Autologous, free omentum grafts for large, open, distal limb wounds in dogs: Technique and outcome in 10 dogs

TL;DR

This study describes a surgical technique using a dog's own omentum tissue to heal large wounds on their limbs, showing good results in 10 dogs.

Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a novel surgical technique using free autologous omentum grafts for distal limb wound healing in dogs.

Findings

Wounds healed in 59.5 ± 11.1 days with complete epithelialization and minimal major complications.

All dogs showed excellent cosmesis, no lameness, and partial to complete hair regrowth.

Wound size decreased to 18.85% of original within 30 days post-surgery.

Abstract

To describe the operative technique and outcome of free autologous omentum grafting (OG) for wound reconstruction on the distal limbs of dogs.

Retrospective case series.

A total of 10 client‐owned dogs.

Medical records (2010–2023) were searched for dogs with open limb wounds distal to the stifle or elbow treated with OG for wound reconstruction. OG was harvested via celiotomy, then sutured to the wound bed and 0.4–1 cm subcutaneous tissue beneath surrounding dermis. Wounds were bandaged using a petroleum‐coated primary layer to prevent graft desiccation for 1–2 weeks. Using ImageJ software, wound area and final unhaired scar area were analyzed and time to epithelialization, major and minor complications, and length of follow up were determined.

Dogs with a mean age of 6.9 ± 4.2 years were identified with wounds (n = 13 wounds) measuring 25.96 ± 16.27 cm2 at the time of OG. Wounds were healed in 59.5 ± 11.1 days. Minor complications included infection and swelling/discharge in two and 10 dogs, respectively. There were no major complications. By 30‐days postoperatively, wounds were 18.85 ± 0.1% of the original size. All wounds healed with complete epithelialization, excellent cosmesis, no lameness and partial to complete hair regrowth.

OG may provide an alternative method for management of distal limb wounds in dogs, with minimal complications, excellent cosmesis and functional outcomes in 10 dogs.

Free OG may offer an alternative method of wound management in dogs; however, further research with controlled prospective studies is indicated before recommending the method over other treatment options.

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