Effects of 25% propylene glycol hydrogel (Solugel) on second intention wound healing in horses.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of a commercially available 25% propylene glycol hydrogel preparation (Solugel; Johnson and Johnson Medical, North Ryde, Australia) on healing of full-thickness skin wounds on the distal aspect of the limb in horses.


METHODS
Experimental.


METHODS
Eight Standardbred horses.


METHODS
Standardized (2.5 x 2.5 cm) full-thickness skin wounds were created over the mid-dorsomedial aspect of both metacarpi in 8 horses. One wound in each horse was dressed with saline solution (0.9% NaCl) soaked gauze, and one was treated with Solugel under dry regular gauze; wounds were then bandaged with gauze-coated cotton wool and elastic adhesive bandages. Wounds were videorecorded and rebandaged twice weekly until healed. Wound healing variables were measured from the videorecordings using a computer software package and analyzed as a randomized complete block design with repeated measures. Where necessary variables were made positive for analysis; significance was set at P <.05.


RESULTS
The area of the wound at the first bandage change did not vary between treated and untreated wounds. Treatment had no effect on the total rate of healing, rate of healing during the retraction phase of healing, rate of healing after the retraction phase was complete, or the amount the wounds retracted.


CONCLUSIONS
Using this model of wound healing, Solugel had no effect on second intention healing of distal limb wounds in horses.


CONCLUSIONS
Solugel does not appear to have any beneficial effect on healing of small full-thickness skin wounds to the distal limb of horses.
Dart
Andrew J
AJ
University Veterinary Centre, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camden, Australia.
Cries
Lucile
L
Jeffcott
Leo B
LB
Hodgson
David R
DR
Rose
Reuben J
RJ
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D005552:Forelimb / Q000293:injuries; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D019946:Propylene Glycol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D012997:Solvents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary
D012997:Solvents; D019946:Propylene Glycol