"Wound" - what is it, definition of the term
«Wound» denotes a breach of tissue continuity caused by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or biological agents, resulting in exposure of underlying structures, loss of skin or mucosal integrity, and typically initiating bleeding, inflammatory response, and potential infection; in rodents such as rats and mice, such lesions may present as punctures, lacerations, or abrasions and progress through the conventional phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
Detailed information
In rodents, an injury to the integumentary system is classified by depth, extent, and etiology. Superficial abrasions involve only the epidermis, while partial‑thickness lesions extend into the dermis. Full‑thickness defects breach the dermal layer, exposing subcutaneous tissue or muscle. Common causes include surgical incisions, bite wounds, pressure necrosis, and chemical burns.
The healing process proceeds through overlapping phases.
- Hemostasis – platelet aggregation forms a clot, releasing growth factors.
- Inflammation – neutrophils and macrophages clear debris and secrete cytokines.
- Proliferation – fibroblasts synthesize collagen, granulation tissue fills the defect, and epithelial cells migrate to re‑epithelialize.
- Remodeling – collagen fibers reorganize, tensile strength increases, and scar tissue matures.
Assessment relies on objective criteria: lesion size (length, width, depth), presence of exudate, signs of infection, and surrounding tissue viability. Photographic documentation and calibrated measurement tools ensure reproducibility in experimental settings.
Management strategies prioritize asepsis, moisture balance, and mechanical protection. Antiseptic rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine) reduce microbial load; semi‑occlusive dressings maintain a moist environment that accelerates epithelial migration. Analgesics mitigate pain‑induced stress, which can impair healing. Prophylactic antibiotics are reserved for contaminated or deep lesions to prevent systemic spread.
Prevention focuses on environmental control and procedural technique. Regular cage cleaning minimizes irritants, while refined surgical protocols—sharp instruments, minimal tissue handling, and appropriate suturing—reduce iatrogenic damage. Monitoring for early signs of pressure ulcers or grooming‑induced abrasions allows timely intervention before progression to full‑thickness defects.