Clinical Library - Improve Veterinary Education UK

Pocket guide: Wounds, healing and dressings

Written by Dr Joanna Woodnutt BVM BVS MRCVS | 30 October 2026

When managing a wound, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.

Should you close it or leave it open? Which dressing is most appropriate? And how can you support healing while reducing the risk of complications?

The Pocket Guide: Wounds, Healing and Dressings brings together practical guidance to help veterinary professionals approach wound management with greater confidence.

Inside the guide, you'll find:

  • How to classify and assess wounds.
  • The phases of wound healing and the factors that influence recovery.
  • When to close a wound, leave it open or delay closure.
  • An overview of surgical wound closure techniques.
  • Different types of dressings and guidance on when to use them.