The shrapnel-crushed wounds in dogs: status evaluation and therapy for wound healing

Abstract

Determining the clinical and laboratory status of animals with crushed wounds as a result of the traumatic effect of ammunition fragments, as well as the wound healing effect of ecologically safe drugs based on natural beekeeping products is of great importance under the conditions of the animals' stay in the war zone and territories subject to rocket-bomb and artillery fire. The aim of the research is to study the clinical condition of dogs with shrapnel-crushed wounds, observing its dynamics during systemic therapy and evaluating the therapeutic effect of wound healing using the universal biological ointment Unibiol®. During the research, various physical, hematological, biochemical, hemorheological, hemodynamic, and statistical methods were employed. Six animals with shrapnel-crushed wounds on their limbs and groin were analyzed. It was established that due to the traumatic factor, injuries in dogs are characterized by extensive tissue destruction and deconstruction. The overall condition of the animals, based on clinical signs, is described as toxemic-septic. Hematological changes such as anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, left shift in the nucleus, monocytosis, and lymphocytosis indicate a systemic inflammatory reaction and a septic state in the dogs' bodies. Biochemical studies revealed hypoalbuminemia leading to hypoproteinemia, creatinine elevation, uremia, elevated levels of indicator transaminases, suggesting multi-organ failure. A significant decrease in circulating blood volume, increased spontaneous platelet aggregation, characterizes a moderate traumatic circulatory shock, while a 5-fold increase in the circulation of D-dimer levels indicates a significant potential for disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Following infusion and antibiotic therapy, wound sanitation over 5 days led to a significant restoration of the clinical-laboratory status of the injured dogs, setting the stage for Unibiol® ointment wound-healing therapy. As a result of the treatment conducted over 21 days, the wound defect healed with the formation of complete granulation tissue and an elastic scar. The clinical trials conducted allow recommending Unibiol® ointment for effective and environmentally safe healing of severe shrapnel-crushed wounds.