Case Study: The Usage of Hypochlorous Acid in Small Animals Chronic Wound Management

Abstract

Background: Chronic non-healing wound cases are common in clinics. Current wound bed preparation at veterinary clinics is still often outdated compared to human cases.

Objective: This case study aimed to determine the usage of hypochlorous acid 0.003% as a cleaning solution for chronic wound management in small animals.

Case Description: First case, Bang Bang, a 3-years-old, male castrated domestic short hair cat, presented with non-healing wound on the dorsum with exposed spinal and lumbar processes, superficial nerves, and longissimus dorsi muscle. Wound size 24 cm². Second case, Maggi, a 1-year-old, male castrated domestic short hair cat, presented with maggot infested non-healing wound on the left eye with non-viable tissue and bulbus oculi. Wound size 40 cm².

Examination and Diagnose: General and physical examinations were performed for both patients, monitored for appetite and behaviour during the hospitalisation. Both patients were diagnosed as chronic wound patients.

Therapy: Both patients underwent surgical debridement, wound cleaning, lavage, and irrigation using hypochlorous acid 0.003%. Primary closure was not possible due to the size and location of the wound and until the wound bed was ready. Necrotic tissue was removed and soaked with hypochlorous acid 0.003%, hypochlorous acid gel as a primary dressing, and covered with gauze and self-adhesive bandage. The same dressing procedures are performed daily until the wound bed is ready for surgical intervention.

Conclusion: Hypochlorous acid 0.003% in solution or gel form is suitable to be used as chronic wound management in small animals supported with proper wound dressing and surgical methods to achieve wound closure.