# The effects of a synthetic epidermis spray on secondary intention wound healing in adult horses

## TL;DR

This study compared a synthetic epidermis spray to standard bandaging for healing wounds in horses, finding similar healing times but fewer complications with the spray.

## Contribution

The study introduces a synthetic epidermis spray as a potential alternative to standard bandaging for equine wound healing.

## Key findings

- The synthetic epidermis spray did not reduce median wound healing time compared to standard bandaging.
- The spray reduced the occurrence of exuberant granulation tissue in treated wounds.
- The spray is a practical and economical alternative for managing superficial equine limb wounds.

## Abstract

To evaluate secondary intention wound healing in the horse’s limbs when treated with the synthetic epidermis spray (Novacika®, Cohesive S.A.S, France) or with a standard bandaging technique.

Six Standardbred mares were included in the study. Four 2.5 x 2.5 cm full-thickness skin wounds were created on each thoracic limb. Two wounds were located on the dorsoproximal aspect of the cannon bone and the other two at the dorsoproximal aspect of the fetlock. Six hours after creation, wounds were randomly treated with synthetic epidermis spray or standard bandaging. The wounds were assessed every 4 days by gross visual assessment and using a 3D imaging camera. Analysis was performed with a 3D imaging application.

Out of 46 wounds, 22 showed exuberant granulation tissue and were part of the standard bandaging group. Whether the wounds were treated with synthetic epidermis spray or standard bandaging, the time for healing was the same.

The synthetic epidermis spray studied in this model has allowed healing without the production of exuberant granulation tissue but did not reduce the median wound healing time compared to a standard bandaging technique. The synthetic epidermis spray is potentially an interesting alternative for the management of secondary intention wound healing of superficial and non-infected distal limb wounds in adult horses on economical and practical aspects. However, all statistical inference (p-values especially) must be interpreted with caution, given the size of the sample.