Wound Care in Veterinary Medicine

Recent research and innovations have enhanced the efficacy of wound care in veterinary medicine.

The veterinary wound care market has experienced significant growth over the last several years, fueled by heightened awareness and an increasing demand for advanced wound management solutions.

There are numerous factors contributing to this expansion, including innovation and technology, which have introduced new products and technologies that significantly improve healing outcomes, and the growth in veterinary specialties, such as dermatology and surgery, which has spotlighted the importance of advanced wound management.

Plus, ongoing research and development into new materials, therapies and treatment protocols continue to enhance the efficacy of wound care, ensuring better outcomes for pet patients.

Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB, chief scientific advisor at Chicago-based Paw Origins, noted wound care in veterinary medicine revolves around a few core principles: thorough cleaning, prevention of infection and promoting healing. In her nearly two decades of clinical experience, wound care constitutes about 20% of all cases, reflecting its significance in veterinary practice.

“I have found integrating traditional practices with holistic methods like honey applications and herbal remedies have shown remarkable efficacy in reducing healing time and enhancing recovery quality,” she said. “The key to preventing complications lies in early intervention and ongoing management. Additionally, adopting a holistic approach that includes nutritional support can dramatically improve the overall health and resilience of animals, reducing the likelihood of complications.”

Jamie Tomlin, DVM, veterinarian partner at CityVet Windhaven in Plano, Texas, noted whether considering a topical option for a hot spot, a straightforward tie-over bandage for secondary intention healing, a more technical advancement flap or skin graft for primary closure, veterinarians should trust what the wound is telling them and allow it time to respond to their treatment of choice.

“Within the last few years, we have seen vast development in wound treatment options made available to the primary care sector,” she said. “With these advancements available, primary care veterinarians are now able to provide advanced wound management techniques that were previously only available at a referral facility. Not only has this led to increased profit margins but also client satisfaction and improved patient care.”

Evolving solutions

Eliza O’Callaghan, DVM, managing veterinarian for Small Door Veterinary’s New York practice, noted some of the latest trends in wound care deal with products that promote faster and more effective healing.

For instance, she points to hydrogel, foam and silver-impregnated dressings that maintain optimal moisture levels and provide antimicrobial protection.

“Silver-impregnated dressings are one of my preferred choices for wound management,” O’Callaghan said. “Silver is known for its excellent antibacterial properties and has been used for many years in the treatment of burn wounds. It effectively targets a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Pseudomonas species.”

One of the advantages of silver-based dressings is that they can be used affordably, achieved by using silver sulfadiazine ointment, which is readily available in most general practice settings. This aqueous-based ointment can be applied to a non-adherent pad and used on the wound.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and stem cell therapies are being utilized for their regenerative properties, with O’Callaghan noting there are some promising studies on the use of PRP
for the treatment of acute cutaneous wound healing in dogs.

Additionally, Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy (often referred to as laser therapy) involves using light-emitting devices, including lasers and LEDs, to stimulate cellular activity and wound repair, and she is very optimistic about this category.

“I have used PBM therapy for wound management and have seen remarkable results,” O’Callaghan said. “One area where I have seen great results is snake envenomation wounds.”

Amanda Chambers, DVM, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, recommends hydrocolloid dressings for dry wounds, as they can keep wounds moist for autolytic debridement; alginate dressings, which contain compounds that help absorb the moisture from a wound to form a gel over its surface; and medical grade honeys that when applied to a wound create a protective barrier while also having pro-healing and antibacterial properties.

“Similar to the effects of honey, sugar can also be applied to wounds to help pull fluid from the wound and is also found to have antibacterial properties,” she said. “A considerable amount of sugar must be applied to fill the wound to see these benefits.”

Jacob Adams, chief scientific officer for Noxsano, Inc., shared the company recently created a delivery system for nitric oxide, which has been used on humans as a topical treatment for 30 years, but now is being used in veterinary medicine for the first time.

“We have pads and gels that are shipped as dry powders, hydrated in the clinic with water or saline and it produces an active nitric oxide product for up to one week,” he said. “In trials at the University of Georgia and Colorado State, it’s been shown to reduce wound healing times by as much as 40%.”

Adams estimates that a billion-plus dollars are spent annually on wound care in veterinary medicine, with tens of millions of wounds occurring each year, so innovative solutions are needed to better deal with the suffering animals are going through.

“We are seeing some advanced treatments and products, but they tend to be on the pricey side,” Adams said. “The metal-based therapies, Manuka honey and lasers are all making a difference, so we are seeing an explosion in the field with methods to treat wounds.”

Best practices

Several key practices in veterinary wound care should be followed to ensure the best outcomes for pet patients.

“First and foremost is conducting a thorough assessment,” O’Callaghan said. “This involves a detailed evaluation of the wound to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy. Every wound is unique, and understanding its specifics helps us choose the best course of action.”

Maintaining a moist environment is crucial for promoting healing and reducing pain. This is best achieved by using dressings that keep the wound bed moist, which is essential for tissue regeneration and comfort.

“Infection control is another vital aspect,” O’Callaghan said. “Implementing antimicrobial dressings and adhering to proper hygiene practices help prevent wound infections, which can significantly delay healing and cause further complications.”

Regular monitoring and adjustments are necessary to ensure the wound is healing as expected. This means frequently reassessing the wound and adjusting the treatment plan as needed based on the healing progress.

Lastly, client education cannot be overstated. Providing pet owners with clear, comprehensive instructions on wound care at home, including signs of complications to watch for, empowers them to actively participate in their pet’s recovery.

“Wound healing is a process that often requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan,” O’Callaghan said. “By making this clear at the start, we can prevent frustration and ensure pet owners understand the time and commitment involved in proper wound management. Educated and informed pet owners are invaluable partners in achieving the best possible outcomes for their pets, leading to quicker recoveries and healthier, happier animals.”

Keys to wound care

Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB, chief scientific advisor at Chicago-based Paw Origins, noted wound care in veterinary medicine revolves around a few core principles:

• Thorough cleaning
• Prevention of infection
• Promoting healing

Photo credit: istockphoto.com/Mr Vito