http://www.smartgroups.com/message/readmessage.cfm?gid=1423922&messageid=3057
 
Author wrote:
>our vet is baffled...we have two females, both fixed, both over 5 years
>old, both have been operated on for pancreatic nodules, successfully, at
>different times over the last year.  Post surg, about 10-12 days and
>just after suture removal, both developed what my RN wife describes as
>stage 2 decubitus circumscribed lesions just where a thumb print (and
>exactly the same size and shape)would fall from holding the critter
>under the axilla in the shoulder area and around the abdomen.  The
>lesions became visible immediately after bathing the animals post suture
>removal, when the fur slid to reveal the lesion outlined with a very
>thin, precise, red line that looked to me like a pre surg. field
>indicator...it was that precise...it looked drawn on by human hands.
>
>The lesion eventually scabs over and heals, but it takes up to 6 weeks
>and the necrotic tissue is of course green and pussy and raised..all the
>while never encroaching outside that darn exact red line...still there
>and still magic magic marker perfect.
>
>Scrapings have been done to no avail...no fungal results like
>ringworm... we are at a loss and the vet is obviously concerned because
>is may have something to do with the surgical arena area or protocal at
>the facility.
 
I have seen lesions like that when the towel clamps during surgery were
incompletely sterilized.  It may help to find out where the vet puts
the towel clamps.  The vet should test the autoclave (there are kits
available) to find out if it may not be working up to standards.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 4033]