Use of skin stretchers for single-stage bilateral mastectomies in a dog and a cat

Abstract

Objective: To describe the application of skin stretchers for closure of single-stage bilateral mastectomies in a dog and a cat.

Study design: Clinical case report.

Animals: A 12-year-old intact female Miniature Dachshund and a 13-year-old spayed female domestic short-hair cat.

Methods: Skin stretchers were applied to the site of the skin adjacent to mammary glands for 2-4 days before surgery. Cable tension was adjusted every 6-8 hours to elongate the skin and to achieve primary closure of single-stage bilateral mastectomy without tension.

Results: Wound closure after single-stage bilateral mastectomy was achieved without tension or major complication in both animals.

Conclusion: Use of skin stretchers allows primary closure of single-stage bilateral mastectomy in dogs and cats.