Maggot therapy in horses with traumatic wounds caused by wire fences: Case reports

This study reports the successful use of maggot therapy in four horses with traumatic wounds caused by wire fences, treated in veterinary clinics and under field conditions in southern Brazil. All lesions showed tissue necrosis, purulent discharge, and foul odor, indicating infection and delayed healing. Sterile Lucilia cuprina larvae (L1 stage) were applied directly to the wounds for 48 hours. Rapid improvement was observed, with marked reduction of necrotic tissue, exudate, and odor, and stimulation of granulation tissue in three cases. Complete wound closure occurred between 10 and 60 days without adverse effects. These findings demonstrate that maggot therapy is a safe, effective, and low-cost adjunctive treatment for complex equine wounds, promoting debridement, infection control, and tissue regeneration. Background Traumatic wounds caused by wire fences are common in horses and often difficult to manage due to infection, necrosis, and delayed healing. Maggot therapy has re-emerged as a viable option for selective debridement and tissue regeneration. Aims/objectives This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of maggot therapy using Lucilia cuprina larvae in horses with traumatic wounds caused by wire fences. Methods Four horses (three mares and one gelding, aged 4-6 years) with traumatic limb wounds caused by wire fences were treated with approximately 1,000 sterile L. cuprina larvae (L1 stage) applied directly to the lesions for 48 hours. Cases were managed in veterinary clinics or field conditions in southern Brazil. Wound evolution was assessed by reduction of necrotic tissue, exudate, odor, and stimulation of granulation tissue. Results Maggot therapy resulted in complete removal of necrotic tissue and elimination of purulent exudate and odor in all horses. Granulation tissue developed within 48 hours in three cases, and complete wound closure occurred between 10 and 60 days after therapy. No adverse effects or damage to adjacent structures were observed. Conclusion Maggot therapy using sterile L. cuprina larvae proved effective and safe for treating wire fences wounds in horses, promoting rapid debridement, infection control, and granulation tissue formation, supporting its value as an adjunctive therapy in equine wound management.