34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Ear wounds following a degloving injury or created by excision of skin neoplasm cannot be closed primarily. Second intention healing however can lead to a poor cosmetic appearance and functional impairment with the risk of pinna deformity. Skin grafting should lead to a better cosmetic and functional outcome and prevent excessive contraction. In the following short case series, we describe the use of full-thickness mesh sheet grafting in 4 horses for the treatment of an acute or granulating pinna skin defect.

Methods:

Under general anesthesia a full-thickness graft was harvested from the pectoral region and the donor site sutured. The sheet graft was fixed, stretched and pinned on a sterile plastic board with the epidermal side facing down. The subcutaneous fat and fascia was removed by sharp dissection. The skin graft was then meshed by hand or using a block mesher and transferred to the recipient site. Cyanoacrylate glue was uses to help fixate the graft. Immobilisation was achieved with a thermoplastic splint, stockinette, and an adhesive elastic bandage.

Results:

Skin grafting was performed in four horses, two with an acute degloving injury and two immediately following tumor resection. Complete acceptance of the graft was achieved in all cases and the final outcome was functional with an excellent cosmetic appearance.

Conclusions:

Full-thickness mesh sheet grafting can provide an effective treatment for ear wounds with an excellent outcome regardless of etiology.