Post-Excision Wound Dehiscence and Infection Managed with Daily Simini Lavage
Mobile Veterinary Surgery · Soft Tissue Sarcoma Excision Site · Referral Consultation
Case Summary
An 11-year-old female spayed Pit Bull mix underwent soft tissue sarcoma excision from the elbow in late December 2024 at a referring veterinarian. In January 2025, gross wound dehiscence and infection were identified and the case was referred for consultation.
Daily wet-to-dry bandage changes using Simini Protect Lavage were recommended as the management protocol. The wound showed dramatic improvement, with the skin becoming elastic and mobile enough to allow closure without tension. Follow-up is ongoing.
Clinical Presentation
History and Referral Context
The patient underwent soft tissue sarcoma excision from the elbow region in late December 2024, performed by a referring veterinarian. Approximately 3 weeks post-operatively, in mid-January 2025, the wound showed gross dehiscence with evidence of active infection. The referring clinician sought specialist advice on wound management.
On assessment, the wound demonstrated dehiscence and gross infection at the sarcoma excision site on the elbow. The elbow is an anatomically challenging location for wound healing due to movement, tension, and limited tissue availability. The patient's age and the presence of active infection made a conservative wound management approach preferable to immediate surgical revision.
Fig. 1 — Wound dehiscence at presentation, January 15 2025. Gross infection with exposed tissue at the elbow excision site. Sutures still in situ.
Fig. 2 — Close-up view of the dehisced wound bed. Active infection with significant tissue involvement at the elbow.
Management Protocol
Daily Wet-to-Dry Bandage Changes with Simini Lavage
Given the nature and location of the wound, a daily wet-to-dry bandage protocol using Simini Protect Lavage was recommended as the primary management approach. This protocol was designed to progressively reduce bacterial contamination and biofilm burden at the wound surface while supporting the development of healthy granulation tissue.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Wound assessed at each bandage change for signs of improvement or deterioration |
| 02 | SiminiSimini Protect Lavage applied to the wound surface as part of the daily wet-to-dry bandage change. Dwell time observed before the wet layer was applied |
| 03 | Wet-to-dry dressing applied over the lavaged wound. Daily changes continued to mechanically debride the wound surface and maintain a clean wound bed |
| 04 | Protocol continued until the wound demonstrated sufficient improvement in tissue quality to allow surgical closure |
Fig. 3 — Wound following the daily Simini Protect Lavage protocol. Skin elastic and mobile despite residual inflammation, with improved tissue quality sufficient for closure without tension.
In this case, Simini Protect Lavage was used as a daily wound lavage component of a wet-to-dry bandage protocol for an established post-surgical infection. This represents use outside the standard intraoperative closure protocol. Simini reduces bacteria, biofilms, and resistant bacteria at the wound site. The dramatic improvement observed suggests that progressive reduction of bacterial and biofilm burden contributed to the wound's recovery toward a state suitable for closure.
Outcomes
Wound Progression and Clinical Results
The wound responded with dramatic improvement following the daily Simini lavage protocol. Although the surrounding skin continued to appear inflamed, the tissue quality changed significantly — the skin became elastic and mobile, which is a key prerequisite for tension-free closure.
Gross Infection
Wound dehiscence with active infection. Skin compromised, tissue not suitable for closure.
Dramatic Improvement
Skin elastic and mobile despite residual inflammation. Wound bed improved sufficiently for closure without tension.
Closure Achieved
Final outcome and long-term follow-up data are pending. Closure was performed.
This case represents single-surgeon clinical experience and a non-standard application of Simini Protect Lavage outside the intraoperative context. Follow-up data is pending.
Clinical Timeline
Post-Operative Course
Primary Surgery (Referring Clinic)
Soft tissue sarcoma excised from the elbow by the referring veterinarian. Routine closure performed.
Referral for Wound Complication
Gross wound dehiscence and active infection identified approximately 3 weeks post-surgery. Specialist consultation requested. Daily wet-to-dry bandage protocol using Simini Protect Lavage recommended.
Simini Lavage Protocol
Daily wet-to-dry bandage changes performed with Simini Protect Lavage applied at each change. Progressive wound improvement monitored.
Wound Suitable for Closure
Dramatic improvement in wound condition. Skin became elastic and mobile despite residual inflammation, allowing closure without tension. Surgical closure performed.
Final Follow-Up
Long-term outcome data pending. Case will be updated on receipt of follow-up information.