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Discussion on Vet sutured old laceration
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 4, 2005 - 4:02 pm:
Dr O,
We were tending to a lame horse after lessons on Monday and I noticed there was a laceration above her right eye that had five sutures in it. When I inquired about the wound, I was told the horse had sustained the laceration a few weeks ago. The vet was not initially called because the owners husband is a cardiologist and he said it was somewhat superficial. However, to be on the safe side, when the vet came out to the barn, 72 hrs post wound, for a vet clinic, the owner called and told him to take a look at it while he was there. The vet then picked the scab off and sutured it.
I am curious as to what the clinical indications are for suturing an old healing wound? I have never heard of suturing a wound that was older than 8hrs on a human or an animal. Isn't the risk of infection too great?
v/r
Corinne Meadows
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2005 - 6:24 am:
Though you are right in general wounds sutured should be done soon after the injury there are indications (they can be adequately debrided) and methods (putting drains in) of suturing wounds older than 8 hours.
If you are saying that, from the cardiologist evaluation, it sounds like this might have healed fine without the extra work well....I guess the fairest thing we can say is that we weren't there.
DrO
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2005 - 11:32 am:
There were no drains put in but I am sure the vet cleaned it thoroughly, as he a wonderful vet and I would not second guess his judgment.
I assume the owner was just a little surprised at the outcome...and about the large bill!  I was just curious about the risks of suturing an old wound.
Thanks Dr O.
Going to sit out this blizzard we are having. Take care.
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