The use of a hydrocolloid dressing in the facial wound healing process of a horse - case report

Abstract

Hydrocolloid dressing is a bioactive product used to improve the healing process of large open wounds. InMarch 2011, a horse was evaluated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital- UNICENTRO, Guarapuava,Brazil. The animal presented with epistaxis and inspiratory dyspnoea associated with fracture of the orbitalpart of the frontal bone with a comminuted fracture of the zygomatic process and bone loss of the articulartubercle of the temporal bone reaching the zygomatic process, tooth fracture and a partial laceration of theleft cheek with avulsion of the eyeball. After the reconstructive facial surgery and enucleation we used thehydrocolloid dressing during the repair phase. It helped re-establish the epithelial layer, avoided excessivegranulation tissue formation and decreased the healing time. Seven days after surgery and the use ofbiological membrane we verified the production of intense and controlled granulation tissue, beyond thatthe membrane was a viable and low cost alternative.