Behavior of free omental grafts without vascular anastomosis implanted in cat’s experimental wounds

Abstract

It is known that skin healing in cats is slower and has a higher complication rate than in dogs, what leads to search for new resources to enhance this process. Omentum properties in the aid of tissue repair are known and, among the forms of extraperitoneal omentalization, the use of free omental grafts without vascular anastomosis is advantageous, but little studied; there is no knowledge about its effect on skin healing, nor if it’s still viable when implanted in the subcutaneous space. Thus, the present study aimed to describe possible alterations produced by free omental graft without anastomosis inserted in the subcutaneous space, by means of macroscopic clinical analysis of the implantation region in cats. Twenty intact female cats were divided into two groups (Group 1: treated animals; Group 2: controls) of similar size. All animals were subjected to ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH) prior to the induction of an experimental wound for the implantation of the omental graft. Wounds were evaluated on days 1, 2, 4, 8, and 15 postsurgery and then weekly until no lesions were noted. Data regarding color, consistency, presence or absence of crusts, wound resistance, and volume measurements were recorded. There was activation of the omentum on the 4th day of evaluation with reduction of hemorrhage and an increase in the resistance to traction of the experimental wound. We concluded that the omentum without vascular anastomosis is capable of maintaining its viability and exert positive influence on the repair process without showing deleterious signs on the implantation site.