Evaluation of Systemic and Local Inflammatory Parameters and Manifestations of Pain in an Equine Experimental Wound Model

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science Vol. 68; pp. 81 - 87
• Main Authors: Bundgaard, Louise, Sørensen, Mette Aa, Nilsson, Tina, Salling, Elin, Jacobsen, Stine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2018
• Subjects: Composite measure pain scale; Equine; Exuberant granulation tissue; Inflammation; Skin temperature; Wound model; Exuberant granulation tissue; Composite measure pain scale; Equine; Inflammation; Wound model; Skin temperature
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.05.219

In the last decades, a well-established equine wound model has been used to study fibroproliferative wound healing disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize the degree of discomfort of wounding and sampling in an equine excisional wound model by evaluating systemic and local inflammatory responses and signs of pain. A total of 12 cutaneous wounds, three on each shoulder and each metatarsus, were created in a standing surgical procedure. Wounds were biopsied on days 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after surgery. Clinical parameters (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory frequency) and blood levels of white blood cell, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, and iron were monitored to evaluate the systemic inflammatory response. Local signs of inflammation (swelling, heat, pain) were subjectively assessed, the limb circumference recorded, and temperature of the wound measured by thermometry. Pain was evaluated by a composite measure pain scale (CMPS). The results demonstrated that the wounding procedure elicits an inflammatory response. Day 1 after surgery, two horses scored 2 and 7 units (of 27 units), respectively, on the CMPS, and day 8 after surgery, one horse scored 3 units. The biopsy procedure did not elicit local or systemic signs of inflammation. Based on these findings, it appears that the equine experimental wound model causes mild discomfort and pain manifestations. This information is important for researchers, who consider using the model. To justify the use of an animal model, it should be demonstrated that the expected benefits of the research outweigh the discomfort imposed to the animal. •Changes in systemic and local inflammatory parameters demonstrated that the wounding procedure elicits an inflammatory response.•Day 1 after surgery, two horses scored 2 and 7 units (of a maximum of 27 units), respectively, on the composite measure pain scale (CMPS), and day 8 after surgery, one horse scored 3 units on the CMPS.•The biopsy procedure did not elicit local or systemic signs of inflammation.•The equine excisional wound model seemed to cause mild discomfort and pain manifestations to the experimental animals.•The results emphasize the importance of monitoring systemic and local inflammatory parameters and performing thorough pain evaluation at regular intervals, to assess the need of pain medication.