Use of Velcro to aid in surgical closure of a large wound in an African painted dog ( Lycaon pictus ) puppy with successful pack introduction after hospitalisation

Abstract African painted dogs ( Lycaon pictus , APD) are endangered canid species with sophisticated social and pack behaviours. In this case report, a 4‐month‐old male APD puppy sustained an extensive full‐thickness left abdominal wound from conspecifics. After initial primary wound closure led to complete incisional dehiscence, penrose drains and tie‐over bandages were used for wound management. Due to the degree of skin loss and inability to complete primary closure, strategically applied Velcro strips were used to relieve skin tension. This allowed for modifications every few days under anaesthesia, which ultimately allowed for delayed primary wound closure. After almost 4 weeks of treatment and hospitalisation, the puppy was successfully re‐integrated into the pack without incident. This case demonstrates the utilisation of a novel wound management technique in a zoo canid.