small animal wounds

Question 1

what is surgical wound debridement?

Answer 1

remove biofilm and devitalised tissue

Question 2

what techniques are used in mechanical wound debridement?

Answer 2

• Irrigation
• Wet-to-dry dressing
• Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)

Question 3

what is Autolytic wound debridment?

Answer 3

Body’s own enzymes beneath a dressing to liquefy tissues
Hydrocolloids, hydrogels, honey, foam, etc.

Question 4

what is enzymatic wound debridment?

Answer 4

prescribed topical agent that chemical liquifies necrotic tissue with enzymes

Question 5

what is biological wound debridment?

Answer 5

maggots, luilia sericata (green bottle fly)

Question 7

what is the most ideal solution used for lavage debridment?

Answer 7

lactated ringer’s solution - ideal pH and is compatible with tissue

Question 8

what other solution can be used for lavage debridment and is acceptable?

Answer 8

0.9% saline

Question 9

what temperature should flush be at?

Answer 9

body temp

Question 10

what volume of flush should be used?

Answer 10

high vloume on newly presented wounds (1 litre is not uncommon)

Question 11

how do you create a high pressure for wound debridment?

Answer 11

use a syringe and needle to increase pressure:
20-35ml syringe, 18G needle = 7-8 psi (careful not to for particulate matter deeper into the wound)

Question 12

what is the process behind wet-to-dry dressing?

Answer 12

• take sterile swab and soak in isotonic
  crystalloid solution eg hartmans then squeeze out
• place ove the chronic granulation bed
• cover with dry swabs, conforming layer and elasticated layer
• change every 24 hours
  converts the chronic granulation bed to healthy bed and can then manage wound better

Question 14

what is topical negative pressure wound therapy?

Answer 14

When turned on, the pump gently reduces air pressure beneath the dressing, drawing off exudate and reducing oedema in surrounding tissues.
This process reduces bacterial colonisation, promotes granulation tissue development, increases the rate of cell mitosis, and spurs the migration of epithelial cells within the wound

Question 15

what are the effects of honey on wound healing?

Answer 15

• Antibacterial effect – reduction or eradication of bacteria
• Healing stimulating properties – reduction in wound size, healing time, complete healing, stimulation of granulation tissue and epithelialisation
• Debriding effect
• Anti-inflammatory effect
• Odour reducing capacity
• Reduction in wound pain

Question 16

why is honey good for debridment?

Answer 16

• Low pH (approx. 3.7)
• Osmotic effect
  Both help draw up fluid from the wound area

Question 17

why is honey a good antimicrobial agent?

Answer 17

• Hydrogen peroxide (glucose oxidase)
• Anti-oxidant (flavonoids)
• High sugar content (osmotic effect)
• Acidic (pH 3.2 - 4.5)
• Methylglyoxal (Manuka honey)
• It’s potency as an antimicrobial can be measured by the Unique Manuka Factor® (UMF®)
• +15 will ensure potent antimicrobial properties over and above those of standard honey

Question 18

can table honey be used to treat wounds?

Answer 18

yes however need to concider:
* Might not be sterile (e.g., Clostridium botulism risk)

The production process might have an adverse effect the activities of
* Hydrogen peroxide (glucose oxidase)
* Anti-oxidant (flavonoids)

Question 19

what are the issues with using biological agents for wound managerment?

Answer 19

maggots can’t differentiate between wound and healthy tissue

Question 20

what method of debridement is quickest?

Answer 20

scraping with a scapel blade

Question 21

what method of debridement is cheapest?

Answer 21

scraping with a scalpel blade

Question 22

what method of debridement is not the fastest or cheapest but is near the top of both catagories?

Answer 22

wet-to-dry dressing

Question 23

state 7 reasons for dressing wounds:

Answer 23

• Keep the wound from becoming dehydrated and prevent contamination/ further damage of the wound site.
• Immobilise the wound and promote healing by allowing migration of new tissue across the wound. Movement, swelling delays healing.
• Create a warm (optimum temperature 30c) and moist environment to promote healing. If temperature falls below 20c circulation is impaired resulting in reduced blood flow to the area.
• Promote gaseous exchange and improving oxygen supply to the wound.
• To apply pressure, control/ reduce swelling.
• Absorb exudate as this impairs the supply of oxygen.
• To limit the formation of excessive granulation-‘proud flesh’