Study on the clinical outcomes of autologous full-thickness meshed free-skin grafting in the management of large skin defects in dogs

Abstract

This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of autologous full-thickness meshed free-skin grafts in six canine patients presented with large skin defects of varying aetiologies. The dogs, comprising subadults and young adults of both sexes, exhibited skin loss due to either traumatic injuries or acute extensive cellulitis. Initial wound management involved debridement and regular bandage changes until the development of a healthy granulation bed, typically achieved by day 15. Grafts were harvested from the thoracic wall and meshed to enhance coverage, adaptability to irregular wound surfaces, and exudate drainage. Postoperative care included splint bandaging in appendicular grafts and soft bandaging for head and neck regions. Graft survival exceeded 50% by postoperative day 7 in four dogs, with complete healing observed between 19 and 64 days. Primary healing occurred in five cases. Complications were noted in two dogs: one developed graft necrosis due to automutilation, and another experienced immobilization in upper eyelids with bilateral keratitis requiring partial tarsorrhaphy. Overall, complications occurred in 33% of cases. Graft success was achieved in the majority of cases.