A 7-year-old female neutered greyhound presented with wound breakdown following pancarpal arthrodesis. During the immediate postoperative period at home, the dog gained access to the surgical site and self-mutilated the incision, resulting in exposure of the orthopaedic implant.

Summary of outcome:
The vacuum seal remained intact throughout therapy, and no adverse events were observed. The wound reduced by one-third in size within three days, and robust granulation tissue formed rapidly.
After reconstruction, NPWT was used again to support the suture line, decreasing oedema, reducing tension, and minimising shearing forces optimising the healing environment. 

This case demonstrates how the Aluco® Guardian® NPWT system was instrumental in achieving efficient, staged wound closure, even in a challenging distal limb site with exposed hardware and compromised tissue quality.

Summary of key points:

• Aluco Guardian™ NPWT rapidly optimized a compromised wound bed and maintained excellent exudate control on a mobile limb without peri-wound maceration. 
• Secure dressing application with the support of stoma-paste reinforcement enabled uninterrupted therapy over a 3 day period. 
• Post reconstruction NPWT use supported suture line stability, reduced oedema and minimised tissue tension to optimise the surgical outcome. 

With thanks to: 
Lisa Telford Soft Tissue Surgery Veterinary Nurse. University of Edinburgh Royal ‘Dick’ School of Veterinary Medicine. 

​An older Cocker Spaniel presented with severe bilateral inguinal surgical site infections (SSIs) following superficial inguinal lymph node resection. The wounds were extensive, necrotic in areas, and connected beneath the penis, creating a large, complex, exudative defect.

Summary of outcome:
After 72 hours of continuous NPWT, the wound bed displayed robust granulation tissue throughout the previously necrotic interconnected defect. Exudate volume and local swelling had decreased significantly.
The improved tissue quality enabled a successful secondary closure, with a Jackson-Pratt drain placed to manage residual dead space and minimise seroma formation. 
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Summary of key points:

• Complex inguinal/preputial anatomy can be managed effectively using stoma paste and meticulous drape technique.
• High-exudate cases may require multiple canisters—plan inventory accordingly.
• Continuous 125 mmHg therapy produced rapid granulation within 72 hours, reducing the need for repeated anaesthetic events.

​With thanks to: 
Anna Cronin DVM PGCert(SAS) AFHEA DipECVS MRCVS, Wear Referrals

This case is featured alongside a range of cases also managed with the Aluco Guardian™ system in Anna's user experience webinar. 

The full webinar can be viewed on demand via Zoom. 

Nico, an eight-year-old large-breed dog, was run over by a pick-up truck and sustained substantial abdominal trauma involving urinary and kidney injury, as well as multiple pelvic fractures. Following surgical repair, he developed a deep, infected pocketing wound.

Summary of outcome
After three days of continuous negative pressure therapy, the wound demonstrated rapid and substantial formation of healthy granulation tissue across the previously deep pocket. Local oedema reduced significantly, and exudate levels decreased.
The improved wound bed enabled the surgical team to perform a secondary closure without the need for further prolonged wound management. A Jackson-Pratt drain was placed to manage residual dead space and reduce seroma risk.

Summary of key points: 

• Aluco Guardian™ NPWT can rapidly accelerate granulation tissue formation in deep, exudative wounds: often within 72 hours.
• The system reduces the need for multiple anaesthetic events, improving patient safety and workflow efficiency.

With thanks to: 
Anna Cronin DVM PGCert(SAS) AFHEA DipECVS MRCVS, Wear Referrals

This case is featured alongside a range of cases also managed with the Aluco Guardian™ system in Anna's user experience webinar. 

The full webinar can be viewed on demand via Zoom.