The effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy in optimising canine wound management A literature review

The use of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is well established and supported within human medicine as an adjunctive treatment in the management of wounds. It is believed to improve wound healing speed, and some early literature suggests an antimicrobial benefit in wounds treated with NPWT. Despite early research having been undertaken in animal models, its use within veterinary medicine is less frequent. The objective of this article is to critically evaluate the available veterinary research on NPWT, to ascertain its efficacy in canine wound management. Literature on NPWT use in the veterinary field has been compiled and reviewed, including discussion of the earliest research in the field and an evaluation of how the research has developed over the past 10–15 years. The author concludes that NPWT appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment in the management of canine wounds, with available literature suggesting that it improves wound healing speed. However, the author adds that larger-scale research is required to conclusively support the use of NPWT in canine patients. High-recruitment, well-controlled studies should be undertaken, as there is a paucity of research on this scale. There is limited evidence to support claims that NPWT has a significant effect on wound bacterial bioburden. NPWT should be used on a case-by-case basis until its efficacy can be conclusively supported. The author recommends that care should be taken to monitor the patient for pain during treatment, due to reported associated discomfort, and staff should be appropriately trained in the application and management of NPWT systems.