Use of full-thickness mesh grafts and full-thickness meek micrografts in five horses with ear skin defects caused by trauma or neoplasm resection.

Abstract

Objectives: To report the management and outcomes of five horses with ear skin defects treated with the use of full-thickness mesh grafts and full-thickness Meek micrografts.

Animals: Five horses with acute or granulating pinna skin wounds.

Study design: Short case series.

Methods: A full-thickness graft was harvested from the pectoral region under general anesthesia. The sheet graft was stretched on a sterile plastic board with the epidermal side facing down. The subcutaneous fat and fascia were removed by sharp dissection. The skin graft was then meshed by hand or using a block mesher, or manually cut into micrografts, and transferred to the ear wounds. Cyanoacrylate glue or staples were used to fixate the graft. Immobilization was achieved with a thermoplastic splint, stockinette and an adhesive elastic bandage.

Results: A full-thickness meshed sheet graft was used in two horses to cover a fresh or granulating degloving wound, and in two horses to cover a fresh skin defect after excision of a cutaneous neoplasm. A full-thickness Meek micrograft was used in one horse to cover a granulating degloving wound. Complete acceptance of the graft was achieved in all five cases within 2 weeks after grafting, with a good to excellent cosmetic appearance and retained function of the pinna.

Conclusion: Full-thickness meshed sheet grafts or full-thickness Meek micrografts provide an effective treatment for ear skin defects with an excellent outcome regardless of etiology.