Post-Surgical Dehiscence following Mass Removal

Age: 11yo   Sex: N   Breed: Shar Pei

Treated by: Dr. Tony Rodriguez, DVM  Clinic: Foxfield Veterinary Services

Case Presentation

January 31st, 2022: Patient presented to the clinic with incisional dehiscence following removal of a large sternal mass 6 days prior. Skin around the wound was infected and necrotic necessitating extensive debridement of the area. The resulting wound was approximately 4.5in (11.5cm) long by 4.5in (11.5cm) wide.

Recheck Examination

February 5th: Regenaflex-M was applied and covered with a bandage.

February 14th: Wound contracture noted with resulting wound measuring approximately 8.4cm x 8.4 cm (total wound area of 70cm2). Site was debrided, scrubbed, and silver sulfadiazine was applied. The area was covered with a soft bandage.

February 21st: The above procedure was repeated. Approximate wound size contracted to 7cm x 7cm (total wound area of 50cm2).

March 1st: The above procedure was repeated. Approximate wound size contracted to 5.5cm x 5.5cm (total wound area of 30cm2).

March 7th: The site was cleaned, but left unbandaged given its limited size. Approximate wound size contracted to 3.9cm x 3.9cm (total wound area of 15cm2). Owners were given instructions to manage ongoing wound care at home.