Open Wound Management - The Four Tenets

Open Wound Management - The Four Tenets is an article written by Professor Bryden J. Stanley, BVMS, MVetSc, MANZCVS, MRCVS, Diplomate ACVS.

The management of complex traumatic wounds remains a challenge to both human and veterinary wound care practitioners. Especially challenging to our profession are traumatic injuries sustaining large losses of epidermis and dermis (i.e., full thickness skin loss). The skin primarily protects the body from trauma, desiccation and UV damage. It also provides immunosurveillance, controls invasion of microbial organisms and synthesizes pheromones and vitamin D. It is the largest organ in the body. It contains receptors to touch, pressure, vibration, tension, noxious stimuli, heat and cold. It also monitors temperature, but is limited in its capacity for heat regulation in dogs and cats. It is a remarkable structure, with significant viscoelastic properties, allowing it to be manipulated considerably for reconstructive purposes.

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