Evaluation of LHP® (1% hydrogen peroxide) cream versus petrolatum and untreated controls in open wounds in healthy horses: a randomized, blinded control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Treatment and protection of wounds in horses can be challenging; protecting bandages may be difficult to apply on the proximal extremities and the body. Unprotected wounds carry an increased risk of bacterial contamination and subsequent infection which can lead to delayed wound healing. Topical treatment with antimicrobials is one possibility to prevent bacterial colonization or infection, but the frequent use of antimicrobials ultimately leads to development of bacterial resistance which is an increasing concern in both human and veterinary medicine.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Standardized wounds were created in 10 Standardbred mares. Three wounds were made in each horse. Two wounds were randomly treated with LHP^®or petrolatum and the third wound served as untreated control. All wounds were assessed daily until complete epithelization. Protocol data were recorded on day 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 28. Data included clinical scores for inflammation and healing, photoplanimetry for calculating wound areas and swab cytology to assess bacterial colonization and inflammation. Bacterial cultures were obtained on day 2, 6 and 16.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mean time to complete healing for LHP^®treated wounds was 32 days (95%CI = 26.9-37.7). Mean time to complete healing for petrolatum and untreated control wounds were 41.6 days (95%CI = 36.2-47.0) and 44.0 days (95%CI = 38.6-49.4) respectively. Wound healing occurred significantly faster in LHP^®wounds compared to both petrolatum (p = 0.0004) and untreated controls (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in time for healing between petrolatum and untreated controls. Total scores for bacteria and neutrophils were significantly (p < 0.0001) lower for LHP^®treated wounds compared to petrolatum from day 16 and onwards. <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>and <it>Streptococcus zooepidemicus </it>were only found in cultures from petrolatum treated wounds and untreated controls.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Treatment with LHP^®reduced bacterial colonization and was associated with earlier complete wound healing. LHP^®cream appears to be safe and effective for topical wound treatment or wound protection.</p

Evaluation of closed-suction drainage for treating auricular hematomas

The principal and dynamics of closed-suction wound drainage lend themselves to use on auricular hematomas. This type of drainage was evaluated in the treatment of 10 auricular hematomas on nine animals. Seven animal owners rated the results of the procedure as "good," and two rated them as "fair." The two rating the procedure as having "fair" results owned dogs with allergic dermatitis, and the auricular hematomas recurred. In both dogs, auricular hematomas again recurred after other means of treatment were used. If the pocket for the vacuum tube is not secure and the animal is quite active, or if it molests the bandage, or both, it is possible for the tube to break or the needle to come off of the tubing.</jats:p

Construction of a weight-bearing surface on a dog's distal pelvic limb

A one-year-old, neutered female boxer presented with a self-inflicted pandigital amputation following complications of a left hind footpad laceration repair. A meshed skin graft was placed distally over the exposed granulation tissue of the affected limb. In two surgical procedures, a total of five 6 by 8-mm and three 8 by 10-mm digital pad grafts were transplanted into recessed sites in the granulation tissue over the distal aspect of the metatarsal bones. A newly designed pressure relief bandage/ splint was used to assist maturation of the grafts. The result was a weight-bearing surface over an area of maximum tissue stress.</jats:p

Surgical reconstruction of severe cicatricial ectropion in a puppy

A three-month-old chow chow mixed-breed puppy was presented with severe cicatricial ectropion of the upper eyelids after being burned maliciously. The burn wounds healed by second intention with contracture, causing eversion, elevation, and immobilization of the upper eyelids. The puppy was unable to blink or close the upper eyelids due to cicatrix (i.e., scar) formation. Surgical repair using tissue-relaxing procedures was successful in reducing corneal exposure and improving the puppy's appearance.</jats:p