Vacuum-assisted closure for treatment of a deep shell abscess and osteomyelitis in a tortoise.
METHODS
A female Aldabra tortoise (Geochelone gigantea) was evaluated because of focal necrosis of the carapace.


RESULTS
Debridement revealed a 14.5 x 11.5-cm area of shell necrosis, deep abscess formation, and osteomyelitis involving bacterial (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas spp) and fungal pathogens.


RESULTS
Following extensive debridement, vacuum-assisted closure incorporating silver-impregnated bandaging materials was used. The wound was considered healed after 55 days, at which time a layer of epidermal tissue with progressing keratinization was present, with smooth underlying ossification. Keratinization with normal pigmentation continued over the next 67 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggested that vacuum-assisted closure with silver-impregnated bandaging materials may provide advantages over traditional methods in the treatment of shell lesions in chelonians, including faster wound healing, improved cosmetic appearance of the healed wound, superior control of microbial contamination, and lower overall treatment costs.
Adkesson
Michael J
MJ
Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Travis
Erika K
EK
Weber
Martha A
MA
Kirby
John P
JP
Junge
Randall E
RE
D000038:Abscess / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages / Q000662:veterinary; D003646:Debridement / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D009779:Occlusive Dressings / Q000662:veterinary; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D014426:Turtles / Q000601:surgery; D014618:Vacuum; D014945:Wound Healing