Evaluation of skin viability in dogs, using transcutaneous carbon dioxide and sensor current monitoring
Rochat, M.C.; Payne, J.T.; Pope, E.R.; Wagner-Mann, C.C.; Pace, L.W.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 54(3): 476-480
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 8498755 Document Number: 408454
Transcutaneous oxygen monitoring is commonly used in human beings to assess skin viability. Little attention has been directed toward the use of transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PCO-2-TC) monitoring for the same purpose. The application of PCO-2-TC monitoring for evaluating skin viability in dogs was investigated. The changes in PCO-2-TC and local power reference (LPR) values were measured from 16 skin flaps created along the lateral hemithoraces of 4 dogs. Transcutaneous PCO-2 and LPR values were serially recorded from the base and apex of each flap for 12 hours. A single measurement was obtained from each flap base and apex 24 hours after surgery. Arterial blood gas analyses were obtained to compare central PCO-2 values with peripheral skin PCO-2 values. The flaps were observed for 4 days and then harvested for histologic examination. Full-thickness skin biopsy specimens were obtained 21 hours after surgery and when the flaps were harvested to evaluate the viability of the apex and base of the flaps. A subjective grade was assigned to all skin biopsy specimens during histologic examination. For all measurements, a significant difference was found between the PCO-2-TC values for apices and bases of the flaps. The mean PCO-2-TC for all bases was 52.66 mm of Hg +- 2.24 (SEM), and the mean PCO-2-TC for all apices was 106.4 mm of Hg +- 2.44. The regional carbon dioxide index (apex PCO-2-TC/base PCO-2-TC was 2.02. A significant difference was not found between the LPR values for bases and apices. The mean LPR for all bases was 253.23 mW +- 4.06, and the mean LPR for all apices was 243.53 mW +- 4.49. A significant difference was found between the histologic grades assigned to the collective bases and apices 4 days after creation of the flaps. A difference was not found between the collective bases and apices 24 hours after flap creation. On the basis of our findings, transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring is a useful method for evaluating skin viability in dogs.