Utilização de curativo a vácuo de baixo custo para cicatrização de fratura de casco com ruptura de cavidade celomática em um Chelonia carbonaria / Use of cost-effective vacuum-assisted closure technique for shell fracture Repair and coelomic cavity rupture healing in a Chelonia carbonaria

ABSTRACT

Background: The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy system has been used as a noninvasive wound managementtechnique for shell damage in Chelonians. These animals are excellent candidates for VAC therapy because of their uniqueshell anatomy consists of dermal bones, which make bandage placement easier. Beyond that, they are suited for this technique behaviorally, because they are not inclined to remove the vacuum system intentionally. Considering the possibilityof Testudines shell repair with the use of less invasive techniques, that result no additional dermal bone lesions, the objective of the present study is to describe the adaptation of a vacuum dressing protocol using low-cost and easily accessiblematerials for post-traumatic shell healing of a specimen of Chelonoidis carbonaria.Case A specimen of tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria), a male, weighing 630 g, approximately 3-year-old, was received atthe Veterinary Hospital - Wild Animals Sector in the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) after of being run over by a vehicle.On physical examination, fractures of the dermal plaques and underlying bone structures were found, with rupture of thecoelomic cavity. In addition, there was exposure and incarceration of an intestinal loop, with the presence of bleeding.According to the findings of the physical screening examination, the patient’s prognosis was defined as good, as describedin the literature that specifically focused on chelonian shell injuries. The animal was sent to the diagnostic imaging sector.Then, drug therapy was provided for pain control, vitamins were administered for nutritional support, and antibiotics andanti-inflammatory drugs were instituted. For the closure of the shell and coelomic cavity, a bandage was used with theVAC therapy system adapted as described for Chelonians in previous reports. After a complete osteosynthesis and closureof the coelomic cavity, repair of the integumentary component of the shell was...