Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) treatment of a hedgehog with head injury: A novel therapy in veterinary medicine

Abstract

Non-invasive physical plasma, known to have antimicrobial, immunostimulatory and epithelialising effects, has been successfully applied in this case to improve wound healing of an injured hedgehog. A European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) with a head wound of approximately 1 cm2 was treated with non-invasive physical plasma in addition to standard wound therapy. Non-invasive physical plasma treatment of the wound in addition to the usual wound care resulted in wound closure after 11 days. Compared to previously treated hedgehogs with similar injury patterns but without non-invasive physical plasma application, the application of non-invasive physical plasma appears to accelerate wound healing. The application of non-invasive physical plasma to treat wounds of hedgehogs offers accelerated wound healing compared to conventional wound care. This novel therapeutic option may be transferable to wound care in veterinary medicine in general.