The veterinary nurse's role in the management of wound drains

Abstract

Wound management is an exciting and well-researched area of veterinary medicine. It is a key area for veterinary nursing involvement from initial management to possible surgical reconstruction. An essential aspect of this is provision of the ideal wound environment to encourage normal and effective wound healing, and to reduce the incidence of wound breakdown and dehiscence. Throughout this clinical review, consideration will be given to the normal process of wound healing and how this can be assisted by drain placement. The types of drain used in practice, in addition to novel drainage techniques, will be considered throughout, as well as the veterinary nurse's role in their management. Comprehensive and accurate knowledge and understanding of different drain types, in addition to their potential applications, can help to ensure more informed veterinary nursing and, in turn, better wound healing and patient outcomes.