Use of full-thickness mesh grafts and full-thickness meek micrografts in five horses with ear skin defects caused by trauma or neoplasm resection

ObjectivesTo report the management and outcomes of five horses with ear skin defects treated with the use of full-thickness mesh grafts and full-thickness Meek micrografts.AnimalsFive horses with acute or granulating pinna skin wounds.Study designShort case series.MethodsA full-thickness graft was harvested from the pectoral region under general anesthesia. The sheet graft was stretched on a sterile plastic board with the epidermal side facing down. The subcutaneous fat and fascia were removed by sharp dissection. The skin graft was then meshed by hand or using a block mesher, or manually cut into micrografts, and transferred to the ear wounds. Cyanoacrylate glue or staples were used to fixate the graft. Immobilization was achieved with a thermoplastic splint, stockinette and an adhesive elastic bandage.ResultsA full-thickness meshed sheet graft was used in two horses to cover a fresh or granulating degloving wound, and in two horses to cover a fresh skin defect after excision of a cutaneous neoplasm. A full-thickness Meek micrograft was used in one horse to cover a granulating degloving wound. Complete acceptance of the graft was achieved in all five cases within 2 weeks after grafting, with a good to excellent cosmetic appearance and retained function of the pinna.ConclusionFull-thickness meshed sheet grafts or full-thickness Meek micrografts provide an effective treatment for ear skin defects with an excellent outcome regardless of etiology.