Evaluation of fibrin sealants in cutaneous wound closure.

Human fibrin sealant (HFS) and bovine fibrin sealant (BFS) were delivered as preformulated fibrinogen-thrombin mixtures that are light activated. These formulations were evaluated in the healing of incised cutaneous wounds in beagle dogs. Four groups were differentiated by sealant type and study duration with group: BFS for 10 days, HFS for 10 days, BFS for 30 days, and HFS for 30 days. Healing was evaluated by noting incidences of open wounds, laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI), planimetry, breaking strength, and histopathology. In the absence of tension, both sealants tended to hold wound edges together; however, HFS tended to be better than its controls and BFS. Both sealants augmented suture closure, necessitating fewer sutures for wound closure. At 5 and 30 days BFS wounds had more perfusion than HFS wounds, indicating more inflammation. At 10 and 30 days BFS wounds had larger scar areas than their controls, while scar areas of HFS wounds were smaller than either BFS wounds or controls. Breaking strengths indicated that HFS wounds were stronger than their controls and BFS wounds. Histologically, mild to moderate chronic-active inflammation was observed in wounds receiving either sealant, and this persisted longer in BFS wounds. Overall, HFS had positive qualities, thus showing potential for functional and cosmetic wound closure.

Construction of a weight-bearing surface on a dog's distal pelvic limb.

A one-year-old, neutered female boxer presented with a self-inflicted pandigital amputation following complications of a left hind footpad laceration repair. A meshed skin graft was placed distally over the exposed granulation tissue of the affected limb. In two surgical procedures, a total of five 6 by 8-mm and three 8 by 10-mm digital pad grafts were transplanted into recessed sites in the granulation tissue over the distal aspect of the metatarsal bones. A newly designed pressure relief bandage/ splint was used to assist maturation of the grafts. The result was a weight-bearing surface over an area of maximum tissue stress.

Evaluation of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field on wound healing, clinicopathologic variables, and central nervous system activity of dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on healing of open and sutured wounds, clinicopathologic variables, and CNS activity of dogs. ANIMALS: 12 adult female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Open and sutured wounds were created in the skin of the trunk of the dogs. Dogs were divided into 2 groups. One group received PEMF treatment and 1 group served as untreated (control) dogs. The PEMF-treated dogs received treatment twice a day starting the day before surgery and lasting through day 21 after surgery. Wounds were evaluated by use of tensiometry, planimetry, laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and histologic examination. Clinicopathologic variables and electroencephalographic tracings were also evaluated. RESULTS: Use of PEMF treatment resulted in significantly enhanced epithelialization of open wounds 10 and 15 days after surgery. Five days after surgery, wounds of control dogs had a negative value for wound contraction, whereas PEMF-treated wounds had a positive value. The PEMF treatment did not cause significant changes in short-term planimetric, perfusion, tensiometric, histologic, clinicopathologic, or electroencephalographic results. CONCLUSIONS: The PEMF treatment enhanced wound epithelialization in open cutaneous wounds and provided indications of early contraction without significant short-term changes in other variables.