Update on topical wound medications

Abstract

Numerous topical wound medicants are available today. Very few of these products have been tested in the horse. Due to the unique nature of wound healing in the distal limbs of horses (carpus, tarsus and distad), many beneficial effects of these medicants seen in other species and in vitro have not been reproduced in equine limb wounds. There is an abundance of literature regarding topical wound medicants; however, the findings of these studies are quite variable, in general. Many wound care articles have questioned the routine use of topical medications, preferring the concept of moist wound healing in which the body produces all the substrates necessary for adequate wound healing. This article outlines many of the common products that are available to equine practitioners and provides current information regarding their use in wound healing. Unfortunately no product or substrate has been shown to be superior for equine wound management. That being said, the information provided in this article will attempt to provide the practitioner with information necessary to make educated decisions regarding the selection of topical medicants for wound care.