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Clinical

Evaluation of current wound management techniques (part 2)

02 March 2025
Research
11 mins read
02 March 2025
Volume 16 · Issue 2

Abstract

This article evaluates current wound management techniques in veterinary medicine, emphasising their application to complex and non-healing wounds. Veterinary nurses play a key role in wound management and structured frameworks can aid them in wound assessment, guide treatment choices and improve patient outcomes. Following the TIME framework, current techniques are examined for their effectiveness. While each technique has limitations, the adoption of structured frameworks combined with emerging technologies is likely to improve outcomes. This is part two of a three-part series exploring wound healing and management in dogs, cats and exotic species.

Wound management is a common practice in most veterinary surgeries and represents an aspect of veterinary medicine where registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) play a crucial role. However, determining the best approach to wound management can be challenging, and there is often a tendency to rely on just one or two treatment options. Should these options be unsuccessful, patients may face longer hospital stays and increased financial strain on their owners. This article critically evaluatesate the current techniques for managing complex wounds, assesses their effectiveness and investigates how evidence-based frameworks can guide RVNs towards improved clinical outcomes. This article is part two of a three-part series examining wound healing and management in dogs, cats and exotic species.

Wound assessment may be improved by using a structured framework (Curtis, 2022; Lux, 2022). Frameworks such as checklists or care bundles are commonly used in veterinary practices and have been shown to improve patient outcomes (Yon and Lilley, 2024). There is no validated wound assessment tool in veterinary medicine; however, there are some available in human medicine that may be adapted for veterinary use. Technology is also advancing, with applications being developed to assist with and standardise wound assessment.

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debridement
TIME framework
veterinary nursing
wound healing
wound management