Wound management in a juvenile tiger (Panthera tigris) with vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C. Therapy)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2007 Jun;38(2):341-4. doi: 10.1638/1042-7260(2007)038[0341:WMIAJT]2.0.CO;2.

Abstract

A 6-wk-old tiger (Panthera tigris) was evaluated for severe skin lacerations from an adult tiger attack. A caudal superficial epigastric skin flap was surgically placed to cover a defect that could not be closed over the hind limb; however, the skin flap did not adhere well to the granulation tissue over a period of 1 mo. The granulation bed matured and deteriorated. A subatmospheric pressure technique (vacuum-assisted closure, V.A.C. Therapy, Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, Texas 78219, USA) was utilized, and flap adherence occurred after 4 wk. This technique should be considered when dealing with severe or chronic wounds in tractable animals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atmospheric Pressure
  • Female
  • Granulation Tissue / pathology
  • Surgical Flaps / veterinary*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / pathology
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / surgery
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / veterinary
  • Tigers / surgery*
  • Wound Healing*
  • Wounds and Injuries / pathology
  • Wounds and Injuries / surgery
  • Wounds and Injuries / veterinary*