Abstract
ObjectivesTo use next generation sequencing to characterize the microbiota of horses during healing of skin wounds in two anatomical locations (body and limb) known to present different healing patterns; and to investigate the impact of bandaging on bacterial communities of skin wounds located on the limbs of horses.MethodsFull-thickness skin wounds were created on the distal extremity of both thoracic limbs and on one lateral mid-thoracic wall of four healthy horses. Limb wounds were randomly assigned to bandaging or not. A full-thickness sample was collected with a biopsy punch from intact thorax and limb skin (T0) and from the margin of one wound per site (thorax, unbandaged limb, bandaged limb) 1 week (T1) and 2 weeks (T2) postoperatively, and at full healing (T3). Thoracic skin samples obtained from three healthy horses were included in the analysis as controls.ResultsAnatomic location (thorax vs. limb) significantly influenced bacterial composition of equine skin and healing wounds. Fusobacterium and Actinobacillus were strongly associated with limb wounds during the initial phases of healing. Bandaging had a significant impact on the microbiota during the healing process. The skin microbiota after healing was more similar to samples from controls, demonstrating the resilience and stability of the environment.ConclusionsEquine skin microbiota is a rich and stable environment that is disturbed by wounding, but returns to its previous stage after full healing. Anatomic location significantly influences bacterial composition of the equine skin during wound healing. Bandaging has a significant impact on the skin microbiota of horses during the healing process. Results of this study provide new insight for a better understanding of the contribution of bacteria to wound healing in horses and may facilitate the future development of therapeutic strategies using commensal bacteria.
Highlights
Wound management is an important component of equine practice because horses’ “flight instinct” predisposes them to injury [1,2,3,4]
Fusobacterium and Actinobacillus were strongly associated with limb wounds during the initial phases of healing
Bandaging had a significant impact on the microbiota during the healing process
Summary
Wound management is an important component of equine practice because horses’ “flight instinct” predisposes them to injury [1,2,3,4]. Trauma to the skin often requires labour-intensive treatment, which generates significant financial commitment, since primary closure is seldom successful and second intention healing is fraught with complications [5]. Healing wounds in horses often become chronic, especially when they are located on the limb, where persistent inflammation is associated with the development of exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) [6]. Many factors may impair wound healing, most notably bacterial infection [5]. When injury compromises the skin barrier, microbes can populate sterile tissues leading to bacterial overgrowth and infection, which delay and complicate wound healing. Wounds at the distal extremity of the horse’s limb are highly susceptible to infection as the limb is often contaminated with feces and soil
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