This will be a practical based cadaver course on wound reconstructive surgery in cats and dogs.

Course Description

This will be a practical based cadaver course on wound reconstructive surgery in cats and dogs. We will cover the theory of skin tension and ways to minimize this, with case based discussions on simple methods such as suture technique, through to more advanced methods such as flaps. We will then carry out the second half of the day in the practical room where we will practice tension free wound closure techniques and put our theoretical knowledge into practice. 

Topics to be covered:

1.    Suturing techniques to minimize tension

2.    The use of walking sutures, undermining and multi-layer closures

3.    Local skin flaps (advancement, rotation, transposition, skin fold)

4.    Axial pattern flaps – covering the most common

Learning Objectives:  

1. To gain knowledge of skin anatomy and how this applies practically when elevating skin flaps
2. To understand how to evaluate skin tension and select the most appropriate skin closure technique to close wounds
3. To understand and practically utilize skin flaps in the closure of wounds under moderate to high tension

 Required delegate attributes or who this course is suitable for: 

Delegates should have basic surgical knowledge and good soft tissue handling skills to enroll on this course. Delegates should have had some level of experience in closing simple wounds and good ability in basic suturing techniques. However, this course has something for everyone and candidates can be inexperienced to experienced, and can work at their own pace and within their own comfort zone.