Effects of a hydrolyzed collagen dressing on the healing of open wounds indogs

Objective-To determine the effects of a hydrolyzed bovine collagen dressing (HBCD) on healing of open wounds in healthy dogs. Animals-9 female Beagles. Procedures-2 full-thickness skin wounds were made bilaterally on the trunk of each dog. Wounds on 1 side were treated with powdered HBCD covered with a semiocclusive nonadherent bandage. Wounds on the other side (control woun ds) were covered with a semiocclusive nonadherent bandage only. Wound heali ng was subjectively assessed, and percentage increase in tissue perfusion w as assessed by use of laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI). Planimetry wa s performed to determine the percentages of contraction, epithelialization, and total wound healing. Biopsy specimens were examined microscopically to evaluate histologic changes. Results-The HBCD did not induce a strong inflammatory reaction, as reflecte d by results of LDPI and histologic examination. Moreover, HBCD appeared hy drophilic and provided an environment to keep wounds clean and enhance earl y epithelialization. After treatment for 7 days, treated wounds had a signi ficantly greater percentage of epithelialization than control wounds (12.13 vs 7.03%). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-The hydrophilic properly of HBCD may clea nse contaminated wounds with the body's homeostatic fluids and enhance Parr y wound epithelialization. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:1574-1578).