Open wounds
injuries that cut and destroy the skin
Closed wounds
crushes and contusions (bruises) that don't break the skin
abrasion
a shearing or rubbing wound that damages and destroys the skin's outer layer (epidermis) and parts of the tissue under it (dermis), usually appears red and raw
avulsion
wound characterized by tearing of tissue
incision
has a smooth edge and minimal trauma to the surrounding and underlying tissue, made by a scalpel
...
-A scalpel traumatizes tissues least.
-Surgical scissors injure more tissue.
laceration
irregular edges and damage to the surrounding and deeper tissues
puncture
a penetrating wound caused by a projectile or a sharp object
Stab wounds (as with an ice pick) and bullet wounds are examples of punctures
Visible vessel
can be clamped or tied with suture material
(Wound Care)
The veterinarian first checks
to see if the wound is bleeding, and slows or stops any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the bleeding vessel
aseptic
infection-preventing
When cleaning a wound, veterinarians follow this techniques whenever possible
lavage
washing out of a cavity, is the least traumatic way to clean a wound
blotting with a wet gauze sponge
remove firmly attached or deeply embedded materials
rubbing
veterinarians don't rub, it can easily remove new ingrowing epithelium and damage the granulation tissue
Forceps
used to pick up or hold small items
abscess
Collection of pus underneath the skin,
Drainage is vital to the treatment of abscesses
abscess that's superficial (near the surface)
The easiest and quickest way to treat it is to lance it, thrust a scalpel blade into the lowest part of the abscess to create a drainage hole for the pus
...
to maintain the drainage hole, they usually place a surgical rubber or plastic drain in the abscess cavity
primary closure or first-intention healing.
suturing usually uses absorbable sutures to bring the subcutaneous wound edges together, and nonabsorbable sutures to bring the epithelium together
Delayed primary closure
the approach of cleaning the wound, leaving the wound open under a moist dressing
unguents
ointment for wounds
The best ways of wound healing
keep it clean and protected, and stop large doses of anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids.
Bandage's Four basic healing functions:
To protect the wound from environmental bacteria.
To absorb wound secretions.
To immobilize the wound.
To exert pressure that helps prevent swelling or bleeding.
Three layers of a bandage
The primary (contact) layer
The secondary (intermediate) layer
The tertiary (outer) layer
Stirrups
pieces of adhesive tape applied to the animal to help hold the bandage in place
Elizabethan collar
A stiff collar that blocks an animal's access to an injury
Distal Limb Splints
splint is a definitive repair method for some fractures
Oscillating Saw
used to cuts a cast without cutting the skin beneath it
The primary (contact) layer
touches and protects the wound's surface, is the wound dressing
The secondary (intermediate) layer
the middle layer of a bandage that absorbs fluid and pads the wound
The tertiary (outer) layer
the outer layer of a bandage that holds the other layers in place
adhesive tape
sticky on one side, comes in rolls and form the stirrups to which a bandage attaches
sterile pad
dressing, often serves as a bandage's primary layer
Occlusive dressings
keep outside moisture out and wound fluid in, are for wounds with established granulation tissue
occlusive
(water-resistant)
adherent
(sticks to the wound, like a wet-to-dry bandage)
cotton cast padding
pliable (flexible), compressible, and highly absorbent, is the major material of a bandage's secondary layer
antiseptic
a substance that stops the growth and action of bacteria in living tissue
Steps to place a bandage on the leg of a small animal:
(1) Adhesive tape stirrups are placed on the leg to secure the bandage.
(2) A sterile pad covers and protects the wound.
(3) Cotton padding is wrapped thickly around the leg.
(4) Gauze is applied over the cotton padding to compress and secure the bandage.
orthopedic stockinette
a tube-shaped stretchable bandage, is a popular means of covering and protecting the eyes of a large animal
Robert Jones bandage on an injured animal:
(1) Adhesive tape stirrups secure the bandage.
(2) A sterile pad is placed to protect the wound if necessary.
(3) The sterile pad is covered with cotton padding.
(4) A fiberglass support is added to strengthen the bandage and support the leg.
(5) The band
Distal limb splint, also known as (Mason-meta splint)
simple padded bandage that uses a rigid plastic splint to support the limb below the elbow or hock (ankle)
placing a Cast on an injured leg:
(1) The sterile pad and adhesive tape stirrups are placed on the injured leg.
(2) Stockinette material is placed on the leg over the sterile pad and stirrups.
(3) The bandage is wrapped with a layer of gauze.
(4) Wet fiberglass cast material or plaster of
carpal flexion sling
provides some mobility, but prevents the animal from putting weight on the injured leg
contusion
bruise
Epidermis
Skin's outer layer
Abrasion
A shearing or rubbing wound that damages and destroys the epidermis
Dermis
Parts of the tissue under the epidermis
Avulsion
Results when tissue is torn from its underlying attachments
Subcutaneous Tissues
Tissues beneath the skin
incision
An open wound with a smooth edge and minimal trauma to the surrounding and underlying tissue
Laceration
An open wound with irregular edges and damage to the surrounding and deeper tissues
Puncture
A penetrating wound caused by a projectile or a sharp object
Aseptic
Infection-preventing
Abscess
An enclosed collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
Superficial
Near the surface
Primary Closure or First-Intention Healing
A wound that can be closed directly with sutures if the wound is simple and clean or if it can be completely cleaned with lavage and debridement
Delayed Primary Closure
A wound too contaminated to be closed immediately can be left open for several days of lavage and debridement.
Unguents
Healing ointments like vitamin E
Occlusive
Water-resistant
Nonocclusive
A bandage or dressing that closes a wound and keeps it from the air.
Antiseptic
A substance that stops the growth and action of bacteria in living tissue
Elizabethan Collar
A stiff cardboard or plastic cone-shaped structure that goes around the animal's neck
Otic
relating to the ear
Stocking Up
Swelling in the legs caused by fluid accumulation when a horse is inactive
Orthopedic Stockinette
A tube-shaped stretchable bandage
Robert Jones Bandage
A heavily padded compression bandage whose primary role is to support a limb
Distal Limb Splint
Also known as a Mason-meta splint; a simple padded bandage that uses a rigid plastic splint to support the limb below the elbow or hock (ankle).
Ehmer sling
A figure-eight made from tape and gauze. This type of sling keeps an animal's weight off an injured hind leg.
Scapula
shoulder blade
Carpal flexion sling
Prevents an animal from putting weight on an injured leg, but doesn't immobilize all of the leg's joints
Carpus
wrist (carpal)
hobble
A tape sling that holds the hind legs a fixed distance from each other
pressure sore
Caused by interference with the circulation to a part of the body
Lister Bandage Scissors
Scissors with a blunt tip that makes it easier to avoid skin while cutting the bandage