Veterinarians have long faced the challenge of treating tough, hard-to-heal infections in surgical and traumatic wounds in various species. A breakthrough in veterinary medicine is here to change that: the Vetlen Pouch, an innovative drug delivery device that offers a more effective way to treat infected wounds through localized, sustained antibiotic therapy. 

Developed by Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, a subsidiary of health sciences company Purgo Scientific, the Vetlen Pouch is set to transform how veterinarians manage wound infections. Unlike traditional methods, which often involve systemic antibiotics or one-time-use antibiotic beads, the Vetlen Pouch delivers a steady, customized dose of antibiotic directly to the site of infection, promoting faster and more effective healing.  
   

A New Approach to Wound Care  

The Vetlen Pouch is designed to be implanted directly into surgical or traumatic wound sites, where it delivers high-dose antibiotic therapy of your choice daily. What makes this device unique is its syringe-based replenishing system, which allows for the daily renewal of antibiotics. This system ensures that the wound receives a constant, optimal dose of medication throughout the treatment period, which can last up to 30 days.     

One of the major advantages of the Vetlen Pouch is its ability to customize treatment. Veterinarians can adjust the antibiotic based on the specific infection and the individual needs of the patient. This flexibility is critical in treating complex infections, such as those caused by biofilms—sticky, protective layers that form around bacteria and make infections notoriously difficult to treat.  

Why Vetlen Pouch Is a Game Changer  

In the past, local antibiotic treatment options for patients have been limited to antibiotic powders or antibiotic-loaded beads. While these options have their place, they often lose effectiveness before full healing has occurred, leaving infections to persist. Another option is systemic antibiotics, which involve oral or injectable medications. However, these treatments often fail to reach the necessary concentration at the site of infection, especially in biofilm-related cases.    

By contrast, the Vetlen Pouch provides a much more targeted solution. It delivers the right drug, to the right place, for the right length of time. This focused approach allows the body to concentrate on healing the wound and tissue, rather than fighting off the infection. For veterinarians, this translates to faster patient recovery, less time spent managing infections, and better overall outcomes.   

Stephanie Morley, DVM, President of Vetlen, emphasizes the importance of this new technology: “With Vetlen Pouch, the antibiotic therapy is administered directly to the wound, ensuring that it stays potent and effective for as long as it’s needed. This localized approach also helps reduce the potential for systemic side effects and antimicrobial resistance, a common concern with oral or injectable antibiotics.”  

Supporting Evidence  

The technology behind the Vetlen Pouch is backed by extensive preclinical trials that demonstrated its superiority in treating open fractures and other traumatic injuries in animals. In one study, the device was compared to systemic antibiotics and antibiotic-loaded beads in sheep implanted with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected plate. The results were compelling: the animals treated with the Vetlen Pouch exhibited healthier suture lines, improved bone healing, better subdermal tissue health, and significantly less bioburden.  

This evidence provides strong support for the device’s potential to improve wound healing in veterinary patients, particularly in cases of complex infections that are resistant to traditional treatments.  
  
Vetlen is confident that once veterinarians see the results, they will be eager to adopt the Vetlen Pouch as a staple in their wound care protocols. “We believe this breakthrough technology will dramatically improve wound healing in veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Morley.  
   

Looking Ahead: Expanding to Human Medicine  

While the Vetlen Pouch is being introduced first to the veterinary market, the technology’s potential in human medicine is also being explored. According to Dr. Morley, a human version of the device is currently in development, which could offer a new solution for treating difficult-to-heal infections in human patients, especially in surgical and trauma-related wound care.    

The Vetlen Pouch represents a major advancement in localized antibiotic therapy! By delivering sustained, targeted antibiotic treatment directly to the site of infection, the device helps reduce the burden of difficult-to-treat infections, speeds up recovery, and offers veterinarians a new tool in their therapeutic arsenal. With its innovative design, customizable treatment options, and proven results, the Vetlen Pouch is poised to become a game changer in veterinary wound care.  

To purchase a Vetlen Pouch, visit www.vetlen.com.

Christy Penka, 419-350-3326, [email protected]