New Antioxidant Wound Dressing in a Cat With Extensive Necrosis

Introduction and Case Report:

A new wound dressing with antioxidant activity, HR006, was designed for the treatment of cutaneous chronic lesions. This antioxidant wound dressing consists of a flexible absorbent matrix that maintains the appropriate moisture balance in the wound and a hydration solution with antioxidant properties. Secretion of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by neutrophils and macrophages is one of the main causes of delayed healing and chronification of wounds1. The new antioxidant wound dressing removes and neutralizes ROS in the wound´s exudate reducing the damaging oxidative stress environment2. A clinical case of a cat with extensive cutaneous necrosis that greatly benefited from the treatment with HR006 is described. A 9 months old female Persian-mix cat with vast damage to the skin starting at the metatarsal region of the right hind foot going through the external and internal faces of the leg up to the area of the vulva, was admitted to Ars Veterinaria Hospital (Barcelona). The necrotic area comprised approximately 10% of the animal´s skin surface. Within the previous month, the cat was hospitalized and treated for regenerative severe anemia, with positive agglutination, hyperthermia, neurological signs of central origin, and chorioretinitis. Despite negative serological and PCR results for Toxoplasma gondii, the outcome of that episode was favorable in response to treatment with clindamycin and glucocorticoids. The right hind limb affected with necrosis had not been previously catheterized or medicated. Eight days after discharge from the hospital and during a control visit, a marked deterioration of the skin on both sides of the right hind limb was observed. The skin of the area was stiff and pale, presenting broad alopecia. No signs of muscle involvement were appreciated. A few days earlier, edema and pain in the region were observed by the owners. Differential diagnosis included vasculitis, thrombosis, lymphatic obstruction with circulatory impairment, and necrotizing fasciitis. Remaining hair was clipped off, and the area was thoroughly cleaned. No debridement was done due to owners´ decision. The new antioxidant wound dressing HR006 was directly applied to the whole area and covered with gauze, synthetic cotton and protective bandage. Seven days later, after removal of the first wound dressing, dead tissue came off with the wound dressing and clean healthy tissue was found all over the area. After 16 days, healthy and organized new granulation tissue was present all over the lesion and borders showed healthy re-epithelization tissue. Clindamycin treatment was maintained for five more weeks. Bandages were well tolerated by the cat and were changed only every 6 to 7 days. No local signs of bacterial infection were detected. Twelve weeks after initiation of treatment of the cutaneous necrosis, no ulcerative lesion remained in the affected area.