Page 108 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 3.8b The same wound at a later stage of healing
Suturing
Suturing a wound can result in rapid healing with the smallest possible scar. Closing the skin
edges minimizes the amount of new tissue required to heal the defect. This is known as first
intention healing. The repaired covering of skin stops the development of proud flesh.
Even if skin has been lost and the wound can only be partially sutured, the healing time is
greatly reduced. Do not apply any wound powder, spray, cream or ointment apart from a
moist wound gel if the wound is likely to be sutured.
Wounds cannot be sutured if:
• there is extensive skin loss
