Free Practitioner’s Program Training Videos

WOUNDS AND TRAUMA

Using Primary Closure for Horse Wounds

Dr. Dylan Gorvy explains the importance of always attempting a primary closure of a wound.

Using the Tension Tile System (TTS)

In this video, the Tension Tile System (TTS) is explored for the use of closing wounds in an efficient and safe manner.

Adjustable Suture Technique – Practical Use of TTS

Here is a practical example of when an adjustable suture technique is appropriate using the Tension Tile System (TTS) with great results.

Using the GTA Technique to Close a Wound

Dr. Dylan Gorvy explains his technique of using the GTA (Gorvey tissue approximator) to effectively close a wound and minimise tension of the suture lines.

How Good Vets Become Great: 3 Habits to Sharpen Your Equine Practice

I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count, especially in my early years of practice. Would I trust myself with my own horse? On a good day? Maybe.On a bad day? I’m…

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The H-Plasty Technique

In this video, Dr. Dylan Gorvy explains when and how to perform a H-Plasty Technique in a horse.

Horizontal vs Vertical Mattress Suture Patterns for Wounds

In this video, Dr. Dylan Gorvy describes the uses of the horizontal and vertical mattress suture patterns for wound closures, and provides context on why he prefers one over the other.

Understanding the Rhomboid Surgical Technique

Rhomboid flaps/maneuvers are all about redirecting tension and using nearby skin to your benefit. Here is a quick summary of using this in surgery for a wound closure.

How Great Clinics Are Built: 3 Habits of High-Performing Teams

Ever wondered what makes some equine clinics thrive while others plateau? These 3 clinic-wide habits can sharpen clinical standards, improve case outcomes, and boost team retention – fast.

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Wound Closure in the Horse: Key Principles for the Field Vet

Successful wound management in horses depends on a clear understanding of tissue handling, tension distribution and the biomechanics of closure. In the equine patient -where movement, contamination and high-motion anatomical sites all work against healing – choosing the most appropriate closure technique can dramatically change the outcome.

This series explores several practical approaches to wound closure, each demonstrating how subtle adjustments in method can reduce tension, improve skin apposition and protect compromised tissue.

Whenever conditions allow, primary closure should be the first consideration. Even in complex or heavily contaminated wounds, a carefully executed primary repair can shorten healing time, improve cosmetic outcome and reduce the risk of proud flesh. The emphasis is on gentle tissue handling, wide-enough undermining, and avoiding any unnecessary tension that could lead to dehiscence in the first 48 hours.

  • Tension Tile System (TTS)
    The TTS is an efficient way to neutralise tension across large or high-motion wounds. By spreading force over a broader surface area, the system protects fragile skin edges, minimises suture pull-through and offers a reliable alternative when standard suturing alone would be insufficient. It is particularly useful around the distal limb where skin mobility is limited.
  • GTA (Gorvey Technique) for Wound Closure
    The GTA technique provides another method of redistributing tension away from compromised wound margins. By anchoring tension points deeper within the tissue layers, it allows the superficial sutures to simply align the skin rather than bear the full mechanical load. This can be the difference between maintaining closure and losing it within the first day.
  • Adjustable Suture Techniques
    Adjustable sutures offer more control during closure, allowing the surgeon to gradually tighten and perfect apposition without strangulating tissue. This technique is especially valuable when closing irregular wounds or when swelling is anticipated during the early healing phase. It gives the practitioner flexibility to adapt tension distribution as the wound dictates.
  • Vertical and Horizontal Mattress Patterns
    Each pattern has distinct advantages. Horizontal mattress sutures distribute tension widely and are useful for friable or mobile skin. Vertical mattress sutures provide superior eversion and strength. Understanding when to select each can significantly improve both functional and cosmetic outcomes, particularly in distal limb injuries.
  • H-Plasty and Rhomboid (Limberg) Flaps
    Local advancement flaps are invaluable tools when primary closure is impossible without excessive tension. The H-Plasty and rhomboid flap allow the surgeon to redirect tension vectors and recruit adjacent skin to achieve closure while preserving blood supply. These techniques can transform a seemingly unclosable wound into a stable repair with excellent long-term results.