Long‐term management of extensive plastron thermal burn with surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy in an African spurred tortoise ( Centrochelys sulcata )

An adult, male African spurred tortoise ( Centrochelys sulcata ) was presented for evaluation of severe thermal burns of the plastron, approximately 5 months after an enclosure fire. On presentation, limbs were ulcerated, and the plastron was soft to touch with necrotic tissue and purulent discharge. Computed tomography excluded communication with the coelomic cavity. The patient underwent general anaesthesia for removal of necrotic tissue and wound lavage, followed by placement of a foam dressing and wound vacuum system, ultimately removed 18 days later. Analgesia and multimodal antibiotic therapy were continued for 4 months. Complete wound healing was achieved 11 months following the fire and 6 months after surgical intervention. Three years later, no problems have been reported. This report demonstrates the successful use of advanced wound management techniques, though healing time was apparently longer than mammals requiring long‐term commitment from caretakers. It serves as an example for extensive wound care involving osteomyelitis in chelonians.