A laceration is a tear or cut through the skin, often extending into deeper tissue, caused by sharp objects (glass, metal, wire) or by blunt force such as a road traffic accident. Most dogs with lacerations do well, but the visible wound can distract from shock or internal injury, and a wound closed at the wrong time can break down or become infected. The NAVLE tests the order of priorities and the choice of closure more than suture technique.
Key facts
Skin laceration (acute trauma) at a glance- Species: dogs (principles apply to cats, which heal somewhat differently).
- System: integumentary, often with musculoskeletal, vascular or body-cavity injury underneath.
- Cause: sharp objects, vehicle trauma, falls, fences, fights; every traumatic wound is contaminated.
- Classic presentation: a bleeding or gaping skin wound after trauma, sometimes in a dog that is also in shock.
- Key decisions: stabilize, then lavage and debride, then choose primary, delayed primary, secondary or second-intention healing.
- Not zoonotic or reportable; the exception is a bite wound, where rabies status matters (see the bite wound guide).
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 8 tables, 2 figures, 3 self-test questions and 15 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.