Homologous pericardium as a biological dressing for treatment of distal limb wonds in horses: an experimental study

RESUMO

This study evaluates the effects of homologous pericardium as a biological dressing for treatment of distal limb wounds in horses. Five adult horses were put under general anesthesia and a circular wound was created over each metacarpus. The left limb wound was covered with a synthetic semi-occlusive dressing and the right limb wound was covered with pericardium stored in 98 per cent glycerin. Fixation of the membrane to the wound margins was done with cyanoacrilate glue. Bandage changes and data collection were carried out every 72 hours, until spontaneous detachment of the pericardium occurred. Data evaluated were the aspect of the granulation tissue, the behaviour of the membrane and the wound area variation, assessed under digital image analysis. Anatomo-pathological study and non-parametric statistical analysis were also performed. Pericardium had a positive effect on the granulation tissue, but permanent occlusion of exsudative wounds cannot be recommended.