title: Mast cell tumour and cutaneous histiocytoma excision wound healing in general practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess whether wounds from incomplete mast cell tumour excisions are at greater risk of healing complications than wounds from complete excisions, or cutaneous histiocytomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mast cell tumours and cutaneous histiocytomas submitted to Nationwide Laboratories between November 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008 were selected. Questionnaires were sent to submitting veterinarians requesting details of tumour characteristics, clinical approach to the tumour and wound healing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three hundred and eighty-six mast cell tumours and 524 cutaneous histiocytomas were identified. One hundred and eighty-five mast cell tumours and 244 cutaneous histiocytomas questionnaires were returned (47% response). Wound complications arose in 20% of mast cell tumours and 21% of cutaneous histiocytomas. Multivariable analysis confirmed that larger tumours, tumours on the feet and a soft/"baggy" appearance, were significantly associated with a greater frequency of problems, leading to delayed wound healing and dehiscence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Incomplete mast cell tumour excision does not lead to greater risk of wound complications. Mast cell tumour surgical wounds have a similar rate of wound complications as cutaneous histiocytoma wounds.
authors: Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
authors: D R
authors: DR
authors: Killick
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Rowlands
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Burrow
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Cripps
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Miller
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Graham
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Blackwood
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000473:pathology; D051677:Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008415:Mastocytosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014945:Wound Healing