Posted on Leave a comment

Moist or Dry: Which Heals Better and Why?

Moist or Dry: Which Heals Better and Why?

The debate over whether wounds should be exposed to air or kept covered in a moist environment is rooted in historical beliefs about the benefits of air and the origins of disease.

Choosing the best environment plays a critical role in their recovery and well-being. This decision impacts healing speed, infection risk, and the horse’s comfort throughout the process. 

By examining the benefits and considerations of both approaches, we can determine the most effective method to ensure optimal wound healing outcomes for these animals.

Benefits of a Moist Environment 

  1. Enhanced cell growth and tissue formation
  2. Reduced pain and discomfort
  3. Lower infection rates

Drawbacks of a Dry Environment

  1. Delayed healing process
  2. Increased risk of scab formation and potential complications
  3. Higher likelihood of pain and discomfort for the patient

Research

While air is essential for living tissue, the notion that wounds heal better when exposed to air has been disproven by research. Studies, such as George Winter’s work in 1962, have shown that wounds heal more effectively in a moist environment due to factors like improved cell growth, faster tissue formation, reduced pain, and lower infection rates compared to dry environments. 

Things to consider

For a wound to heal well, there are all sorts of things to consider, such as: 

  • Temperature – it’s not good for a wound to get too hot or too cold
  • Hydration – moisture helps cells grow, and helps speed up the formation of new tissue
  • pH – it’s not good for a wound to be too acidic, or too alkaline
  • The presence of microbes (bacteria, and such)

To learn the bandaging strategies for horse wounds, read the article “Equine First Aid: Bandaging Strategies for Horse Wounds” 

It’s advisable to work with your veterinarian when seeking to promote faster healing in a horse’s wound. 

CONCLUSION

Despite concerns about bacterial growth in moist conditions, evidence suggests that moist dressings actually promote the body’s natural defenses and result in better overall healing outcomes. Therefore, rather than focusing on exposing wounds to air, maintaining a protective, moist environment is recommended for optimal wound healing in horses.

Further reading: 

Should Healing Wounds Be Moist or Dry? – David Ramey, DVM (doctorramey.com)

Equine First Aid: Bandaging Strategies for Horse Wounds – My Horse Supplies

Equine First Aid: Handling Level 3 Wounds in Horses – My Horse Supplies

Posted on Leave a comment

Healing Ointment for a Hoof Wound

Frantic Call for Help

We got a call for help following a paddock incident that resulted in this wound.

There had been wet weather and the only thing that could be guessed is that the horse had been galloping and hit something hidden in the mud that has sliced off the back quarter of the hoof.

This was on the third day, after the vet had been and cut off the excess, and left it bandaged.

The wound was dirty, unhealthy tissue was forming, and the black areas indicate dead tissue which was at risk of becoming infected.

We supplied a tub of Golden Honey Healing Ointment, with instructions for use.  By the next bandage change at 6 days, there was already a significant improvement.

The wound bed was clean, all the dead and dying tissue was cleaned out, and good healthy tissue was starting to grow in the bottom of the hole.

The lovely pink colour indicates good blood flow with healthy hoof tissue regrowing.

Even better news this horse was able to successfully compete 6 weeks later in the next dressage competition heats he was entered for.

Due to the strong tissue integrity of the new growth that refilled the hole he finished his tests sound.

Watch the video below to see the progress of the wound during the healing process.