EXPERIMENTAL SKIN GRAFTING IN ANIMALS

Abstract

The integument, provides a complex and important boundary between the animal and its environment. Traumatic i n j u ri es to the integument are common in equine and often involve the distal extremities. Healing of lacerations of the equine skin is a constant problem. The lacerations, especjally below the tarsal and carpal regjons are c o n a id e r e d t. hc most t ro u l.Le s ome and fru s t r a t i ng problem to

I both t. lie ow u e r and vete r i n a r ia n . I I I I The I a ce ra t Lo n s t.a ke several mo n t he s to heal. The I I healing in the lower legs is very slow because, the blood I supply to that regions ls inadequate, motion is detrimental I I to healing

and

contamination

is difficult

to avoid i I (Br:itton,

1970).

The

healing

process is

frequently I I comp.l.icated by development of exuberant granulation tissue I I and/or dense keloid

formation

(Boyd,

1967).

In these I

situation the use of skin grafts may be indicated (Meagher and Adams, 1970). In addition to having the capabilities of cover•:ing the wound, skin grafts ma r k od l y reduce the time required to bring about satisfactory result (Swaim, 1990).

Free skin grafting involves the complete detachment and r-e l cc a ti o n of a portion of skin from one area to another. Free skin grafts have b e e n utilized extensively