Amorphous silicate technology and equine distal limb wound healing

In human studies amorphous silicates, and more specifically orthosilicic acid, have shown positive results in regulating wound healing by controlling chronic inflammation and modulating some of the factors responsible for complications of wound healing. There are similarities between these mechanisms of wound healing and excessive granulation tissue production. Commercially Zerasyl comes in a creme form of amorphous silicates and has shown positive results in the long-term care of deep leg wounds on horses.
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Amorphous silicate technology produces good results in equine distal limb wound healing
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2023 Apr 21;1-5.
Authors
Jacqueline M Chevalier, Garett B Pearson

PMID: 37085146
DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.11.0490

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to report clinical outcomes of horses with naturally occurring full-thickness skin lacerations treated with an amorphous silicate dressing. We hypothesized that wounds treated with an amorphous silicate dressing would have minimal complications and lesion resolution without formation of exuberant granulation tissue.

Animals: 11 client-owned horses.

Procedures: Clinical records of 11 horses with distal limb wounds treated with an amorphous silicate dressing were collected from participating veterinarians across the US. A thin layer of amorphous silicate topical was applied, covering the surface area of the wound every 1 to 3 days. Wounds were bandaged as deemed necessary by the veterinarian. The wounds were gently cleaned with water or sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution prior to each reapplication of the topical. Wound healing progression was monitored by the veterinarian and owners.

Results: None of the wounds required granulation bed debridement following treatment with topical amorphous silicate dressing. There were no complications associated with the treatment. The size of wounds varied from 5 to 20 cm in length with a median of 10 cm and from 2 to 15 cm in width with a median of 5 cm. Time to resolution varied greatly from 14 to 126 days with a median of 49 days. There was a moderate positive correlation between healing time (days) and area of the wound. All referring veterinarians and owners were satisfied with the healing of the wounds treated with the amorphous silicate dressing.

Clinical relevance: Treatment of equine distal limb wounds with an amorphous silicate dressing may reduce development of exuberant granulation tissue and the need for surgical debridement.