FULL-THICKNESS MESH SKIN-GRAFTS IN 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS (BUBO-VIRGINIANUS)

Large open wounds on a distal extremity of two great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) were successfully treated with full-thickness mesh skin grafts. One owl had a wound extending from the left mid-tibiotarsal region to the top of the foot caused by a tissue slough secondary to self-mutilation and subsequent subcutaneous infection. The other owl had a large trauma-induced open wound on the left dorsal antebrachium. The wounds were managed medically with bandaging and topical medications until a tissue bed suitable for grafting was present. Mesh skin grafting was performed in both cases. The inguen and mid-propatagium were selected as donor sites. The mesh skin grafting technique was the same as that used in small animals. Postoperative care consisted of topical antibiotics and bandaging. Both grafts healed successfully, the second one healing in a shorter time than would have been expected in mammals. This technique provides the veterinarian with a means of treating large wounds on birds.