Plus-Hex CLINICAL
In this case, hydrogel dressings were used for around 3 weeks. However, owing to the limited progression of wound healing, on 22 May the regime was changed to Allevyn dressings and honey.
Non-adhesive foam dressing with honey
Honey has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, inhibiting bacteria, yeast and fungi due to its acidic pH( 3.2 – 4.5) and high sugar content, which exerts an osmotic effect [ 10 ]. Honey disrupts bacterial cell structure, metabolism and biofilm formation, and has demonstrated bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects against pathogens including multidrug-resistant S. aureus, MRSP, Pseudomonas, Pasteurella multocida, Enterococcus, Proteus and E. coli [ 12 ].
After 8 days of using Allevyn dressings and honey, the wound looked markedly improved and the granulation tissue had increased( Figure 7).
Development of a hygroma
By 16 June, the wound was healing well, but a hygroma had appeared( Figure 9). A hygroma is a fluid-filled sac that develops over bony prominences and pressure points, especially in large-breed dogs. Repeated trauma from lying on hard surfaces leads to inflammation. This results in a dense-walled, fluid-filled cavity. A soft, flexible, fluid-filled, painless swelling develops over pressure points, especially the elbow [ 1 ].
The sac was emptied using a 25 G needle and 2 ml syringe. When the needle was introduced, the swelling immediately disappeared, raising concern that the fluid had escaped back into the joint area. An Allevyn dressing with honey was applied as normal. When the dressing was removed 3 days later, the swelling had gone and it did not reappear.
Figure 9. The wound, following hygroma drainage.
Figure 7. The improving wound, with increased granulation tissue.
Development of a pocket in the wound
However, around 10 May, a pocket developed, which would not close( Figure 8). Adherence of the skin edges to the underlying granulation tissue is essential for the processes of contraction and / or epithelialisation to occur [ 13 ]. Therefore, 2 weeks later, the wound edges were agitated using a no. 15 Paragon blade to encourage bleeding, in the hope that the edge of the pocket and underlying tissues would adhere
Melolin dressing
The wound was then dressed with a Melolin dressing. This is a non-adherent dressing with an absorbent pad bonded to a perforated polyester film. The film side is placed against the wound, and fluids are drawn through the film into the pad. Melolin dressings are suitable for use on low to moderately exuding wounds, cuts and abrasions. By 11 July, after 18 weeks of treatment, the wound had completely healed( Figure 10).
Figure 8. A pocket developing in the wound.
Figure 10. The wound, completely healed.
Volume 40( 4) • August 2025
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