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Objective: Evaluate the effect of topical 1% cannabidiol on second intention wound healing in distal limb wounds of horses. Design: Experimental. Animals: Six Standardbred horses. Methods: A total of five 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm full thickness skin wounds were created on the dorsomedial aspect of the metacarpi of 6 horses. Wounds were contaminated with faeces on the day of wound creation. Each wound was then assigned to a treatment group; compounded 1% cannabidiol in unique manuka factor (UMF) 5 manuka honey, UMF 5 manuka honey, UMF 20 manuka honey or saline. Each treatment was applied topically daily for a total of 42 days. Legs were bandaged and bandages were changed, daily, for 13 days postoperatively. Digital photographs of each wound were taken on day 1 then weekly for 6 weeks. Wound size, daily healing rate and total time to healing were recorded and compared statistically. Results: Irrespective of the treatment, wounds did not retract as expected in the first 7 days after wound creation. There was no difference in wound area, daily healing rate, days to complete healing between treatment groups. Conclusions: This preliminary study failed to demonstrate any difference in wound healing variables between treatment groups in this model of second intention wound healing. This was unexpected due to the established effects of UMF 20 manuka honey on wound healing using the same model. This may be due to systemic effects of cannabidiol and study design. Further research into the use of cannabidiol in equine wounds is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To report the design and benefits of a rigid polyethylene cover 'shell' for the protection of dorsal torso wounds and tube fixation in pigs. Methods Open C-shaped polyethylene shells were designed to protect wounds and dressings on the dorsum of pigs used in research into negative pressure dressing-assisted wound healing. The shells were designed to resist trauma and contamination, to be comfortable and expansible, and to facilitate tube fixation and management. Strap fixation was optimised during experimentation. Efficacy was assessed by direct observation of dressing and wound protection, tube integrity and by macroscopic and microscopic assessments of wound healing. Results The shells effectively protected the wounds against blunt and sharp trauma, were simple to remove and reapply, were well tolerated and allowed for growth of the pigs. Circumferential neck straps attached by lateral straps to the shells proved critical. There was no wound infection or inflammation underlying the shells. Porting tubing via mid-dorsal holes in the shells and affixing the tubing just cranial to these holes prevented tube damage and traction, permitted tube management from outside the cages and allowed the pigs to move freely without becoming entangled. Conclusion These shells effectively protected dorsal skin wounds and dressings, prevented tube damage and facilitated tube management in pigs. Similar systems may be useful for other production animals for wound management and for tube management with negative pressure wound healing, drain tubes or the delivery of nutrition, fluids or medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]