When should a vet bandage wounds? A new equine-based study aims to create a more research-based standard for when bandaging horse wounds should be done.

Should horse wounds be bandaged or not? A new study aims to create a more research-based standard for when bandages should be used.

“We’ve been able to complete a descriptive study, showing what’s going on in these wounds during healing,” says veterinarian Dr. Marcio Costa, one of the researchers. Dr. Costa and his colleagues evaluated wounds in four horses, with and without bandaging. The bandaged wounds developed proud flesh and consequently took about a week longer to heal than those that were unbandaged. However, the bandaged wounds had less contamination from environmental bacteria.

The difference in healing times between limb and body wounds was also assessed. The physiological differences between wounds in these locations result in different healing times (limb wounds take longer to heal). The team hopes to use these findings to further explore best wound management practices. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6261015/