Decubitus ulcer: risk factors, prevention and treatment
Abstract
Decubitus ulcers are most commonly seen in debilitated and malnourished animals as well as those with long-term bandaging or hospitalization. Identifying risk factors is key to preventing the condition developing. Implementing a good nursing care plan will ensure continuity of care and will help minimize the occurence and progression of decubitus ulcers. If treatment for an existing ulcer is required, there are a number of nursing interventions that can be implemented to help avoid a prolonged painful and debilitating recovery.
The term ‘decubitus ulcer’ strictly speaking refers to ulcers occuring in prolonged recumbancy. The word derives from the Latin decumbere ‘to lie down’. The ulcer forms as a result of pressure hence is more commonly known as pressure sores, although other terms have been used including the old fashioned term ‘bed sores’. None of theterms are strictly accurate, pressure is not the only cause, nor is recumbancy the only vulnerable position. However, when referring to animals, the ulcers are almost always the result of recumbancy therefore decubitus ulcer is the term mostly used in this article Ulcers caused by other means for example from a cast or bandage will be refered to as pressure ulcers.
Campbell and Parish (2010) extensively reviewed previous research and literature and found four common denominators when defining a decubitus ulcer:
They describe that, in the simplest terms, the decubital ulcer is a breakdown of the skin usually over a bony prominence due to compromised blood flow caused by pressure (Campbell and Parish, 2010).
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