Introduction

Skin grafting is defined as a piece of skin transplanted to replace a lost portion of skin surface. Large wounds on head and limbs pose a challenge for the surgeon particularly when enormous portion of skin is lost. Skin on head and limbs is rather immovable limiting the opportunity for primary closure of the wound.

Objectives

Autogenous mesh skin grafting was carried out on eleven clinical cases of wounds in dogs. The objective of this study was to study the viability of these grafts, their suitability in covering wounds and to find out suitable donor area.

Methods

Clinical cases with large wounds on head and limbs presented at the clinic were taken up for skin grafting. Autogenous mesh skin grafting was carried out as per the technique recommended by Swaim (1980).

Results

Out of the total 11 autogenous mesh skin grafting performed 100% viability was obtained in 7 cases. In two cases 50% viability was obtained in one case 30% viability was obtained while in one case the graft was completely rejected.

Conclusions

Loss of grafts either partially or completely was because of accumulation of fluid below the graft, imperfect immobilization of the graft, mutilation of the graft, recipient bed being deeper than the thickness of the graft. Autogenous mesh skin grafting is better suited for large wounds on head and limbs of dogs. The ventral abdomen skin is suitable as donor site. These grafts are cosmetically acceptable, least time consuming and economical for management and reconstruction and also reduces the convalescence period.