All Pets Veterinary Clinic

SNOOPY
Severe Skin Damage

This is Snoopy. Snoopy was initially presented with a small swelling of unknown
origin on his back. Over several days, a larger area of skin on his back and neck
began to die. (Pictures unavailable)








Snoopy was given anesthesia and the dead skin tissue was surgically debrided leaving
infected and exposed subcutaneous tissue. Snoopy was placed on IV fluids to prevent
dehydration (a large amount of fluid can be lost with such extensive skin loss), pain
medications, and antibiotics.

Red arrow-hard, dead patch of skin
Yellow arrow-infected tissue (pus)




Additional areas of skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed as they continued to
die. Snoopy was sedated, bathed, and bandaged daily as the infection resolved.









Healthy granulation tissue is very red and bleeds easily (red arrows). It is necessary
for the skin to regenerate. Once a good layer of granulation tissue is present, new
skin will grow from the edges of the wound and fill in towards the center. This process
is very rapid.







After 1 1/2-2 weeks of hopitalization, Snoopy was discharged. He continued to return
every 2-3 days for bandage changes as his skin regenerated.

Red arrows-additional, healthy granulation tissue
Green arrows-new skin regenerating from the wound edges







































In wounds like this, the majority of the new skin will have the capacity to grow
hair. As expected, Snoopy grew some new hair.









This is Snoopy today. Only a small scar remains. He has recovered fully
and is doing very well.

The cause of Snoopy's extensive skin loss is still unknown.


Special thanks to Snoopy's family for allowing us to share this case.

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Karen Blakeley, DVM, MPH

22 February 2003