Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Using Polyvinyl Alcohol Foam to Support Full-thickness Mesh Skin Grafts in Dogs

Objective:
To report the first veterinary use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) foam for full-thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs. Study design- Prospective case series. Animals - Dogs (n=8) with extensive skin wounds on an extremity.

Material and Method:
After covering the wound bed with a full‐thickness mesh skin graft, a PVA foam was applied directly on the graft and its surrounding intact skin. NPWT was maintained for 5 days (in one or two cycles). Grafts were evaluated on day 2, 5, 14, and 30 for graft appearance and ‘take’, granulation tissue formation, and intra- and postoperative complications.

Results:
The PVA foam did not adhere to the graft and the intact peri-wound skin tolerated the direct contact with the foam. Firm graft attachment to the recipient bed was accomplished, granulation tissue filled the mesh holes and graft ‘take’ was near 100%. No intra- or peri-operative complications or technical issues were observed. All dogs were comfortable throughout the NPWT treatment.

Discussion/Conclusion:
The application of NPWT with a PVA foam after full-thickness skin grafting in dogs provided an effective method for securing skin grafts, with excellent graft acceptance. The PVA foam provides a straightforward and ideal dressing for skin grafts in dogs, while eliminating the need for additional interposing materials for graft and intact skin protection. This simplifies the use of NPWT in skin grafting, leading to a faster and more attractive approach compared to conventional dressings or NPWT with polyurethane foams.