Page 85 - BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Head, Neck and Thoracic Surgery, 2nd Edition

eline Head,
Neck and
V
A Manual of Canine and F
Thoracic Surger
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Head, Neck and Thoracic Surgery
y
BSA
➜ OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE 5.1 CONTINUED
VetBooks.ir

The superficial skin of the flap is sutured to the ventral margins of the skin Closure is completed ith figure-of-eight or simple interrupted skin
incision. The hori ontal canal opening should be checked before closure sutures.
continues.

Closure

The cartilage of the drainage board can be secured to underlying subcutaneous tissue with absorbable sutures to
reduce tension on the flap. Use nylon or polypropylene sutures (1.5 or 2 metric (3/0 or 4/0 USP)) to appose canal
epithelium to skin.
Simple interrupted or figure-of-eight sutures can be preplaced along the new horizontal canal opening and at the
corners of the drainage board to ensure that there is no excessive tension or redundant skin at those sites before
completing the closure.
The margins of the remaining vertical canal can also be sutured to the skin above the new opening with a simple
continuous pattern.
Closure is routine. It may be necessary to take partial-thickness bites of the facial skin to appose it to the epithelium
of the vertical canal.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE

• Protect the ear from trauma after surgery with an Elizabethan collar or by securing the pinna to the head with tape.
• Place antibiotic ointment on the suture line to prevent blood and other materials from adhering to the sutures. The
owners may need to gently clean the area daily until the sutures are removed.
• Continue treatment of any primary causes of otitis or dermatitis.

76 76

Ch05 HNT.indd 76 31/08/2018 10:56