Second intention wound healing in the equine patient

Abstract

A 2 year old Thoroughbred colt presented to Cornell University Equine Animal Hospital on Saturday, 10/1/11 for laceration of the skin, musculature and possible femoral artery of the medial thigh of the right pelvic limb. The patient was running in a 2 year old stakes race earlier that afternoon, attempted to jump a guard rail which he caught on, and then fell into a concrete ditch. The referring veterinarian controlled hemorrhage from a suspected femoral artery laceration, and immediately shipped the patient to Cornell for further evaluation and treatment. On presentation, the patient was non-weight bearing lame on the right pelvic limb. The wound was packed with bandage material, hemostats were clamped to some vessels within the wound, and towel clamps were holding the skin closed. The bandage material, hemostats and towel clamps were left in place and the wounds were cleaned. The patient was immediately started on IV antibiotics, fluids, and pain medications. Nuclear scintigraphy was performed two days later to assess the patient for fractures. Surgery was performed the day following a negative nuclear scintigraphy, and the wound was closed by delayed primary closure. As expected, the suture closure failed and the patient was sent home to heal by second intention wound healing.