Effect of hydrocolloid-nitric oxide wound dressings on wound healing in dogs

To determine the rates of wound healing in surgically created wounds between nitric oxide releasing wound dressings and control wound dressings.

Prospective, controlled, randomized experimental study.

Purpose-bred, adult, male Beagles (n = 6).

Four 2 × 2 cm wounds were surgically created on the trunk of each dog with each wound randomized to treatment with a nitric oxide wound pad (NP), nitric oxide wound gel (NG), plain hydrocolloid wound dressing (HC), or Telfa pad (T). Wound images were taken daily for 8 days then every other day until day 21 with images masked and randomized for evaluation. Total wound area, contraction percentage, and days until granulation were calculated.

Time to first appearance of granulation tissue was significantly shorter for NP (3.2 days) than for NG (4 days; p = .023), HC (4.5 days; p = .001), and T (5.2 days; p < .0001). There were significant differences in total wound area and contraction percentage between sites and treatments (p < .001). Total wound area for NG was lower than treatment T (0.7 ± 0.1 cm³; p < .001), HC (0.9 ± 0.1 cm³, p < .001), and NP (0.6 ± 0.1 cm³, p < .001).

Use of a nitric oxide wound dressing resulted in faster wound healing as evidenced by lower total wound area and higher contraction in the NG group and faster time to granulation tissue development in the NP group.

Nitric oxide wound dressings are innovative and inexpensive products that can significantly decrease the amount of time and cost necessary for open or second intention wound resolution in dogs.