Surgical Insights in Small Animal Wound Management

This presentation will review the principles of small animal wound management, including wound classification, phases of healing, and factors that influence successful tissue repair. Topics include wound assessment, lavage and debridement techniques, methods of wound closure, open wound management and bandaging principles. Multiple clinical cases will be discussed that demonstrate the progression and management of multiple types of wounds in dogs and cats.

• Understand the classification of common wounds in small animals and the phases of normal wound healing.
• Recognize local and systemic factors that impair wound healing and influence wound management decisions.
• Apply appropriate techniques for wound lavage, debridement, closure, bandaging, and open wound management.
• Evaluate clinical wound cases and develop treatment plans to optimize healing and minimize complications.