Use of a Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa Graft to Treat a Degloving Injury in an American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Abstract

A free-ranging adult female American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) presented with a degloving injury to the right manus. Insufficient healthy cutaneous tissue remained on the manus for primary closure. A porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft was sutured over the wound to promote skin regeneration. Additional treatment included gentamicin solution immersion therapy followed by topical glycerin impregnated with insulin and SilvaSorb® Gel. The initial porcine SIS graft began to fail after five days and was replaced. The second porcine SIS graft began to break down nine days after placement. The graft was allowed to disintegrate after a strong granulation bed had formed and served as a form of mechanical protection. Application of the porcine SIS graft in combination with gentamicin therapy and topical treatment resulted in complete healing of the manus 35 days after the initial placement of the porcine SIS graft and the patient was released.