Synopsis The care of wounds in exotic animal species can be a challenging endeavor. Special considerations must be made in regards to the animal’s temperament and behavior, unique anatomy and small size, and tendency towards secondary stress-related health problems. It is important to assess the entire patient with adequate systemic evaluation and consideration of proper nutrition and husbandry, which could ultimately impact wound healing. This article summarizes the general phases of wound healing, factors that impact healing, and principles of wound management. Emphasis is placed on novel methods of treating wounds and species differences in wound management and healing.

Tonsillar metastasis from distant primary tumours has not been described in dogs, and reports are rare in humans. The aims of this study were to determine whether tumour metastasis occurs to the canine palatine tonsils and evaluate whether afferent lymphatics drain to the palatine tonsils via skull indirect computed tomography lymphangiography (ICTL). Retrospective review of the diagnostic laboratory tonsillar histopathology submissions was performed. ICTL studies (n = 53) were retrospectively reviewed by a single radiologist. Of 882 total tonsil histopathology samples, 492 (56%) were considered neoplastic, with 8% of them benign. Of the primary malignant neoplasms of the tonsil, squamous cell carcinoma (55%), lymphoma (17%) and melanoma (12%) were most common. Tonsillar metastasis was confirmed in 41 cases; histopathologic evaluation revealed melanoma (25), carcinoma (10), hem

Objective To describe the technique and outcomes for bilateral caudal maxillectomy for resection of large caudal maxillary tumors crossing palatal midline in two dogs. Study design Clinical case report. Animals Two client‐owned dogs. Methods Two client‐owned dogs with primary caudal maxillary tumors, a poorly differentiated sarcoma, and a multilobulated osteochondrosarcoma. Bilateral caudal maxillectomies were performed for curative‐intent resection of these tumors. The angularis oris axial pattern flap was used for primary closure in one dog and for dehiscence repair in the other. Results Both tumors were resected with complete histologic margins. The defects were closed with local buccal mucosal flaps, with or without a unilateral angularis oris flap. Esophagostomy tubes were placed at time of surgery to bypass oral feeding. Incisional dehiscence and subsequent oronasal fistula formation occurred as a postoperative complication in both dogs (3 and 10 days, respectively). Both were successfully repaired with a combination of local buccal mucosal flaps and the angularis oris flap. Both dogs had good functional outcome and quality of life after recovery from revision surgery. Conclusion Bilateral caudal maxillectomy allowed resection of caudal maxillary tumors crossing palatal midline, with good function and quality of life after recovery in 2 dogs. Clinical significance Good outcomes including complete resections are achievable with bilateral caudal maxillectomy despite complications. Local mucosal and axial pattern flaps can be used for dehiscence repair.