The effects of chitin and chitosan on wound healing rate and collagen deposition were evaluated in surgically created full-thickness cutaneous wounds of the lower limbs of horses Full-thickness skin wounds 2.5x2.5cm (6.25cm2) were created on the dorsolateral aspect of both metacarpi and metatarsi in 8 horses. All wounds were bandaged with a non-adherent dressing, which was held in place with an elastic wrap. The horses were randomly divided into two equal groups (chitin and chitosan groups). In each horse, treated wounds sprayed with 1% chitin (in chitin group) or chitosan (in chitosan group) suspension in normal saline and control wounds (in both groups) sprayed with normal saline. Forelimbs and hind limbs were cross-paired, the rigth forelimb and left hind limb almost always received the same spray application (treatment or control), as did the left forelimb and right hind limb. Every other day, wound bandages were changed and wounds were photographed. All photographs were scanned and wound areas (total wound surface, granulation tissue• and reepithelialized areas) were calculated, using a digital software program. Specimens of normal skin and biopsy specimens of healed wounds were assayed for hydroxyproline content. Wound area measurements and the differences between hydroxyproline content of tissue samples of normal skins and healed wounds were analyzed, using Student t test. The results indicated no significant differences in the total wound, reepithelialized, or contraction areas between either chitin or chitosan and control wounds, but the hydroxyproline content were assessed significantly in both chitin and chitosan groups.
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