Extensive mammary wound treatment in ewe using a rubber elastic suture technique combined with aloe gel

Abstract

Extensive wounds may not be able to heal by primary intention, due to the lack of tissue. Moreover, treatment of these wounds by secondary intention is more difficult in production animals, due to the high investment requirement and long recovery time. Therefore, new approaches that favor short-term recovery are desirable. This study reports the application of an elastic suture technique for the treatment of an extensive mammary wound. This technique was applied in a lactating ewe with gangrenous mastitis, resulting in extensive tissue necrosis and loss of mammary tissue. Extension of the wound made complete coaptation of the wound edges impossible. Elastic sutures were chosen as they allow a constant and moderate tension that gradually induces approximation of the skin edges. The wound showed a significant decrease in extension before removal of the stitches, demonstrating the successful application of this technique in wound closure surgery. The elastic suture is presented as a new management option for extensive wounds in the field of veterinary medicine.