Scooby
A Ridgeback crossbreed was brought to us with a severe-looking injury on his back in the thoracic region. Upon examination, it was determined that the wound was caused by a firearm, likely a hunting weapon.
X-ray image with visible projectile fragments and damage to the spinous processes.
The patient was placed under general anesthesia, and the X-ray examination revealed that the projectile had shot off the spinous processes of the 7th and 8th thoracic vertebrae. As the projectile passed through the back, it shattered, leaving fragments behind in the wound. Fortunately, the spinal canal remained undamaged.
Subsequently, wound debridement was performed, removing debris and non-viable tissues (bone fragments, fur, torn muscle tissue). A drain was placed during wound closure for subsequent flushing.
The wound was extensively bandaged. Bandage changes were initially performed daily along with drain flushing, and gradually every two to three days. The drain was removed after 2 weeks, and complete healing was confirmed after 6 weeks.
This is what the injury site looks like after three months.
