TOA
PAYOH VETS
This Syrian hamster was bitten through the vertical grate which separated two hamsters. A rotten-flesh smell leaked from a big black abscess on the left elbow. The abscess was drained by Vet 1 and the wound stitched up. The case is reported at: http://www.sinpets.com/F5/201006262bite-wound-rotting-flesh-smell-syrian-hamster-toapayohvets-Singapore-ToaPayohVets.htm
Two days later, the hamster came back as the stitches had broken down.
MY COMMENTS
1. Contaminated wounds are best not stitched. Give the hamster antibiotics for 3-7 days to get rid of the bacteria and to let the skin return to normal.
2. In this hamster, stitching the lower end to the upper end of the big wound will not permit healing as there is a high skin tension. This will lead to stitch breakdown.
3. Z-plasty and stitching up small areas in front of the elbow is one option.
4. I advised surgery but the owner did not accept. The chances of full cover of the skin wound are not 100% and the owner must be informed properly.
| Bite Abscess - rotting-flesh smell case report | ||
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| Two days later, the stitches broke down | ||
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| Stitch breakdown after treatment | Digital images are useful for surgical planning | Be Kind To Hamsters Early Treatment Saves Skin |
In dog bite
wounds around the elbow, Z-plasty ought to be done as
such big exposed areas are easily infected and itchy.
It takes more than 3 months and does not heal as can
be seen in one case handled by Vet 1 and observed by
me earlier. In this case, the owner did not give
permission for surgery and prefer simple nursing and
treatment and that is where the vet's hands are tied.
It is not wise to keep such dogs for over 3 months
inside the veterinary surgery to do simple nursing and
treatment if owners do not want to permit surgery
because keeping a dog hospitalised for such a long
time is not good for the poor dog. The owner has to
bear the responsibility of caring for the dog.
5. As for this Syrian hamster, I don't know what
happen as the owner did not return for follow up. I
prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory oral and
advised daily cleaning of the wound. I will be most
surprised if this hamster survived the bacterial
infection from the environment. But miracles do happen
and the wound may close by granulation.
P.S An example of Z-plasty in a dog I operated
recently is recorded at:
http://www.sinpets.com/F6/20110808perineal_hernia_old_
Silkie_Terrier_male_dysuria_painful_backside_singapore_ToaPayohVets.htm.
Some images are shown below:
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 Z-Plasty |
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