closure using suture tape and orthopedic wire cerclage.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical properties of suture tape and orthopedic wire cerclage in an ex vivo canine median sternotomy model. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo. ANIMALS: Twelve large-breed canine cadaveric sternums. METHODS: Median sternotomies were performed, leaving the manubrium intact. The specimens were randomly assigned to group W (20-gauge stainless steel orthopedic wire cerclage in a figure-of-eight pattern) or group ST (suture tape in a figure-of-eight pattern). Each specimen was laterally distracted until failure using an electrodynamic materials-testing system. RESULTS: No differences were observed for displacement, yield load, maximum load, implant failure between the groups. The orthopedic wire construct was stiffer than the suture tape construct. CONCLUSION: Suture tape was biomechanically similar to orthopedic wire cerclage for sternotomy closure in dogs, although wire constructs were stiffer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Suture tape may represent an alternative to cerclage wire for sternotomy closure in dogs. Additional studies evaluating its clinical use are needed.

Acellular fish skin may be used to facilitate wound healing following wide surgical tumor excision in dogs: a prospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate clinical outcomes using acellular fish skin grafts (FSGs) for the management of complete wound healing by secondary intention after wide surgical excision of skin tumors in dogs. ANIMALS: 5 dogs undergoing wide surgical excision of skin tumors on the distal extremity. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND PROCEDURES: FSGs were applied to surgical wound beds following wide excision of the tumor. Bandages were changed weekly and additional grafts placed when integration of the previous graft was complete. The wounds were assessed for the following: dimensions, tissue health (color), time to complete epithelialization, complications, and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: All masses were excised with 2-cm lateral margins and 1 fascial plane deep to the tumor. Tumor diagnoses included 3 mast cell tumors and 2 soft tissue sarcomas. Surgical wounds had a median area of 27.6 cm2 (range, 17.6 to 58.7 cm2). The median number of FSG applications was 5 (range, 4 to 9 applications). Complete epithelialization occurred within 7 to 9 weeks for uncomplicated wounds (3 of 5) and 12 to 15 weeks for complicated wounds (2 of 5) that sustained self-trauma. There were no adverse events related to the use of FSGs. Local recurrence was not seen over a follow-up period ranging from 239 to 856 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Wide surgical excision of distal extremity skin tumors, followed by repeated application of acellular FSGs, resulted in complete healing of all wounds with no adverse events. This treatment method does not require advanced reconstructive surgical skills and may be useful for the management of skin tumors on the distal extremities.