Differences in second-intention wound healing between horses and ponies: macroscopic aspects

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Second-intention healing is a natural wound closure process.
• Deep wounds present challenges for effective healing.
• Understanding species-specific differences is crucial for optimizing treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the rate and characteristics of second-intention healing in deep wounds between horses and ponies.
• To investigate the relative contributions of wound contraction and epithelialization to healing in each species.
• To identify factors influencing healing differences.

Main Methods:

• Standardized deep wounds were created on horses and ponies.
• Wound dimensions, contraction, and epithelialization were quantified using tattoos and photography.
• Limb swelling, granulation tissue quality, and bone formation were assessed.

Main Results:

• Ponies exhibited significantly faster second-intention wound healing than horses.
• Muscle wounds healed faster than metatarsal wounds.
• Wound contraction was a more significant factor in ponies, leading to more rapid healing and healthier granulation tissue.
• Horses showed delayed healing, increased swelling, and more pronounced bone formation, especially in metatarsal wounds.

Conclusions:

• Ponies demonstrate superior second-intention wound healing compared to horses.
• Enhanced wound contraction in ponies is the primary driver of faster healing.
• Clinical strategies for improving second-intention wound healing should focus on stimulating wound contraction.