Rigid removable cover for dorsal wound protection and tube fixation in pigs

Objective To report the design and benefits of a rigid polyethylene
cover ‘shell’ for the protection of dorsal torso wounds and
tube fixation in pigs.
Methods Open C-shaped polyethylene shells were designed to
protect wounds and dressings on the dorsum of pigs used in
research into negative pressure dressing-assisted wound healing.
The shells were designed to resist trauma and contamination, to
be comfortable and expansible, and to facilitate tube fixation and
management. Strap fixation was optimised during experimentation.
Efficacy was assessed by direct observation of dressing and
wound protection, tube integrity and by macroscopic and microscopic
assessments of wound healing.
Results The shells effectively protected the wounds against
blunt and sharp trauma, were simple to remove and reapply,
were well tolerated and allowed for growth of the pigs. Circumferential
neck straps attached by lateral straps to the shells proved
critical. There was no wound infection or inflammation underlying
the shells. Porting tubing via mid-dorsal holes in the shells and
affixing the tubing just cranial to these holes prevented tube
damage and traction, permitted tube management from outside
the cages and allowed the pigs to move freely without becoming
entangled.
Conclusion These shells effectively protected dorsal skin
wounds and dressings, prevented tube damage and facilitated
tube management in pigs. Similar systems may be useful for
other production animals for wound management and for tube
management with negative pressure wound healing, drain tubes
or the delivery of nutrition, fluids or medications.