Large Dorsal Abscess with Skin Necrosis in a Chihuahua
Broadway Veterinary Hospital · Wound Debridement and Open Wound Management
Case Summary
A 5-year-old male Chihuahua presented with a large abscess occupying the caudal third of the dorsum, filled with hemorrhagic purulent discharge. Initial drainage and skin reapposition were performed, but the overlying skin declared fully necrotic within 3 days and sloughed off.
A second procedure was performed to debride all necrotic tissue. Simini Protect Lavage was applied to the open wound to reduce bacterial contamination. A tie-over bandage was placed and serial bandage changes were performed over approximately 4 weeks. The patient made a full recovery.
Clinical Presentation
History and Physical Findings
The patient presented with a large, fluctuant abscess occupying the caudal third of the dorsum. The abscess contained hemorrhagic purulent discharge. The size and nature of the lesion indicated a significant soft tissue infection with likely tissue compromise.
Initial management involved anaesthesia, drainage of the abscess, and wound flushing. The overlying skin was excised and reapposed. Over the following 3 days, the entirety of the affected skin declared necrotic and sloughed, requiring a return to surgery for full debridement.
Fig. 1 — Wound at presentation following initial drainage. Extensive skin necrosis and staple line visible across caudal dorsum. Return to surgery was indicated.
Debridement Protocol
Wound Management and Lavage
At the second procedure, the patient was anaesthetised and all devitalised and necrotic skin was surgically debrided. The wound was then lavaged, and Simini Protect Lavage was applied to the open wound bed to reduce residual bacterial contamination prior to bandaging.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | General anaesthesia induced |
| 02 | All necrotic and devitalised skin surgically transected and debrided |
| 03 | Wound lavaged with sterile saline to remove gross contamination |
| 04 | SiminiSimini Protect Lavage applied to the open wound bed. Left in contact for 60 seconds, then flushed with sterile saline |
| 05 | Tie-over bandage placed over the open wound bed |
| 06 | Serial bandage changes performed over approximately 4 weeks. Oral antibiotics continued throughout |
Fig. 2 — Intraoperative view following complete debridement of necrotic tissue. Clean, vascular wound bed prepared for Simini Protect Lavage application prior to bandaging.
Simini Protect Lavage was applied directly to a heavily contaminated open wound bed following surgical debridement. A 60 second dwell time was used, followed by sterile saline rinse. Simini reduces bacteria, biofilms, and resistant bacteria at the wound site. This case demonstrates use in a contaminated wound context, showing the lavage can be applied across a range of wound presentations beyond primary surgical closure.
Outcomes
Clinical Results and Recovery
The patient responded well to the combined approach of surgical debridement, Simini lavage, and ongoing wound management. Healing progressed steadily over the follow-up period.
Necrosis Confirmed — Return to Surgery
All affected skin declared fully necrotic and sloughed. Returned to surgery for debridement and Simini lavage.
Serial Wound Management
Regular bandage changes performed. Progressive wound healing monitored. Oral antibiotics continued throughout.
Full Recovery
Wound healed. Patient made a complete recovery with no further complications reported.
Fig. 3 — Follow-up view showing progressive wound healing. Healthy granulation tissue present with surrounding skin re-epithelialisation underway. No signs of ongoing infection.
Clinical Timeline
Post-Operative Course
Initial Presentation
Large fluctuant abscess on caudal dorsum with hemorrhagic purulent contents. Abscess drained and flushed under anaesthesia. Skin excised and reapposed. Wound dressed.
Skin Necrosis Confirmed
All affected skin declared fully necrotic and sloughed. Return to surgery indicated.
Debridement and Simini Lavage
All necrotic tissue surgically removed under anaesthesia. Wound lavaged and Simini Protect Lavage applied for 60 seconds, then flushed with sterile saline. Tie-over bandage placed. Oral antibiotics started.
Serial Wound Management
Regular bandage changes performed. Progressive wound healing monitored at each visit. Oral antibiotics continued throughout.
Full Recovery
Wound healed. Patient made a complete recovery with no further complications reported.