Advantages and disadvantages of negative pressure wound therapy in equine wound treatment

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Abstract

The method of wound surface preparation for application of local negative pressure (LNP) is described in detail. The features of dressing attachment depending on the anatomical localization of the wound are presented. The duration of wound healing in the experimental and control (with application of antiseptic and antibacterial preparations) groups, as well as the results of cytomorphological and bacterial studies are given. The most favorable phase of the wound process for application of the LNP method is revealed. Acceleration of granulation tissue formation and epithelialization of the wound surface is observed. The average rate of wound healing with LNP was 30…40% higher compared to treatment with antiseptic and antibacterial preparations. The advantages and disadvantages of LNP application in clinical practice are revealed.

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Table 1
List of references indicating the duration and frequency  of dressing changes during treatment with the LNP method

 Reference

 Duration of treatment

 Frequency of dressing changes

 Gemeinhardt K.D. and Molnar J.A. [15]

 29 days

 Every 3–4 days

 Rijkenhuizen et al. [19]

 Case 1: 19 days

Case 2: 18 days

 Case 1: on days 8, 11, and 14 after surgery

Case 2: after 11 days

 Jordana M. et al. [17]

 5 days

 No dressing change

 Van Hecke L. et al. [13]

 24 hours

 After 6, 12, 18, 24 hours after the start of the ex vivo experiment

 Gaus, M. et al. [14]

 6 days

 No dressing change

 Florczyk A., Rosser J. [10]

 14 days

 Every 3–4 days

 Rettig M.J., Lischer C.J. [12]

 12 days

 Every 2 days

 Elce Y. et al. [9]

 11 to 22 days

 Every 3–4 days

 Kamus L. et al. [11]

 Experimental wound — 7 days

 Experimental study: up to 3-4 times a day due to failure to maintain vacuum

 Haspeslagh M. et al. [16]

 6 days — infected wounds

9 days — non-infected wounds

 Data not presented

 Launois T. et al. [18]

 2–36 days (average 11 days)

 1–7 days (average 4 days)

 Askey T. et al. [8]

 4 to 70 days (average 19 days)

 Every 7 days

Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Table 2
Characteristics of wounds by location and etiology

 Horse

 Localization

 Etiology

 Experimental group

 1

 In the abdominal area

 Postoperative wound complicated by infection

 2

 Forearm area

 Avulsive traumatic wound

 Control group

 1

 In the abdominal area

 Postoperative wound complicated by infection

 2

 Ventral wall of the thoracic area

 Avulsive traumatic wound

Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

 

Fig. 1. Equipment and consumables for NPWT
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 2. Features of the bandage for attaching the device
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

 

Fig. 3. Applying paste around the wound
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 4. Attaching the urethane-foam sponge and adhesive film to the wound
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 5. Type of dressing for the LNP method
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

 Fig. 6. Configuration of the dressing for the LNP method
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

 

Table 3
Wound healing time in the experimental and control groups

 Experimental group

 Horse

 Wound characteristics

 Frequency of dressing change, duration of use

 LNP parameters

 Healing period

 1

 Hyperemia of surrounding tissues, edema, presence of necrotic tissue areas, serous-­purulent exudation, and tenderness on palpation.

Inflammatory phase

 Dressings were changed daily, –125 mmHg.

Duration — 14 days

 –125 mmHg

intermittent

 30 days

 2

 Hyperemia of surrounding tissues, edema, presence of necrotic tissue areas, serous-­purulent exudation, and tenderness on palpation.

Inflammatory phase

 Dressing was changed every 3 days, –125 mmHg.

Duration — 14 days

 –125 mmHg

intermittent

 70 days

 Control group

 1

 Hyperemia of surrounding tissues, edema, presence of necrotic tissue areas, serous-­purulent exudation, and tenderness on palpation.

Inflammatory phase

 Daily

 —

 64 days

 2

 Extensive tissue necrosis, serous-­purulent exudation.

Inflammatory phase

 Daily

 —

 80 days

Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Table 4
Laboratory results

 Horse

 Laboratory research

 1 day

 7 day

 14 day

 30 day

 Experimantal group

 1

 Cytology

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, abundant coccal flora

+++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, moderate coccal flora

++

 Neutrophilic infiltration

+

Keratinocytes

++

 —

 Microbiology

 Escherichia coli from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab;

Strep-tococcus spp. from 102 CFU
to 104 CFU/swab,

Staphylococcus spp. from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab

 Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab;

 Staphylococcus aureus from 102 CFU to 104 CFU/swab

 —

 

 2

 Cytology

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, abundant coccal flora

+++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, moderate coccal flora

++

 Neutrophilic infiltration

+

Keratinocytes

+++

 —

 Microbiology

 Proteus mirabillis from 104 CFU
to 106 CFU/tampon.

Enterobacter aerogenes from 102 CFU
to 104 CFU/tampon.

Staphylococcus epidermidis
from 102 CFU
to 104 CFU/tampon.

 Staphylococcus epidermidis from
102 CFU
to 104 CFU/swab.

 Staphylococcus epidermidis from
102 CFU
to 104 CFU/swab.

 —

 

 Control group

 1

 Cytology

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, abundant coccal flora

+++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, abundant coccal flora

+++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, moderate coccal flora ++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, moderate coccal flora +

1

 Microbiology

Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU to
106 CFU/swab.

Proteus mirabilis from 102 CFU to 104 CFU/swab.

Escherichia coli from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab.

 Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab.

Escherichia coli from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab.

 Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab.

Proteus mirabilis from 102 CFU
to 104 CFU/swab.

Escherichia coli from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab.

 Escherichia coli from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab.

 2

 Cytology

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, abundant coccal flora

+++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, abundant coccal flora

+++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, moderate coccal flora ++

 Neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, moderate coccal flora

+

Keratinocytes

+

 Microbiology

 Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab,

Proteus mirabilis from 102 CFU
to 104 CFU/swab,

Enterobacter aerogenes from 104 CFU
to 106 CFU/swab.

 Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab,

Proteus mirabilis from 102 CFU
to 104 CFU/swab,

Staphylococcus epidermidis from
102 CFU
to 104 CFU/swab.

 Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU to 106 CFU/swab,

Proteus mirabilis from 102 CFU to 104 CFU/swab

 Staphylococcus aureus from 104 CFU
to 106 CFU/swab

Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 7. Before using LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 8. 14 days after LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 9. 30 days after LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 10. Wound on a limb before applying LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 11. Bandage for LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya,   V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 12. The condition of the wound 14 days after the use of LNP, immediately after removing the dressing
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.


Fig. 13. Condition of wounds and suture dehiscence on day 7
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Fig. 14. Condition of the wound on day 14
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

 Fig. 15. Condition of the wound on day 30
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

 

×

About the authors

Anastasiya A. Skvortsova

Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology - MVA named after K.I. Skryabin

Author for correspondence.
Email: anastasiaeqvet@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-8513-9946
SPIN-code: 6454-5819

assistant of the department of veterinary surgery

23 Academician Skryabina st., Moscow, 109472, Russian Federation

Ekaterina A. Pavlovskaya

Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology - MVA named after K.I. Skryabin

Email: vetgroomer@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8768-5086
SPIN-code: 4663-2225

Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Veterinary Surgery

23 Academician Skryabina st., Moscow, 109472, Russian Federation

Vladimir N. Obolenskiy

City Clinical Hospital named after V.P. Demihov; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

Email: gkb13@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1276-5484
SPIN-code: 5843-2934

Сandidate of Medical Sciences, surgeon and orthopedic traumatologist, head of the Center for Septic Surgery, City Clinical Hospital named after V.P. Demikhova Department No. 1; Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

1 Velozavodskaya st., bldg. 1, Moscow, 115280, Russian Federation; 1 Ostrovityanova st., Moscow, 17997, Russian Federation

References

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  2. Eggleston RB. Wound management: wounds with special challenges. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 2018;34(3):511-538. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.07.003
  3. Hanson RR. Complications of equine wound management and dermatologic surgery. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 2008;24(3):663-696. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2008.10.005
  4. Maher M, Kuebelbeck L. Nonhealing wounds of the equine limb. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 2018;34(3):539-555. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.07.007
  5. Leise BS. Topical wound medications. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 2018;34(3):485-498. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.07.006.
  6. Obolensky VN. Method of local negative pressure in the complex treatment of acute purulent-inflammatory diseases of soft tissues. Medical Alphabet. 2015;4(20):24-28. (In Russ.). EDN: WMQDBP
  7. Obolensky VN. Method of local negative pressure in the prevention and treatment of wound infections (literature review). Medical Alphabet. 2017;(5):49-52. (In Russ.).
  8. Askey T, Major D, Arnold C. Negative pressure wound therapy for the management of surgical site infections with zoonotic, drug-resistant pathogens on the upper body of the horse. Equine Veterinary Education. 2023;35(8):e531-e536. doi: 10.1111/eve.13789
  9. Elce YA, Ruzickova P, Almeida da Silveira E, Lavertyet S. Use of negative pressure wound therapy in three horses with open, infected olecranon bursitis. Equine Veterinary Education. 2020;32(1):12-17. doi: 10.1111/eve.12930
  10. Florczyk A, Rosser J. Negative-pressure wound therapy as management of a chronic distal limb wound in the horse. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2017;55:9-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.01.005
  11. Kamus L, Rameau M, Theoret C. Feasibility of a disposable canister-free negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device for treating open wounds in horses. BMC Veterinary Research. 2019;15(1):1-10. doi: 10.1186/ S12917-019-1829-5
  12. Rettig MJ, Lischer CJ. Treatment of chronic septic osteoarthritis of the antebrachiocarpal joint with a synovial-cutaneous fistula utilizing arthroscopic lavage combined with ultrasonic-assisted wound therapy and vacuum-assisted closure with a novel wound lavage system. Equine Veterinary Education. 2017;29(1):27-32. doi: 10.1111/eve.12390
  13. Van Hecke LL, Haspeslagh M, Hermans K, Martens AM. Comparison of antibacterial effects among three foams used with negative pressure wound therapy in an ex vivo equine perfused wound model. American journal of veterinary research. 2016;77(12):1325-1331. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.77.12.1325
  14. Gaus M, Rohn K, Roetting AK. Applicability and effect of a vacuum-assisted wound therapy after median laparotomy in horses. Pferdeheilkunde - Equine Medicine. 2017;33(6):9-17. doi: 10.21836/PEM20170604
  15. Gemeinhardt KD, Molnar JA. Vacuum-assisted closure for management of a traumatic neck wound in a horse. Equine Veterinary Education. 2005;17(1):27-33. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2005.tb00331.x
  16. Haspeslagh M, Van Hecke LL, Hermans K, Chiers K, Pint E, Wilmink JM, Martens AM. Limited added value of negative pressure wound therapy compared with calcium alginate dressings for second-intention healing in a noncontaminated and contaminated equine distal limb wound model. Equine veterinary journal. 2022;54(3):592-600. doi: 10.1111/evj.13487
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Supplementary files

Supplementary Files
Action
1. Fig. 1. Equipment and consumables for NPWT
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (77KB)
2. Fig. 2. Features of the bandage for attaching the device
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (40KB)
3. Fig. 3. Applying paste around the wound
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (48KB)
4. Fig. 4. Attaching the urethane-foam sponge and adhesive film to the wound
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (44KB)
5. Fig. 5. Type of dressing for the LNP method
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (39KB)
6. Fig. 6. Configuration of the dressing for the LNP method
Source: completed by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (61KB)
7. . Fig. 7. Before using LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

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8. Fig. 8. 14 days after LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

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9. Fig. 9. 30 days after LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

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10. Fig. 10. Wound on a limb before applying LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

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11. Fig. 11. Bandage for LNP
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (66KB)
12. Fig. 12. The condition of the wound 14 days after the use of LNP, immediately after removing the dressing
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

Download (75KB)
13. Fig. 13. Condition of wounds and suture dehiscence on day 7
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

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14. Fig. 14. Condition of the wound on day 14
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

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15. Fig. 15. Condition of the wound on day 30
Source: compiled by A.A. Skvortsova, E.A. Pavlovskaya, V.N. Obolenskiy.

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Copyright (c) 2025 Skvortsova A.A., Pavlovskaya E.A., Obolenskiy V.N.

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