FULL-THICKNESS MESH SKIN-GRAFTS IN 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS (BUBO-VIRGINIANUS)

Large open wounds on a distal extremity of two great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) were successfully treated with full-thickness mesh skin grafts. One owl had a wound extending from the left mid-tibiotarsal re gion to the top of the foot caused by a tissue slough secondary to sel f-mutilation and subsequent subcutaneous infection. The other owl had a large trauma-induced open wound on the left dorsal antebrachium. The wounds were managed medically with bandaging and topical medications until a tissue bed suitable for grafting was present. Mesh skin grafti ng was performed in both cases. The inguen and mid-propatagium were se lected as donor sites. The mesh skin grafting technique was the same a s that used in small animals. Postoperative care consisted of topical antibiotics and bandaging. Both grafts healed successfully, the second one healing in a shorter time than would have been expected in mammal s. This technique provides the veterinarian with a means of treating l arge wounds on birds.