Snoopy - Severe Skin Damage

This is Snoopy. Snoopy was initially presented with a small swelling of unknown origin on his back. Over several days, a larger area of skin on his back and neck began to die. (Pictures unavailable)

Snoopy was given anesthesia and the dead skin tissue was surgically debrided leaving infected and exposed subcutaneous tissue. Snoopy was placed on IV fluids to prevent dehydration (a large amount of fluid can be lost with such extensive skin loss), pain medications, and antibiotics. 

Red arrow - a hard, dead patch of skin. Yellow arrow - infected tissue (pus)

Additional areas of skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed as they continued to die. Snoopy was sedated, bathed, and bandaged daily as the infection resolved.

Healthy granulation tissue is very red and bleeds easily (red arrows). It is necessary for the skin to regenerate. Once a good layer of granulation tissue is present, new skin will grow from the edges of the wound and fill in towards the center. This process is very rapid.

After 1 1/2-2 weeks of hospitalization, Snoopy was discharged. He continued to return every 2-3 days for bandage changes as his skin regenerated.

Red arrows - additional, healthy granulation tissue. Green arrows - new skin regenerating from the wound edges.

In wounds like this, the majority of the new skin will have the capacity to grow hair. As expected, Snoopy grew some new hair.

This is Snoopy today. Only a small scar remains. He has recovered fully and is doing very well. 

The cause of Snoopy's extensive skin loss is still unknown. 

Special thanks to Snoopy's family for allowing us to share this case.