Practical management of degloving and avulsion injuries in cats and dogs

Degloving and avulsion injuries in canine and feline patients are often severe and complex conditions that require immediate and precise intervention. These injuries can be caused by significant mechanical forces such as vehicular trauma or entrapment and involve the detachment of the skin (and occasionally the subcutaneous tissues) from underlying structures. Effective management addresses aesthetic restoration and ensures optimal recovery by preventing life-threatening complications such as infection and necrosis. Veterinary practitioners will often encounter these injuries in emergency settings; their complexity demands a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, wound healing processes and available therapeutic interventions. This article provides a review of the aetiology, healing mechanisms and evidence-based practices for managing degloving and avulsion injuries in small animals.