Fish Skin Graft Saves Dog

In a pioneering medical feat, Hyderabad-based Pets Care Super Specialty Hospitals has successfully saved a dog whose skin was nearly 50% damaged by a severe sepsis-related toxic infection, using an innovative fish skin grafting procedure - a first-of-its-kind treatment in Indian veterinary medicine.

Revealing the breakthrough, Dr Venkat Yadav, Founder and Chief Veterinary Doctor of Pets Care Super Specialty Hospitals, said that the procedure had opened a new chapter in advanced animal healthcare.

Addressing a press conference at Deshoddaraka Bhavan in Basheer Bagh, Yadav said, "Treatment options for such severe sepsis-related skin damage are extremely limited. By adopting regenerative techniques using processed fish skin, we were able to accelerate healing, reduce pain and prevent secondary infections."

He said that the sterilised and processed fish skin, rich in natural collagen, omega fatty acids and bioactive compounds, was grafted onto the affected area after debridement. Acting as a temporary skin substitute, it adhered naturally to the wound, retained moisture and promoted faster tissue regeneration.

The rare and complex procedure has drawn attention from both the veterinary and the medical communities, marking a significant advancement in regenerative veterinary medicine in India.

Professor Lakshman, former Principal of the Government Veterinary College, termed the procedure a "game-changer" in the treatment of complex wounds and sepsis-related infections in animals. "This achievement places India on the global map of advanced veterinary treatments and heralds a new era of world-class animal healthcare," he said.

Veterinary expert Dr Shireen also lauded the effort, and said that the innovation could redefine the standards of care for burn injuries, infections and complex wound cases in animals. "Pets deserve the same quality of medical care as humans. This procedure has not only saved a life but also expanded the horizons of veterinary medicine in India," she said.