Amorphous silicate technology produces good results in equine distal limb wound healing

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to report clinical outcomes of horses with naturally occurring full-thickness skin lacerations treated with an amorphous silicate dressing. We hypothesized that wounds treated with an amorphous silicate dressing would have minimal complications and lesion resolution without formation of exuberant granulation tissue. ANIMALS 11 client-owned horses. PROCEDURES Clinical records of 11 horses with distal limb wounds treated with an amorphous silicate dressing were collected from participating veterinarians across the US. Wound healing progression was monitored by the veterinarian and owners. RESULTS None of the wounds required granulation bed debridement following treatment with topical amorphous silicate dressing. There were no complications associated with the treatment. The size of wounds varied from 5 to 20 cm in length with a median of 10 cm and from 2 to 15 cm in width with a median of 5 cm. Time to resolution varied greatly from 14 to 126 days with a median of 49 days. There was a moderate positive correlation between healing time (days) and area of the wound. All referring veterinarians and owners were satisfied with the healing of the wounds treated with the amorphous silicate dressing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Treatment of equine distal limb wounds with an amorphous silicate dressing may reduce development of exuberant granulation tissue and the need for surgical debridement.