No significant difference in outcomes found between vacuum-assisted closure versus standard bandaging of free meshed full-thickness skin grafts in a cohort of 125 dogs.

VAC and standard bandaging show equivalent skin graft outcomes; prioritize infection control.

This retrospective observational study compared outcomes of free meshed full-thickness skin grafting in 125 dogs (127 grafts total) using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC, n=24) versus standard bandaging (SB, n=103). Overall graft success rate (≥75% viability) was 84.3%, with VAC achieving 91.6% and SB achieving 82.5% success; however, this difference was not statistically significant after adjustment. Surgical site infection (SSI) and proximal pelvic limb location were significantly associated with increased graft loss. Staging was associated with increased postoperative complications and approached significance for SSI association in multivariate analysis. The authors concluded both VAC and SB are appropriate management options, with infection control being a critical factor for improved outcomes. Splinting and staging should be individualized, with staging reserved for select cases due to potential SSI complications. The study recommends prospective investigations to further clarify findings.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.