Veterinary Solutions

Case Study

Use of ACell Vet™ After Excision of a Fibrosarcoma in a Canine.

Submitted by: Jeffrey D.Wood, DVM of Northside Veterinary Hospital.

Note Bene: This case represents one of my first usages of the ACell Vet™ material, and subsequently I was more liberal in the number of applications made in order to understand how later applications would affect the final outcome. Having more experience with ACell Vet™ now, if presented with this case today I would plan on utilizing two to three applications of the material with a longer period (5-7days) between rechecks. From a customer service perspective, the client was satisfied with the result after 3 applications.

Synopsis:

Photo #1	March 20, 2002 - "Twinkie", a 15.5 year old female Yellow Labrador Retriever presented with a large encapsulated mass on the medial aspect of the left metatarsal. The mass was completely removed by radical surgical excision, leaving a defect with insufficient tissue for closure.
Photo #2	Four layers of lyophilized ACell Vet™ were rehydrated and then sutured into place with 3-0 Ethilon sutures. The wound was then wrapped with saline soaked 3X3's and covered with Vaseline impregnated gauze and a light Vetwrap bandage.
No Photo	March 23, 2002 - The bandage dressings were removed and the area was gently cleaned to remove necrotic material. The wound displays presence of purulent material and the sutures are dehisced in approximately 75% of the area. A single layer of lyophilized ACell Vet™ was rehydrated and applied to the area, covered with saline soaked gauze, Vaseline impregnated gauze and a light Vetwrap.
Photo #3	March 27, 2002 - Bandages removed revealing a circumferential margin, of approximately 0.8 - 1.0 cm from the periphery extending inward, of the initial wound that shows progressive healing with development of a good granulation bed. A single layer of lyophilized ACell Vet™ was rehydrated and applied to the area and bandaged as before.
No Photo	April 1, 2002 - Entire wound area now has a good granulation bed present. A single layer of lyophilized ACell Vet™ was rehydrated and applied to the area and bandaged as before.
Photo #4	April 5, 2002 - Owner reports "Twinkie" is not licking or chewing at the wound site. The wound has now closed approximately 50% more than on previous visit (photo # 4). Again, a single layer of lyophilized ACell Vet™ was rehydrated and applied to the area and bandaged as before.
Photo #5	April 10, 2002 - Wound area now shows approximately 90% healing of original site of tissue loss. A small central area is still open and granulation tissue is present (photo # 5). A single layer of lyophilized ACell Vet™ was rehydrated and applied to the area and bandaged as before.
Photo #6	April 17, 2002 - Beginning of hair regrowth in the healed portions of the wound is now being observed (photo # 6). A single layer of lyophilized ACell Vet™ was rehydrated and applied to the area and bandaged as before.
No Photo	April 23, 2002 - No noticeable improvement over the last application, the remaining wound will now be left open and rechecked in two weeks.
Photo #7	May 7, 2002 - Recheck shows 50% more closure that 14 days previous with good hair regrowth (photo # 7). Owner declines request for biopsy because the wound has healed so well.