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

Abstract

Objective: To determine the rates of wound healing in surgically created wounds between nitric oxide releasing wound dressings and control wound dressings. Study design: Prospective, controlled, randomized experimental study. Animals: Purpose-bred, adult, male Beagles (n = 6). Methods: 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. Results: 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